Baker County officially welcomes First Federal Bank of Florida

Baker County officially welcomes First Federal Bank of Florida

By DAVID THEUS

On Thursday afternoon at 5:00 pm Baker County Chamber of Commerce members gathered to officially welcome the latest branch in First Federal Bank of Florida’s ten-branch family. 

Bank officials, staff and Chamber of  Commerce representatives pose for the 'official' opening of the new First Federal Bank of Florida on Wednesday, April 24.

Although the bank opened their doors for business on April 1^st, today was to signify the Chamber’s signature ribbon cutting ceremony.

Bank executives from the home office, Keith C. Leibfried, President and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President Jim Moses were on hand to personally meet and greet those in attendance.

When asked what made First Federal Bank of Florida so special or different in today’s world of banking institutions, Executive Vice President Moses replied: "First of all we are a mutual holding company, which means we are owned by our depositors. Unlike traditional banks that answer solely to their shareholders, who’s goal is maximizing their wealth, we are able to return and invest in each of our respective communities, thus allowing us to be more generous towards local charities and good corporate citizens."

Mr. Leibfried, who has been with the bank some 35 years has been apart of its growth from $10 million in business to its now over $600 million. Leibfried credits the bank’s success directly to their strong sense of community - from its humble beginnings in Live Oak in 1962 to the consistent message today of supporting the communities where they do business.

First Federal Bank of Florida’s newest branch is located at 784 South Sixth Street in Macclenny. Ms. Dana Wood, Market Manager, Ms. Becky Brown, Financial Specialist, and Andy Burnett, Mortgage Originator, with a host of other staff members are eager to serve.

For more photos of Wednesday's ribbon cutting event, just click Society