Pub. 3 2015 Issue 3

8 The Community Banker www.mibonline.org FEATUREDMEMBER BANK: FIRST SECURITY BANK OF HELENA Featured Member Bank Community, Customer Focused Banking Since 1970 First Security Bank 1970 F irst Security Bank of Helena is a family owned and managed bank serving the Helena community since 1970. Our founder, Paul Caruso, Sr. was born and raised in Laurel, Montana and began his banking career, after serving in World War II, first in Glendive, Montana then Superior, Montana before moving to Helena soon after his son started College. Shortly after arriving in Helena Paul Sr. started First Security Bank of Helena. Paul Sr. always believed that the key to creating a bank that was a true support for the community was to have a staff that personally addressed the unique needs of each custom- er and was familiar with their account, loan or business. He made sure that he was available for any customer to speak with personally. First Security Bank of Helena was the fourth bank to open in Helena and according to a newspaper article written as part of the opening it was “a full service bank offering low cost checking accounts, savings accounts certificates of depos - it, personal loans, installment loans, safe deposit boxes and auto teller facilities”. Not wavering from Paul Se- nior’s vision and commitment to community, First Security Bank remains a single branch bank offering the same full service banking today. Paul’s customer focused banking has continued with his son, Paul Caruso, Jr. and his granddaughter Amy Caruso Quarles who now head up daily operations as First Security Bank of Helena as President and CEO, and CFO, respectively. After 45 years and many changes to the world of banking, our customer and community commitment remains constant and custom- ers can still expect to speak to someone who is familiar with their account, loan, or business. Our dedicated and experienced staff will take the time to walk customers through the deposit, savings, or loan options and make sure they choose the op- tion that best meets the needs of their family or business. Paul Sr. raised the initial cap- ital of $600 thousand through networking in the Helena community, and all funds were from local investors. He further instilled a philosophy that encouraged the community involvement by becoming an active participant in many com- munity organizations in support of community events, economic development, and banking and policy decisions that support community and family devel- opment. In addition, he made a concerted effort to ensure that the bank’s board of directors in- cluded Helena business leaders from diverse backgrounds. This community involvement is still the backbone of the bank as the current board remains com- posed of community minded business leaders. Since its founding First Security Bank of Helena has supported the greater Helena community for more than 45 years. Our belief is that a strong local bank needs the support of a strong community, just as a strong community needs the support of a strong local bank. We contribute to numerous local and state causes. As the banking world continues to consolidate and regulations become more burdensome, especially for true community banks, First Security Bank continues to focus on customer service and person-to-person relationships as a means to stay ahead of the marketplace and continue as a successful privately owned community bank. Paul Caruso and Amy Quarles