First Horizon bank closing in July; accounts to be maintained in Southern Pines

ROCKINGHAM — The First Horizon banking center in downtown Rockingham will be permanently closing its doors on Wednesday, July 21.

“We’ve seen a huge decline in client transactions at the banking center,” said Beth Ardoin, senior executive vice president and chief communications officer for First Horizon National Corporation.

Around 5o First Horizon branches will be closing nationwide, along with the at 202 East Washington St. location. Ardoin said the branch closure is part of a national repositioning that was accelerated by the pandemic.

From March 2020 to March of this year, physical transactions have been down 20%, while remote transactions have been up 45%.

Ardoin clarified that associates have been invited to apply for positions at other locations as well as jobs that can be done remotely. Staff was notified of the closure within the last few weeks.

“We regret that they are closing and the city will work with the owners to find a new tenant,” said Rockingham City Manager Monty Crump in a text.

Wayne Barker, a long-time First Horizon customer, has been utilizing the bank since he started his business, Chair Specialists Inc. more than 20 years ago. Barker was plant and general manager of Chair Specialists.

“I’ve always been pleased with their service,” Barker said. “They told me they don’t have enough clientele.”

All accounts will be automatically maintained at the First Horizon banking center at 495 Pinehurst Avenue in Southern Pines, according to a flyer outside of the building.

Comments regarding the closing of the Rockingham center can be made in writing to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, P.O. Box 442, St. Louis, Missouri 63166-0442.