News Summary
Art Seaver, founder and CEO of Southern First Bank, was honored with South Carolina’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Palmetto. The recognition took place on April 12 during a celebration of the bank’s 25th anniversary. Seaver’s commitment to community and outstanding leadership has made a significant impact in the Upstate region. His journey began in 1999 with the establishment of Southern First Bank, which has grown into a leading financial institution in the Southeast.
Art Seaver Honored with Order of the Palmetto in Greenville
Greenville is buzzing with excitement this week as Art Seaver, the founder and CEO of Southern First Bank, received the distinguished Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. The award was delivered on April 12 during a celebratory event marking the bank’s 25th anniversary—what a milestone!
A Grand Celebration
The award ceremony took place in a lively atmosphere, filled with friends, family, and community supporters. Jimmy Orders, the chairman of the board of directors, had the honor of presenting the award. It’s quite the recognition for individuals who have devoted their lives to exceptional service and achievement, a category in which Seaver undoubtedly stands out.
Southern First Bank: A Legacy of Impact
Seaver kicked off his journey in the banking world by establishing Southern First Bank back in 1999. The bank opened its doors for business on January 10, 2000, with an inspiring mission that aims at “Impacting Lives.” Since then, Southern First Bank has blossomed into one of the fastest-growing and highest-performing banks across the nation, serving eight markets in the Southeastern U.S. and boasting over $4 billion in assets.
Building Strong Community Ties
What makes Seaver exceptional goes far beyond banking numbers; he has instilled a strong family culture within Southern First Bank and forged lasting connections throughout the Upstate community. His commitment to bettering the local area doesn’t stop at the bank doors. Seaver currently plays an active role on the board of the Phillis Wheatley Community Center and has previously served as the chairman for both the United Way of Greenville County and the Palmetto Society. Talk about community dedication!
Leadership Roles and Contributions
Besides serving on various boards, including the Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council and the South Carolina Bankers Association, Seaver’s involvement doesn’t stop there. He has also taken part in multiple local organizations, such as Leadership Greenville and the Junior League. His reputation for making a significant difference in the community was echoed during the recent award ceremony.
In His Own Words
Receiving the Order of the Palmetto deeply resonated with Seaver, who expressed feelings of both humility and honor. He acknowledged the numerous individuals who contributed to his journey. It’s clear that teamwork and community support hold a special place in his heart.
A Bright Future Ahead
Southern First Bancshares Inc. is not just making waves locally; it trades on NASDAQ under the symbol SFST and is recognized as the second-largest bank headquartered in South Carolina. With 13 locations across the state, the bank’s growth story continues, and the best is yet to come!
The Impact Continues
As Art Seaver leads Southern First Bank forward, one can only imagine the exciting initiatives and community programs that lie ahead, as he strives to maintain a legacy of impact and support for his community. This honor is a significant reminder of what it means to invest time and effort into making a difference, one person at a time.
So, here’s to Art Seaver and the entire Southern First Bank team for this incredible achievement! With dedicated leaders like Seaver navigating the future, the Upstate community can look forward to lasting changes and positive impact for many years to come.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- PR Newswire
- Google Search: 2024 Best Places to Work in South Carolina
- Forbes
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Business Community
- My Clinton News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
