Peoples Bank of East Tennessee is now People First Bank.

A new name. A new logo. The same commitment. 

Beginning October 5, 2026, Peoples Bank of East Tennessee will become People First Bank. This is a rebrand only. Our name and logo are changing, but our people, values, ownership, service, locations, and commitment to community banking are not. You will continue to see the same familiar faces and receive the same local service you know and trust. 

Why we are changing our name: 

As our bank continues to grow, we are also growing into new communities beyond East Tennessee, including North Georgia. One of the challenges we face in those markets is having “of East Tennessee” at the end of our name. 
While Peoples Bank of East Tennessee will always be an important part of our story, the name no longer fully reflects the reach of the communities we serve or the direction we are moving. 
People First Bank gives us room for the future while keeping the focus where it has always been: on people. 

FAQ 

1. Why change our name?  Since opening the bank in 1997 as Peoples Bank of Monroe County with offices in Madisonville and Tellico Plains, the bank has continued expanding its network of branches. To accommodate expansion into neighboring counties, the bank formally changed its name to Peoples Bank of East Tennessee in 2004. Since acquiring Appalachian Community Bank, FSB (headquartered in Georgia) in 2010 and, most recently expanding further into North Georgia in 2025, the geographic limit of “East Tennessee” no longer accurately reflects the broad footprint of communities served by the bank. Removing the geographic limitations in our name will allow us to better connect with each community in which we serve. 
2. Why “People First Bank”?  What better name to describe the mission of our bank – People First Bank. As a community bank that takes pride in serving others, we have always put people first – our employees, customers and shareholders. The mission we have had since day one is now reflected in our name where we have always put people first. 
3. Why not drop “of East Tennessee” and be “Peoples Bank”? There are 90 other banks in the country that have “Peoples Bank” in their name. Approval to become “Peoples Bank” cannot be obtained. 
4. Has the bank been sold? No. This is a rebrand only. We have not been sold or bought out as part of this name change. Our ownership, leadership, employees, values, and commitment to community banking remain the same. 
5. Will the same employees still be here? Yes. Customers will continue to see the same familiar team members and receive the same local service they know and trust. 
6. Will my checks, debit card, online banking, or mobile banking change? No, everything will function normally.  You can continue to use any check, debit card, cashier check, etc. that has Peoples Bank of East Tennessee on it. In a few months you will see a refreshed website and online banking app with the new People First Bank name and logo. More details will come as we near those launch dates.  
7. Will branch locations or hours change? No branch location or hour changes are being announced as part of this rebrand. Customers can continue banking with their local branch team as usual. 
8. Will I see both names during the transition? Yes. During the transition, customers may see both Peoples Bank of East Tennessee and People First Bank on signage, materials, digital channels, and customer communications. This is expected as updates happen in phases. 
9. What does this mean for customers? It means a new name and logo, but the same ownership, same people, and same local commitment. Customers can continue banking with confidence, knowing the familiar team they trust is still here to serve them. 
10. Where can I learn more? Additional updates will be shared through our website, branches, email communications, digital banking channels, and social media as we move through the transition.