On Thursday, May 28th, People First Bancshares Incorporated (PFB) held its annual shareholders meeting at Peoples Bank and Trust in Pana. During the meeting The Board of Directors elected directors and discussed the organizations past year’s worth of performance.

Last year, in 2025, the company recorded $11 million dollar increase in gross loan volume, totaling loan volume at $424 million, an $18 million in crease in deposit volume, totaling deposit volume out at $498 million, and a $1.3 million increase in net income, bringing net income values up to $9.5 million.

John Gardener, President and CEO of Peoples Bank and Trust, reported that those results did not come at the expense of the community or customer service. Gardner also states that bank employees and directors provided 6,500 hours of volunteer community service and provided their high level of customer service that over 95% of PBT customers have rated to be either “Good” or “Excellent”, all while generating 41 new SBA or USDA guaranteed loans.

In regard to the new ATM + program, Gardner highlighted various network improvements and stated that the ATM + network has successfully upgraded the drive up services and is also the first step in a long term plan to modernize and improve the branches customer service experience.

Also during this meeting, Brad Davis, Josh Shallenberger, and Kelly Evans were all re-elected to three year terms as directors of the bank and holding company. Other company directors include David Dom Jr, Christopher Swing, Brittany Walters, Michael Beyers, John Gardner, and Robert Swartz.

For more information on Peoples Bank and Trust and the banking services they offer, you can contact the bank by calling (888) 728-1954 or go online to www.bankpbt.com.