July 21, 2022

Durant alum comes home and buys local pizza restaurant

By Joey McWilliams Durant has a way of bringing people back home. Being back in the area is the reason Holden and Elizabeth Wright have returned […]
July 15, 2022

First United named to Forbes America’s Best Banks in Each State 2022 list

First United First United Bank announced that it has been named to Forbes’ 2022 ranking of America’s Best Banks.  The distinction is based on customer feedback and First United is one of only 133 banks in the United  States to be recognized, as well as one of only five banks in Texas to make the list, which includes a  total of 4,839 regional and community banks from around the nation.     “We are extremely honored to be included among the best banks in America, and it is made even more  special because the recognition is based on our customers’ experiences with us, as well as their trust and  confidence in our organization,” Greg Massey, CEO of First United said.     In collaboration with market research firm, Statista, Forbes surveyed more than 26,000 customers across  the nation to identify the best banks in America. Survey participants rated banks on overall customer  satisfaction, how likely they were to recommend the bank, and various facets of relationship, including  trust, branch and digital services, customer service, and financial advice.      “I am incredibly proud of our high-performing employees. This ranking emphasizes their commitment  to living our values and our desire to inspire and empower others to Spend Life Wisely. This is what  makes our organization so remarkable,” stated Massey.      First United’s purpose is to inspire and empower others to Spend Life Wisely, which includes a holistic  approach to life that encompasses financial well-being, faith, health and wellness, and personal growth.  The organization takes pride in its values of faith, family, integrity, high-performance teams, lifelong  learning, relationships and communities, and doing what is right for its employees, customers, and the  communities.     […]
July 9, 2022

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma recognizes 12 small businesses with Chahtapreneur Awards

Choctaw Nation Michelle Weaver DURANT – On June 9, Choctaw Nation’s Small Business Development Department held their annual Chahtapreneur Award Ceremony at Choctaw Casino & Resort […]
July 9, 2022

Layna Dupuis promoted at First United

Release DURANT – Layna Dupuis, former Vice President, Director of Customer Care, was promoted to Senior Vice President, Director of Retail Banking. Since joining First United in 2008, Layna has served the organization in several customer-serving leadership roles such as Operations Manager, Financial Center Manager, Regional Retail Manager, and most recently the Director of Customer Care. “At the time I began working for First United I didn’t know that I would make a career in the industry,” Dupuis said “However, after joining the bank I knew this was not only my career but my calling. The best part of my job is working alongside incredibly talented individuals who are focused on serving customers and communities, as well as getting to help others find their calling just as I did here at First United.”    In her new role, Dupuis will lead the Community Bank Retail Banking and Retail Empowerment teams. She will also continue to lead Customer Care, with a focus on building the digital banking experience for the bank’s customers.  “With her love for the communities we serve and the teams of people she works with, I am excited to see Layna promoted into this role. Layne is dedicated and driven, this promotion is well deserved and recognizes the contributions she has made to our organization,” Greg Massey, CEO of First United Bank said. First United’s purpose is to inspire and empower others to Spend Life Wisely, which includes a holistic approach to life that encompasses financial well-being, faith, health and wellness, and personal growth.
June 25, 2022

Chamber welcomes Twice Bak’d Bistro with ribbon cutting

DURANT – The Durant Area Chamber of Commerce recognized another member with a ribbon cutting in June. Twice Bak’d Bistro is a new member and in […]
June 19, 2022

Why you shouldn’t hire a document when what you need is a team

Express Employment Professionals A CV tells a hiring manager a few distinct things about a potential candidate. With a CV, you can tell where a person worked before […]
May 15, 2022

Caked Up provides more seating inside with expansion

By Joey McWilliams DURANT – One of downtown Durant’s growing businesses has made improvements to its facility to make for a more spacious dine-in experience. Caked […]
May 6, 2022

Chamber of Commerce welcomes Ooh-La-La Glam Studio with ribbon cutting

DURANT – Another new business was officially welcomed into the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce this week with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Ooh La La Glam […]
May 5, 2022

AllianceHealth Durant and Madill Pathways benefits help employees pay down student loans

Release DURANT – Employees of AllianceHealth Durant are now eligible for new and enhanced benefits designed as pathways to help them eliminate existing student debt faster, […]