Strives to be comfortable and inviting

"Hometown Bank, at 21196 Highway 71 in Pineville, opened in 2005," Bob Williams, senior vice president and market manager, said.

"Our first location was in Carthage. We now have seven branches: two at Carthage, two at Joplin and one at Oronogo, Neosho and Pineville."

"We have a strong emphasis on the community," Williams said. "We believe in being very active in the community. We provide farmer and commercial loans."

Hometown Bank says it strives to be comfortable and inviting -- just like home.

"It's always been about making the customers happy.

"We figure, if everyone who walks through our door is greeted with a warm welcome and receives really helpful service, they'll be back for more. With so many banks these days, we thought service seemed to be getting pushed out. So we started a new bank based on an idea that's familiar to all of us: home. Think about all the things that make you feel comfortable and at home: qualities like respect, support, lifelong relationships, honest answers, a sense of belonging and being understood, shared values, time and freedom to be yourself, and a place that's just worth being. At Hometown Bank, you'll find everything's just how you like it. Come home and see."

The Hometown Bank at Pineville is particularly beautiful. "The designers of this bank won an award," Williams said.

When walking into the lobby of the Pineville Hometown Bank, it is obvious why. In the middle is a beautiful painted mural based on a photograph taken by local art teacher Holly Huber, who teaches art at White Rock School.

There are photos throughout the bank taken by local photographers.

"We also offer a large community room at the Pineville Hometown Bank which can accommodate over 65 people," Williams said. "It is for nonprofit entities and for local people to use for showers, card groups, wedding receptions, birthday parties, etc. There is no charge for this service."

Hours at Hometown Bank in Pineville are: Lobby, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; Drive-through, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The bank is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.