In December of 2000 we made our most significant move yet. Our Beecher Financial Center moved to 1111 Dixie Highway into our new state of the art banking facility. Along with five other businesses in town we helped anchor Prairie Pointe Centre. With all of our departments now in one location we can serve our customers with one stop. This new facility gives us plenty of space to grow, gives the customer a place to come in and have some coffee and a donut, and allows for an interruption-free setting where the customer and bank officer can conduct their business. The large 80" TV is also a big hit with our guests.

In January, 1999, we made another exciting move. Our Mortgage Loan Center was relocated to 759 Penfield St., our original banking location. This move gave us the ability to free up some space at our 660 Penfield location and to aid the growth of our long-term mortgage department.

Back in February, 1996, the bank was renamed First Community Bank and Trust. With the opening of our Peotone Financial Center and the introduction of our Land Trust Department, we needed a new name to accommodate our two communities, our ever growing market, and our expanding list of product offerings. What did not change, though, was the high level of customer service our communities have come to know and expect.

In 1982, a group of local investors formed Beecher Bancorp, Inc. (now known as First Community Bancorp, Inc.), a one-bank holding company, to buyout the interest of the Ehlers' family, who were part of the original investors in Farmers State Bank of Beecher. Today, that investor group numbers over 195 people, the majority of which are area residents. Our shareholders have been adamant about our bank remaining an independent community bank for many years to come.

In 1976, Farmers State Bank of Beecher relocated to 660 Penfield St. At the time, this modern banking facility allowed us to serve our customers with quality service and attention, as well as giving us the ability to offer new and innovative products.

We became the successor to First National in 1916 when we opened our doors as Farmers State Bank of Beecher at 759 Penfield St. We would grow and prosper at this location until more space was needed for our growing product line and customer base.

Our roots trace back to 1896 when Arthur Struve organized the First National Bank of Beecher under the National Bank laws. At the time Arthur Struve was bank President; Fred Wilke was Vice-President, and Carl Ehrhardt was cashier. Directors were Arthur Struve, Henry Stade, Thomas Clark, Fred Wilke, Fred Erichson, and Fred Haseman. The message back in those days was the same as it is today: "The man (or woman) with a small account is entitled to and will receive the same courteous treatment as does the larger depositor."

Illustrated Prospectus of Beecher, IL
Published by C. & E.I. Rail Road and Frisco System