Citizens Bank & Trust opened a new branch in town
Citizens Bank & Trust is the latest financial institute to move into Plant City, which opened its doors on June 21.
The temporary office is based at 1802A James L. Redman Pkwy as there are plans to build the official office from the ground up on the same corridor. It also is now the newest branch in Florida joining others located in Auburndale, Bartow, Lake Wales, Lakeland, Dundee, Frostproof, Ft. Meade, Winter Haven, and Haines City. Last year, Valrico and Dade City had new branches built.
Greg Littleton, president and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust, sees potential in Plant City, especially at its current and soon-to-come locations.
“We do feel like it is really in the heart of the main corridor of Plant City,” he said. “We think it’s a natural fit for us and the perfect move…the community is one we can understand and one we’re familiar with.”
Growth is occurring just south of the location, Littleton added. The site for the permanent bank building has already been purchased and will be located in front of the Aldi grocery store, off of James L. Redman Parkway.
The Citizens Bank and Trust will be equipped with the traditional accessories found in the average bank.
Spanning approximately 4,000 square feet, it will hold multiple offices along with the bank teller counters, and a drive thru as well as an ATM for convenience.
Services include home mortgages, commercial loans, consumer loans, trusts, and investment assistance.
“Everybody counts their service and I would do the same,” Littleton said. “I do believe we offer old fashioned customer service with all the technology that you would want and need in a bank. I really feel like we have the best of both worlds.”
To make sure that the bank is operating sufficiently, lead officers and employees hold meetings throughout the year.
Citizens Bank and Trust was founded in Frostproof in 1920. Since its inception, it has grown throughout Polk County, and several towns outside the county. The Plant City branch is the 17th bank in the region. It is family owned with five shareholders and has been passed down the family tree for three generations.
Littleton became the president and CEO in 2001 and was recently named as the 2022 Banker of the Year by the Florida Bankers Association, in Orlando. The award is given to someone who exemplifies a strong commitment to the banking industry and service to the community.
“It was very heartwarming to be chosen for that this year and I do believe it’s a testament to our bank as much as anything,” he said. “Our core philosophy really is all about…serving the community and we encourage our employees, especially our leadership and officers, to give back to the community and to be involved in organizations.”
Littleton also serves as the immediate past chair for the BancServ. Inc Board of Directors and is starting his second term on the government relations council. BancServ operates as a wholly owned for-profit subsidiary for the Florida Bankers Association.
Citizens Bank and Trust also offers a mobile app with 24/7 use for making deposits, paying bills, checking balances, and make transfers.
There is no official open date for the permanent building, but it could possibly occur next year, Littleton said.
