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Blake Dressler - Suzanne Hill
Blake Dressler - Suzanne Hill

Congratulations to Blake Dressler and Suzanne Hill who recently graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at LSU.  First Reliance Bank is very supportive of associate development in the banking profession.

Dressler and Hill are among the 129 bankers who received graduation diplomas on June 2, 2021. This three-year program provides courses covering all aspects of banking, economics, and related subjects.  Students traveled from twenty-on states to participate in this Session.  

Sponsored by 15 southern state bankers associations in cooperation with the Division of Continuing Education at LSU, the banking school requires attendance on campus for three years, with extensive bank study assignments between sessions. The faculty consists of bankers, business and professional leaders, and educators from all parts of the U.S.

"We are really proud of Blake and Suzanne on their accomplishment," said Rick Saunders, CEO.  "We believe in supporting our associates commitment to further their education in the ...


How to Prevent Fake Check Scams

Fake check scams are occurring more than ever, and scammers are being more and more clever with their tactics. Here's how a fake check scam typically works.

Someone you don't know sends you a check. It could be from a company, like UPS or John Deere. The person will ask you to deposit the check and send some of the money to them or another person in return. The scammer always has a reason to explain why you were sent the check and why you can't keep all the money. If you deposit a fake check and send money to the scammer, you will be responsible for that money. This can sometimes be thousands of dollars!


Mike Reichenbach, Director
Mike Reichenbach, Director

First Reliance Bank announced today the recent appointment of Mike Reichenbach to its Board of Directors, effective June 1, 2021.

“Mike is a dynamic business leader and impassioned community member who will bring fresh perspectives to our board,” said Rick Saunders, CEO of First Reliance Bank. “We are excited to have his expertise and counsel guide our work here in Florence and across the Carolinas."

Reichenbach has lived in Florence for nearly 15 years and is owner and president of three automotive dealerships in South Carolina: Mike Reichenbach Ford Lincoln, Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen of Florence and Mike Reichenbach Chevrolet.

Reichenbach is actively involved in the community in Florence. He currently serves on the boards of several local groups, including, the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, McLeod Health Foundation, Coastal Carolina Hospital, Florence-Darlington Technical College Foundation, Florence School District 1 and the Francis Marion University School of Business advisory board. In ...


Carson Williams, Senior Vice President and Residential Lending Specialist
Carson Williams, Senior Vice President and Residential Lending Specialist

Carson Williams has joined First Reliance Bank as senior vice president and residential lending specialist. He will work out of First Reliance’s Mortgage Operations center in Mount Pleasant, which helps customers assess their lending needs and identify the bank products that can best meet their needs.

“Carson is a top loan producer and we’re thrilled to welcome him to our residential lending team,” said Rick Saunders, CEO of First Reliance Bank. “His extensive career in the mortgage lending industry will be invaluable to our clients and homebuyers across the state.”

Williams has more than 25 years of mortgage lending experience, with the last 20 years spent serving homebuyers in the greater Charleston area. Over the course of his career, Carson has served as past President of the Mortgage Lenders Association of the Greater Charleston area, where he is still an active member. Additionally, he is a member of the Mortgage ...


Mark Mercuri, Senior Vice President and Commercial Lender
Mark Mercuri, Senior Vice President and Commercial Lender

Mark Mercuri has joined First Reliance Bank as senior vice president and commercial lender. Based in Mount Pleasant, S.C., Mercuri will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with business customers, offering advice on business accounts, loans, treasury management services, mortgage, and referrals for investments through First Reliance Wealth Strategy, along with personal banking services offered to business owners and their employees.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mark to our commercial lending team in Mount Pleasant,” said Rick Saunders, CEO of First Reliance Bank. “He knows the Charleston market well and will be a valuable asset to our customers across the state.”

Mercuri gained his extensive experience in commercial lending over his more than 25-year career in South Carolina, most recently as a commercial lender with a community bank.

“Mark’s genuine desire to be an advisor, will serve him well as he works to attract and build on client relationships ...


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