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First Bank and Trust Company Champions Financial Literacy

On November 20, 2025, the First Bank and Trust Company sponsored a significant event at the Washington County, Virginia, Chamber Breakfast, emphasizing the vital role of financial education for young people and adults alike. With over $4 billion in assets, this diversified financial services firm gathered local educators, business leaders, and community members to engage with discussions surrounding financial literacy.

During the breakfast, Mark Nelson, the President and CEO of First Bank and Trust Company, made a notable impact by presenting Dr. Barry Yost, Supervisor of Secondary Education for Washington County Schools, with a generous $10,000 donation. This fund is designed to support scholarships for four high school seniors across the county, with the intention of helping them further their educational aspirations after graduation. Students and educators from the community were present, marking a collaborative atmosphere aimed at empowering youth through education.

One of the featured speakers for the morning was Jim McAlister, a retired banker with over 45 years of experience. McAlister has become a passionate advocate for financial literacy and is dedicated to educating both youth and adults on effective money management strategies. He shared critical statistics about the present state of financial literacy among American adults, emphasizing that lack of financial knowledge can lead to chronic instability and hardship in personal finances. His insights served to remind attendees that early and continuous education in financial matters is essential for lifelong success.

Adding to the morning's discourse, Dawn Stafford, a local teacher from Washington County Schools, elaborated on the importance of incorporating financial education within the school curriculum. She discussed various initiatives that the school system is implementing to equip students with essential money management skills before they graduate. With an aim to prepare students for financial independence, these initiatives highlight the crucial link between education and future success.

Nelson reinforced these sentiments, stating, "Financial literacy is the foundation of economic empowerment. At First Bank and Trust Company, we’re dedicated to investing in our youth and their educators. Our goal is to make financial education accessible, engaging, and rewarding for all."

In addition to the scholarships, Nelson highlighted the Bank's partnership with Zogo, an innovative digital platform that provides educational resources. Initially launched within First Bank and Trust Company's online and mobile banking systems, Zogo offers a vast array of over 800 concise modules covering diverse financial topics, including budgeting, taxes, investing, and retirement planning. The platform encourages interaction by rewarding users with gift cards as they learn, making the acquisition of financial knowledge both enjoyable and rewarding.

The event served as a powerful reminder of First Bank and Trust Company’s ongoing commitment to fostering financial education and community engagement across the regions it serves. With their efforts, the bank aims to champion the cause of financial literacy for future generations, building a more financially educated populace capable of navigating the complexities of personal finance.

About First Bank and Trust Company

Established as one of the leading community banks in the United States, First Bank and Trust Company is recognized for its comprehensive financial services. With multiple locations throughout Southwest Virginia, Northeast Tennessee, and North Carolina, they offer a wide range of services, including personal and business accounts, savings and money market options, as well as mortgage, agricultural, and commercial lending. Their wealth management arm provides trust services and brokerage solutions, reinforcing the bank's holistic approach to financial well-being.

To learn more about their initiatives and services, visit firstbank.com or contact Kaitlyn Widner, VP of Marketing, at [email protected].

Ultimately, the breakfast event not only celebrated achievements in financial education but also reinforced the need for continuous support and collaboration between financial institutions and local educators to enhance financial literacy across communities.