Alice Frazier, President & CEO
“Later is now” also applies to one of the bank’s biggest decisions this past year: renaming the bank to Potomac Bank. For years, the Board of Directors talked about it. Every year, the timing never seemed right. Finally, later became now. Our new name reflects the communities we’ve grown with for generations — from Charles Town to several other towns along the Potomac River in West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia.
I’m so grateful to clients like Sibling Coffee Roasters, Birch Tree Books, Mayhew & Smith Dentistry, and Heather McIntire for sharing their Potomac Bank stories. Hopefully, you’ve seen them on TV, our website, or other platforms. Many of these relationships started decades ago and continue today. Whether a legacy client or new client, our promise remains the same: to deliver an amazing experience you deserve.
Knowing our roots still run deep within our communities is especially gratifying. Many of our Potomac Bancshares, Inc. (OTCID: PTBS) shareholders live within 25 miles of our main office. I love hearing how our bank shares have been passed down generation after generation within local families — like the grandmother who recently visited our office with her daughter to gift shares to her new grandchild. It’s also heartwarming to hear clients reflect on a time when they were inspired to buy shares after reading a sign in the lobby “Shares Available Today.” Such experiences reinforce our focus to remain a locally-owned community bank.
Financially, your bank is strong, well-capitalized, and ready for the future. I’m proud of our team for personalizing your experiences so much so that you’ve introduced us to your family, friends, and business partners. Thank you! As we like to say, “Our greatest compliment is your referral.”
And thank you for helping us raise a record $104,000 for our 5th Annual Pack the ‘Pack fundraiser. What started as a simple food drive six years ago now supports four school weekend food programs in each of the primary counties we serve. Feeding food-insecure kids in our communities—that’s what living our core value of Community Focus looks like.
As the new year begins, many of us are thinking about financial health such as retirement, rolling over a 401(k), paying down debt, and so forth. Our Trust & Wealth team, including two Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) certificants, is here to help. Reach out to Jessica Perry, CFP®, CRPC™ ([email protected]) or Emma Pedraza, CFP® ([email protected]). They’ll provide the trusted guidance you’ve been looking for.
One of my favorite places to visit for introspection is Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, where the Shenandoah River meets the Potomac River. The rivers move forward, yet the land remains steady. That’s how I see Potomac Bank — your strong, stable community bank moving forward to serve you.
To you and yours, I wish a Happy New Year and a 2026 filled with peace and success.
-Alice-