VALDOSTA — The people at Farmers and Merchants Bank promised customers that when the timing was right, they would open a location in Valdosta to make it more convenient. Now the Lakeland-based bank has two locations to serve Valdosta, with the recent opening of its new facility on Inner Perimeter Road.

The style of the new facility is much like that of a lounge, complete with custom lodge-style decor. “What sets this facility apart from most banks is that it fits our personality,” Farmers and Merchants Bank spokesperson Melissa Boatenreiter said. “It is very warm and friendly.”

According to FMB Bancshares, Inc. Chief Financial Officer Franklin Patten, the facility will house every aspect of banking, offering Raymond James financial services as well as the bank’s mortgage division.

“Farmers and Merchants Bank has been building relationships and service since 1907,” said Larry Lee, chief executive officer and president of FMB Bancshares, Inc.

Board Chairman Jimmy Benefield added that the bank began as a $1,500 investment.

“Today we have locations in Lakeland, Nashville, Homerville, Covington, Conyers and now two in Valdosta,” Benefield said. “We have been blessed and fortunate over the last 25 years to build some really good banking relationships and friendships throughout the Valdosta-Lowndes County area. Our Valdosta customers have shown us tremendous loyalty; some have even driven to Lakeland to do business with us.”

Benefield recalled a promise to repay customers for their dedication by opening a more convenient location in Valdosta.

“We fulfilled our commitment to our customers in 2006 when we opened our location on the south side,” Benefield said. “We eventually sought to have something that would be more accessible to the people on the north side of the city. So when this location became available a few years ago, we took advantage of the opportunity. ”

In addition to the appreciation expressed for the customers, Benefield also commended the work of Ronnie Chauncey, who serves as the city president of the new bank.

Chauncey shifted credit of the company’s success to the quality of service Farmers & Merchants Bank offers.

“In our type of business, we all have the same products and services,” Chauncey said. “What makes us stand out is our philosophy to treat every customer like we want to be treated and build positive banking relationships. Farmers & Merchants Bank has been very successful at our south side location. We look for even better things in this new location.”

Chief Executive Officer Jeff Parrish added, “We truly are a banking family and we encourage everyone to join us. Not only do we treat our employees like family, but we consider our customers family also.”

A grand opening is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 17 at the new bank located at 3303 Inner Perimeter Rd., across from Ryan’s. During the grand opening a ribbon cutting is to be held with representatives from the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, and from 4 to 7 p.m. people can tour the bank, meet the staff and enjoy heavy hors d’euvres and refreshments.