Blue Horizons
First Horizon Bank celebrates 160 years of serving Tennessee through exceptional customer service and care
One hundred and sixty years. Calling that a substantial length of time to be in business here just doesn’t cover it. When First Horizon Bank first opened its doors as the First National Bank of Memphis in 1864, Abraham Lincoln was president. Fast forward to today, and this bank has a lot to be proud of.
“We’ve been extraordinarily fortunate to serve Tennesseans since that time,” says Jim Atchley, Knoxville Market President for First Horizon Bank. “We’re one of the oldest banks in the country and the largest bank in Tennessee, and very proud of our heritage here in the state.”
Commitment to Service
That pride shows in how Jim and his team interact with customers. First Horizon has come a long way since then, with branches throughout Tennessee and the surrounding states, but its commitment to providing personal, dedicated service to its customers and community has stayed the same through the centuries.
“We have products that are extremely competitive, but more than that, we set ourselves apart by delivering our products with the personal touch of our people,” Atchley says.
“Whether you’re banking with us as an individual or a business, you will find a very tenured group of people that have been in the community and with the company for many, many years. We want to understand your business and your personal needs and meet you where you are.” That blend of big-bank reach and small-bank roots shows.
Knoxville Roots
First Horizon has been part of the East Tennessee community for decades, and it wasn’t long before the company had become the official Bank of the Vols, an honor it’s now held for 30 years.
“That partnership is something the bank, our associates, and our clients really appreciate,” Atchley says. “We support both the Vols and the Lady Vols across all parts of the athletics program.”
The Meaning of Community
While First Horizon is proud to support Vols athletics, from big sporting events to small local outings, being part of the Knoxville community means more to this company than just Big Orange. First Horizon has a commitment to making the entire East Tennessee community shine.
“I challenge myself, our associates, and our friends in the community to think daily about how we can do more. We want to make this community a better place to live, work, and raise a family,” Atchley says. “Our members donate thousands of volunteer hours across more than a hundred organizations here in town.”
Most recently, as part of their 160th anniversary celebration, First Horizon donated $1.6 million to 160 nonprofits across the states they call home as part of its Grants for Good program.
Four local organizations were recipients of First Horizon’s generosity: Food4Vols, which works with Knoxville’s Culinary Institute to provide meals for those struggling with food insecurity; the Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, which helps connect people in need with mental resources they might not otherwise be able to afford; the Restoration House, which supports single parents and their children; and the Wesley House Community Center, which provides numerous services to children and the elderly.
Building a Legacy
“Our predecessors were forward-thinking in creating a legacy for the company,” Atchley says. “We need to make sure that we do things on a daily basis that ensure we leave our communities in a better place than we found them, not just for today, but for the next decade, and even another 160 years from now.”
You can celebrate First Horizon’s long history here in Tennessee by supporting community organizations and Vols sports alongside them. You can also pay them a visit at any of their 23 locations in and around Knoxville, including Maryville and surrounding locations.
Gold Winner :
Banking – Business
Banking – Personal
865- 450-2200
800 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37929
firsthorizon.com