Spotlight on Gulf Place - Trustmark Bank to acquire Banktrust

Gulf Place was recently added as an official beach neighborhood by the South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC),  but many locals and visitors know Gulf Place well already. Gulf Place is the site of many events, retail shops, great restaurants, and of course, The Artists at Gulf Place.

Trustmark National Bank, an anchor business in Gulf Place, is acquiring all 49 BankTrust branches and after the merger there will be 20 branches from Crestview to Lynn Haven, making up Trustmark’s Florida locations. The acquisition will be final on February 15 and by Monday, March 25, all BankTrust locations will open as Trustmark. 
 
Trustmark, originally Jackson Bank of Jackson, Miss., was founded in 1889. Over the next 90 years the bank merged with other institutions, finally becoming Trustmark in 1985. Trustmark recently acquired Bay Bank as well. When the merger with BankTrust is final, Trustmark will be in five southeastern states, with a total of 150 branches.

The regional president, John Sumrall, works closely with his branches to ensure a community feel is maintained, while offering everything a large bank offers. Another key member of the Trustmark team is Patricia Davis, Vice President of Private Banking. She joined the company in January of 2005 and just celebrated her 8th anniversary with the company, winning employee of the year for 2012. She began her banking career 25 years ago while attending Georgia State in pursuit of her finance degree.

City president, Jonathon Ochs, oversees Okaloosa and Walton branches. Jonathan has worked in banking for 14 years, 11 of which have been spent with Trustmark. In 2004, Trustmark acquired Emerald Coast Bank and kept the entire team, one of whom was Jonathan.

Trustmark is eager to loan, and bases each loan approval on a case-by-case basis. So individuals will be evaluated by their current situation and credit, not just their credit. Now more people will be able to get that new house, car, or personal loan that they need.
 
Despite being a regional bank, Trustmark brings quality customer service and community feel one would find in a small town bank. Trustmark has continued to become more successful and plans to grow and expand even more. Trustmark offers an ATM deposit until 9 p.m. every night where your deposit will be considered same-day. They offer popcorn on Fridays and coffee everyday. The friendly staff lead by Patricia Davis is ready to solve your banking needs and get you back on track.