Local banks and the City of Hattiesburg teams up

Hattiesburg, MS - The City of Hattiesburg, local banks, credit unions, and non-profit organizations have joined together to increase wealth and financial literacy among area families.

The Bank on Hattiesburg iniative is a program implemented to assist unbanked and under-banked households.

Jerome Brown, Senior Vice President of First National Bank, says, "Well at the end of the day you want folks to keep more money in their pocket. Anytime that you are spending money to get your own money, it is kind of like an oxymoron."

The banks and credit unions that are participating in this program will offer multiple services, such as, waving monthly balance requirements, issue free ATM and debit cards and more.

Mayor Dupree says, "The key to financial sucess is education and proper guidance."

Greg Hodges the Marketing Predeint of Hancock Bank says, "Customers who we may not see each day we are able to offer them products and services that we feel are a benefit for them."

Hattiesburg is the first city in Mississippi to launch the program and the participating agencies believe this is very beneficial for the community.