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BUSINESS
First Sentry Bank hits $300 Million in Assets
HUNTINGTON -- First Sentry Bank has reported that on July 31 the bank had amassed over $300 million in assets, marking a new milestone for the community bank.
"This is a monumental day in the life of our bank, and we are so proud to have accomplished this feat between our Huntington and Barboursville offices," said Geoffrey S. Sheils, president and CEO, in a press release. "It truly is a tribute to our loyal customers, our industrious employees, and our faithful Board of Directors."
First Sentry Bank, a West Virginia State Chartered Bank, began operations in 1996, after raising $6 million in capital from a private stock offering, and spent its first 19-20 months operating from a small, renovated restaurant building at its current downtown Huntington location.
The bank is widely held by local investors with no one investor owning more than 6 percent of the stock. The bank was recognized in early 2007 by Entrepreneur Magazine as the top bank for small businesses in West Virginia. Adjusted for stock splits, the book value of the company's stock as of July 31 was 2.79 times its original value in 1996, and it recently paid a cash dividend to its shareholders, marking the 23rd consecutive quarter in which a dividend has been paid.
The bank operates from two locations: downtown at 823 8th Street, and its Barboursville office located off Merritt's Creek Road. The bank provides its customers 24/7 banking access with its Web site and telephone banking, 304-399-6400. More information can be obtained at www.firstsentry.com
St. Mary's Medical Center adds new physicians
HUNTINGTON -- Two new doctors have joined the medical staff at St. Mary's Medical Center.
Dr. Salah El-Bash will work as a hospitalist, caring for patients admitted to St. Mary's Medical Center as in-patients. El-Bash specializes in internal medicine and received his medical degree from West Virginia University in Morgantown. He completed his residency at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University in Huntington.
Dr. Erick J. Willis will specialize in pediatrics and is in practice with James Liesen, D.O., located at 2828 First Ave., Suite 305, in Huntington. Willis received his medical degree from Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and completed his residency there.
