MidSouth Bank will officially open its doors to the public Monday.

         Lee Moss, Jack O. Weatherford and Ben Weatherford formed the bank to have deep roots in Rutherford County, said Moss, MidSouth chairman and CEO.

         The bank is opening two locations; one at 1 E. College St. in downtown Murfreesboro, and the other at 201 S. Lowry St. in Smyrna. Grand opening festivities are set for Wednesday at 8:43 a.m.

         In order to attract customers, MidSouth will offer banking specials to customers, Moss said.

         MidSouth offers full banking services, including trust and investment services, treasury management services and Internet banking. A variety of free checking accounts are available, with such options as bill pay, Internet banking and insurance.

         "Our accounts are designed to be focused on the customers' needs," Moss said. MidSouth set a state record for capital raised by a bank before opening, at $30 million.

         The bank surpassed its original goal of reaching $15 to $20 million.

         MidSouth's capital enables the bank to lend $7.5 million to any one company, he said, which is significant for a new bank.

         Moss said the bank was able to accomplish this feat because MidSouth bankers have an average of 22 years experience in Rutherford County. Thus, they are able to publicize and attract local investors. Ninety percent of MidSouth's 1,800 shareholders reside in Rutherford County.

         MidSouth stock is publicly traded but unavailable on any public market, Moss said. Anyone interested in investing in MidSouth can contact the bank to be placed on its waiting list.

         By the end of its first year, MidSouth anticipates having more than $50 million in assets, Moss said. The bank also has a "very aggressive branch expansion initiative in Rutherford County." The plans are to have four locations in Murfreesboro and one in Smyrna within four years.

         "It is our goal that MidSouth remain a Rutherford County-based community bank for the long run," he added.

         The MidSouth board of directors includes: Jimmy Allen, president of Venture Express Inc.; Don Alexander, president of Alexander Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Alexander Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Cadillac; Roseann Barton, principal of Reeves-Rogers Elementary School; Gerald Coggin, corporate vice president for government rehabilitative and investor relations for National Healthcare Corp.; Dan Decker, co-owner/partner of Decker and Belt Co.; Percy E. Dempsey III, CPA and member in charge of consulting services for Dempsey Vantrease & Follis PLLC; and John Floyd, owner and president of Ole South Properties Inc.

         Additional board members are: Don R. Gintzig, CEO and president of Middle Tennessee Medical Center; Frank Johns Jr., owner of Frank Johns Realty Co.; Matt B. Murfree III, senior partner at Murfree, Cope, Hudson & Scarlett Attorneys at Law; Beth O'Brien, managing broker at Coldwell Banker/ Snow and Wall; Bob Parks, owner of Bob Parks Realty; George Smith, physician/partner of Family Health Associates; Greg Waldron, partner/managing member of Waldron Enterprises; Ben Weatherford, MidSouth president; Jack O. Weatherford, MidSouth senior chairman; and Moss.

         For more information about MidSouth Bank, visit www.midsouthbanking.com, or call 615-278-7100.

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