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There's something about the community of Hamlin that makes it hard for residents to leave. It could be the friendliness of the town's inhabitants, the quality of life or the overall community spirit. Either way, this has helped Hamlin National Bank experience slow and steady growth since its founding 98 years ago. Most of the growth has been through word-of-mouth.
Hamlin, with a population of about 2,200, is just north of Abilene in Jones County.
Its mayor-pro tern happens to be the bank's executive vice president and chief financial officer, Gary Ford. "You find something here that you don't find in other places," Ford said. "Our town has amazed people."
Hamlin National Bank employees do their part to contribute to the community's appeal by helping bring new industry to Hamlin and serving on the school and hospital boards and various other organizations.
NATIVE SON
Ford was born and raised in Hamlin. The son and nephew of bankers, Ford began his banking career in 1973 while he was still in high school. He worked summers and holidays for his father as a bookkeeper and "gopher." He was quickly hooked on banking. "Banking is about giving people hometown service in an industry that is continually changing to be big city," Ford explained. "We want to offer big city services, but we do it in a way that people see us as...