John A. Forlines Jr. and Charles Snipes

While not so long ago the world celebrated the turn of a new century, Bank of Granite heads into a new century itself celebrating 100 years of hometown service next year.

Bank of Granite Corporation (NASDAQ: GRAN) in Granite Falls is one of a kind in the banking industry. Founded in 1906, it has served small communities in the western half of North Carolina for nearly a hundred years.

While the times and technology may have changed, Bank of Granite’s commitment to customer service has not. And, it is that commitment that has fostered the bank’s growth and success. By focusing on the surrounding communities and providing high-quality, personalized service, Bank of Granite has developed an enviable record of satisfying customers, employees and shareholders.

Bank of Granite has received numerous accolades throughout its history. It caught the attention of Warren Buffet, who has called it the best-run bank in the United States. U.S. Banker Magazine shared his opinion. Bank of Granite also has brought national publicity to the Catawba Valley, having been featured in Forbes Magazine and in an Eye on America segment during the CBS Evening News. Bank of Granite, a billion dollar bank with 21 offices in Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Forsyth, Mecklenburg, Watauga and Wilkes Counties, has received the top business-friendly ranking in North Carolina in a report by the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy. In 2005, it received the SBA's Community Bank of the Year award for North Carolina and one of only two nationwide awards for Small Business Export Lender of the Year.

Bank of Granite introduced Granite Business Elite, a checking account that offers small businesses a variety of exclusive financial services and business discounts. The Granite Business Elite account provides small business with several benefits, including commercial and SBA loans as well as discounted check collection and deposit services.

"A program like this, that is specifically geared toward small businesses, had never been offered in this area," said Charles Snipes, President, CEO and Chairman. "We are pleased to make these services available to the small businesses in our community."

Granite Business Elite also includes discounts on merchant card processing, employee leasing, payroll and tax filing services, 401K retirement plans, on-line banking services, overnight delivery, office products, long distance phone service, car rentals, checking, computer equipment purchases and computer technical support.

Business owners who apply for Granite Business Elite can also take advantage of a variety of discounted services for telephone shopping, travel, auto buying and auto maintenance.

While Bank of Granite continues to build its reputation as one of the country’s finest community banks, its leader, John A. Forlines Jr. is probably the world’s best known community banker. He became CEO of Bank of Granite in 1954 when the bank had only one office and total resources were just over one million dollars. In 1999, he was inducted as a laureate into the N.C. Business Hall of Fame.

Now you can see why many people call us "The best little bank in America."

Forlines has given the keynote address at the N.C. Bankers Association Retail Banking Conference, during which he discussed a number of changes banking has undergone through the decades and then looked to the future of banking in an ever changing world.

He also encourages bankers to be involved in community affairs, a piece of advice he himself and the bank he leads have followed through the years with their support of Hospice, United Way and other worthwhile community organizations. "Be a doer," said Forlines. "You will find life so much more satisfying and meaningful than standing on the sidelines and criticizing."

Bank of Granite is not resting on its laurels, but instead is preparing every day for a future that will no doubt hold much change, but still need that one-on-one relationship and attention that Bank of Granite has been providing its customers and community since 1906.