Our ABA/Routing Number: 082907561
Our History
Merchants and Planters Bank traces its roots back to 1946 in Tupelo, Arkansas, when the nation was recovering from World War II. Businesses and agricultural operations were expanding, and the financial needs for local farmers and merchants were also growing as the economy was on a post-war fast track. To help meet those financial needs, several community leaders had a dream of a local community-minded bank serving the local community. That philosophy began a tradition that hasn't changed in over 75 years.
J.H. Snapp, owner of the Bank of Tupelo, acquired permission to move the Bank of Tupelo charter to Newport and rename the organization Merchants and Planters Bank. The Bank of Tupelo brought a rich tradition of customer banking principles to Newport. The founding fathers: D.H. Burton, W.A. McCartney, Ralph McDonald, Sr., P.K. Holmes, Jr., R.C. Biggadike, J.A. Thompson, Jr., Fred M. Pickens, Sr., Robert G. Holden and P.L. Copeland had a dream, and that was a bank owned by the people, for the people. That dream prompted others, 43 to be exact, to raise the capital necessary to finance Merchants and Planters Bank.
Since those early days, Merchants and Planters has grown and expanded into five counties, with a total of twelve banking locations. In addition to full service banking, we offer a full line of insurance and investment products through M&P Insurance and Investments Services. Both companies are under the umbrella of M&P Community Bancshares, the holding company for Merchants and Planters Bank.
Our Mission
To provide the finest quality financial, trust, mortgage, insurance, and investment products coupled with excellent service. To promote economic growth and stability within our communities and offer a supportive working environment for our employees. It is our express desire to remain an independent, community bank.
Our Values
Merchants and Planters Bank was founded on and operates by the following core values:
- Honesty - in every instance
- Integrity - never sacrificed
- Service - we want to help others
- Accountability - we take responsibility
- Commitment - to excellence in all we do
Our Future
We are so thankful to our historic founders for creating an organization that centers around community. We promise to keep this focus and continue to operate as a people-oriented, service-centered, home-town institution. While we look for growth and expansion, we will only pursue options that align with our company philosophy and will allow us to expertly focus on our customers' needs. When you choose to do business with Merchants and Planters, you are growing with a company that promises to never outgrow you.
Our Board of Directors
Our Annual Reports: