Bank Independent’s North Alabama roots run deep–it began in Leighton with a group of farmers who pooled their resources following the closure of the area’s only bank. Recognizing the needs of the community, they opened the Bank of Leighton in 1947.

The new organization was renamed First Colbert Bank in 1965, then in 1967 it advanced from a state-chartered bank to a national bank in 1967, becoming First Colbert National Bank after moving its headquarters to Sheffield.

In 1975, Board Chairperson Edward Fennel Mauldin organized a group of investors, including some directors of First Colbert National Bank, to charter The Bank of Florence. The two banks merged on December 1, 1982 to become Bank Independent. The new bank grew steadily over the years, adding additional locations across North Alabama.

20220601 102815 In August 2009, the bank welcomed Interstate Billing Service, Inc, (IBS) to the family. IBS, a nationwide corporate billing service based in Decatur, provided new growth opportunities as well as 87 additional employees.

Now Bank Independent has another success to celebrate–on Wednesday morning, the bank chain broke ground at the future site of its 30th North Alabama location. The new West Madison Sales Office, to be located at 11254 County Line Road next to Dunkin Donuts, will be the third in the Huntsville-Madison area.

The well-attended groundbreaking celebration featured a number of dignitaries including Madison Chamber Executive Director Michelle Epling, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, Madison County Commissioner Dale Strong, Bank Independent President and CEO Macke Mauldin, and Executive Vice President Preuit Mauldin.

In her address to the audience, Epling repeated one of Bank Independent’s core belief statements, ‘a rising tide lifts all boats.’

“If Bank Independent can help individuals thrive both economically and socially, our entire city wins,” she said. “As they enter their seventh decade in the North Alabama community, we are honored that this bank has chosen the City of Madison to build its next location and to continue to make a difference in people’s lives for years to come.”

Area President Tim Singleton then greeted the audience, expressing excitement about breaking ground and recognizing the large number of people involved in the project, which he noted has been two years in the making. He also recognized the four generations of the Mauldin family that have been involved in the bank, thanking them for creating a great place to work.

Singleton and Chief People Officer Penny Camp both expressed great faith in Vice President of Sales Kristen Strickland, who will be leading the West Madison location. Camp also acknowledged sales leader and retail team leader Cynthia Webster, who has been with the bank for over twenty years and is currently working out of the Nance Road location.

“We firmly believe in the growth of Madison County, Limestone County, and this entire area, and I think we’re putting our money where our mouth is,” said Macke Mauldin. “We believe in making a positive difference in our community and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

“What I really appreciate about our entire community is our entire area–we continue to work together to be successful so organizations have the ability to grow,” said Mayor Finley, thanking the bank for its investment in Madison.

Finley also praised Strickland, crediting her with the continued growth of the area thanks to her continued investment in the city. “In the end, I’ll say this: we love our community and it continues to get stronger thanks to folks like you. Quality businesses continue to invest here. We thank you for that, we’re very appreciative of that, and we look forward to breaking some ground.”

Following the groundbreaking ceremony, CEO Rick Wardlaw provided some final remarks, thanking those in attendance and those who have helped the bank continue to thrive.

“You’ve noticed in the last couple of years that there’s been several banks that have been sold, there’s different names on the doors for some of these banks–Bank Independent is not being built to sell. We’re being built to serve, and we’re proud of our ability to serve our community.”

“Thank you, and we’re looking forward to serving this community for the next 75 years,” Wardlaw concluded.