We invite you to celebrate Fall with us!  We're having a PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST!  Show us your creativity and win a little cash while having some fun! We encourage you to carve, paint, add decorations or gourd pieces or additional pumpkins into your masterpiece!

THREE PRIZES!

1st Prize:  $100

2nd Prize:  $75

3rd Prize:  $50

FACEBOOK POST ENTRY DEADLINE:  October 29th by noon.  Post to:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/firstreliancebank

Winners will be announced on facebook at 3pm on October 29th

(Entries that are not family friendly may be disqualified and removed from our Facebook page.)

If there's one thing South Carolina knows – aside from football, grits and sweet tea, of course – it's good ol' southern hospitality. We wave and say “Hi, ya'll!” We offer to help our neighbors. We return what doesn't belong to us. These characteristics are more than just tradition; they're a way of life.

George Jebaily, one of our Florence branch customers, recently told us how happy he is with the spirit of southern hospitality he and his family are welcomed with each time they walk through our doors. Naturally, we wanted to learn more.

George's roots are firmly planted in South Carolina. A West Florence High School grad, he went on to study at USC, eventually earning his law degree. George and his wife, Debbie, live in Florence with their 16-year-old son, Kirk. Their 19-year-old daughter, Kayla, on the other hand, is currently attending Clemson. The family is actively ...

Have you been dreaming of getting a boat, but can't decide if a boat's really right for you? Thinking about how much fun a boat could be, but not sure you can afford one?

Here are five good reasons to bring a boat into your family's life, as well as some helpful tips on how to buy and finance a boat.

A boat can bring the family closer. A boat is a recreational vehicle that the whole family can enjoy. It's fun to go out on the water and make memories together. It's exciting to look back to the land and get a different perspective. A boat is a vehicle for exploring quiet coves or skiing over the open water. And where else can you be sure you'll get uninterrupted time together?

Fellowship. A day out on the water with your friends is a bonding experience. As a boater, you'll ...

For many of us, our father is the most important man in our life. But we don't always appreciate what he brings to our lives and how hard he works just to make life better for his family.

A Dad teaches responsibility, shows us how to be strong in the face of challenges, and instills us with a sense of drive — even when we don't want to hear it.

A Dad is sometimes tough and sometimes tender. And there's no one more protective and caring when adversity strikes.

But, it might take you years to fully appreciate what a gem he is. Maybe Mark Twain said it best: "When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in ...

It's often said that it's better to give than to receive and to put others ahead of yourself. Day after day, many dedicate themselves to doing that and making our world a better place.

They might be your neighbors, fellow workers, or attend church with you. They might even be that person in line with you at the bank.

We met one such caring person at our Florence Branch. Her name is Juliette Wilson and we think she's terrific.

Juliette loves to help others. In fact, she's dedicated a large portion of her life to it. Through missionary work, she's been able to connect with and improve the lives of both less fortunate children and families around the world.

“You see the world one way until you travel it, and discover it's a lot different than you think it is,” said Juliette. “You realize that everyone has needs, feelings, hurts ...

Memorial Day is just one week away. What does it mean to you?

Memorial Day is the official start of summer, a holiday from work, a chance to relax and grill out.

But, most importantly, it's an opportunity to stop and reflect upon the many blessings we have in this country. It's a time to pause and say a silent thank you to those who have sacrificed their lives to preserve our way of life.

Will you be remembering a relative or a friend who made the ultimate sacrifice? Will you be thinking of the many who, throughout the years, have selflessly given their lives on behalf of America?

Will you be wearing some red, white and blue that day, displaying the flag, or decorating your home? Will you be teaching your children the meaning of the day and then involving them in a little fun like trimming out their ...

They're all around us. We don't think much about them day to day. But, when we need them, they are there. Sometimes they're on duty and dispatched to provide aid. At other times, like so many of us, they have a day off and are enjoying an outing with family and friends. Yet, even when off-duty, they're ready and willing to spring into action if their skills are needed. This was the case with two firefighters out for a day of racing fun at the Daytona 500 on February 23. Neither could have anticipated that just a few hours after arriving at the track, he would be in the middle of a horrifying event. That Saturday, a race car traveling 175 miles per hour crashed against a protective fence in front of the stands, sparking an explosion of car motor parts, wheels and fire raining down on spectators. More than ...

It's tax time again. For many of us, that means a tax refund. What do you do with your tax refund each year?

Frankly, a lot of us go right out and spend it. It's gone almost as soon as it comes in.

There is a better way. Why not take this year's refund and put it to work for you?

Consider using your tax fund to make an investment in your future.

Whether you're just starting out or finishing up your career, you've probably been following all the public discussions about Americans and retirement. If you haven't begun to invest enough to have a secure retirement, it's time to consider an IRA (Individual Retirement Account).

It's simple to set up a regular IRA with your tax refund. Open a savings account or arrange to invest in a certificate of deposit (CD) that you will designate as an IRA. ...

Thank you for your generosity!

From early December 2012 through January 21, 2013, First Reliance Bank hosted a campaign to help feed the hungry in the communities we serve.

We asked you to help by coming by our branch locations and dropping off nonperishable food items or purchasing a “Feeding Neighbors In Need” paper plate for $1. We also told you that if you were to “Like” First Reliance Bank on our Facebook page, we would promise to donate $1 on your behalf.

The results are in!

Together, we raised $1,337 in cash donations. Since every dollar funds 5 meals, that means 6,685 meals! In addition, over 140 pounds of non-perishable food was dropped off!

As part of our drive to provide 500 meals to those in communities served by our bank and its branches, we're hosting lunchtime events at the Palmetto Branch and the 2nd Loop Branch on Friday, January 18.

Won't you join us for lunch and make a donation to help feed neighbors in need?

We'll be serving a delicious soup and hearty chili, accompanied by some scrumptious cornbread.

Stop in either branch through January 17 and make a donation of $4 per person and you'll receive a ticket for lunch on the 18th. You can also get a ticket on the day of the event, but then we'll be asking you to donate $5 per person.

Every $1 you donate will fund five meals for those in need.

Please mark your calendar:

• Friday, January 18th
• 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Palmetto Branch and the 2nd Loop Branch

If you want ...