First Reliance Bank announces expansion into Loris, Conway and N. Myrtle Beach

First Reliance Bank recently announced expansion into the Loris, Conway and North Myrtle Beach market areas with the opening of a loan production office. The bank is waiting on regulatory approval for a branch allowing the loan production office to become a full service location. The office is located at 348 Hwy 701 N. in Loris, South Carolina and is scheduled to open July 11th. with open hours of 8:30am -5pm Monday – Thursday and 8:30am – 6pm on Fridays.

Jimmy Clarkson, previously CEO of Horry County State Bank, has joined the First Reliance Bank team as Market President for the Loris, Conway and North Myrtle Beach markets. Mr. Clarkson has an extensive background in banking, during which he worked for several community banks throughout Horry County where he held numerous management and executive leadership positions. His primary responsibilities include growing the bank’s market share and locations within the Loris, Tabor City, Conway and North Myrtle Beach market areas, while acquiring and developing business and personal banking relationships.

“Our Purpose has always been to make a difference in every life we touch. We look forward to making a difference in the Loris, Conway and N. Myrtle Beach communities,” said Rick Saunders. “We are excited to have Jimmy Clarkson on our team as he is well known in those communities. We know he’ll provide exceptional service to businesses and consumers as he leads our growth and expansion efforts.”

Mr. Clarkson graduated from Clemson University with a B.A. in Economics and he has received various professional certifications and is a graduate of the School of Banking of the South at LSU.

Mr. Clarkson is a prior board member on Independent Banks of South Carolina, as well as the South Carolina Bankers Association, he is a Trustee for the S.C. Bankers Employee Benefits Trust, Board member of Horry Telephone Cooperative, Inc and is a Course Coordinator and Instructor for the South Carolina Bankers School and Instructor for the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. He is an active member of the community and has been involved in Dixie Youth Baseball, T-Ball League, Loris Recreation Commission, Loris Civitan Club, Loris Chamber of Commerce where he was also a past President, Loris United Way, Loris Great Town Committee, Loris City Council, Loris Methodist Men’s Club, Loris Lions Club, and Loris Healthcare System Strategic Planning Committee.