Security Bank steps into the future, honors the past

ABOVE: The sidewalks surrounding Security Bank's newly-renovated main branch reflect the design and detail planned for the revitalization of Downtown Dyersburg. Architects from Askew, Hargraves and Harcourt engineering firm chose these red brick pavers with diamond accents to match features of the Dyer County Courthouse. The bank is the first to implement the new design planned for the sidewalks on Veterans' Square. Dyer County recently received a Downtown Development Grant to begin the first phase of renovations surrounding the Courthouse. [Click to enlarge]

However, a look at the finished product and a walk through the recently restored building reveals a project steeped in history. A project that celebrates the past as it moves confidently into the future.

"We want people to drive by and say 'What a magnificent old building,'" said Security Bank CEO David Hayes. "We want it to be like it has been here for 100 years because (Security Bank) will be here for 100 years. We are solid from a capital position. We have strong earnings and a dedicated staff. We will always have a Security Bank here."

ABOVE: A period photo of the Cordell Hull Hotel, complete with a room key, reminds visitors to Security Bank's lobby of the history of the stately building located in downtown Dyersburg. [Click to enlarge]

The six-story hotel, built in the 1940s, was named for Tennessee politician Cordell Hull. Hull served as the 47th U.S. Secretary of State from 1933 to 1944 under Franklin D. Roosevelt, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945, and was known as "The Father of the United Nations."

A portrait of Hull hangs in the lobby of the bank, on permanent loan from McIver's Grant Pubic Library.

During the dedication, Hayes complimented the many visionaries and workers who made the renovation possible.

"I do believe a good leader just gets out of the way," said Hayes, who recognized bank directors Warren, Nick and Chris Nunn, and Construction Manager Charlie Seaton, who came out of retirement to lead the project.

Chief Investment Officer Nick Nunn and Chief Financial Officer Chris Nunn were on hand to celebrate, as well as Security Bank employees, local leaders, Chamber representatives, area businessmen and residents of the community. A ribbon cutting, flag raising, invocation and official dedication were included in the schedule of events.

United Methodist District Superintendent the Rev. Stan Waldon led the invocation and many community leaders were given the opportunity to add their congratulations to the bank.

"We are really proud of what you are doing in our community," said Dyer County Mayor Richard Hill. "This is a real testament for us to look at and to follow your example. You do lead by example. We are envied by other communities (for the way we work together.) I cannot say enough about what you do for our city and our county."

"Wow, what a beautiful facility," said Dyersburg Mayor John Holden. "And outside, the sidewalk is just a preview of what's to come for Downtown Dyersburg. We are in great times in Dyersburg and we are headed for greater times. I commend you for what you've done. On behalf of the city of Dyersburg, I thank you and I am happy for you."

"You would be hard-pressed to go to any community that is a good place with a good reputation that has a decaying or crumbling downtown," said Dyersburg-Dyer County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Allen Hester, who said that commitment from the private sector as well as governing bodies is essential for downtown revitalization. "We need pioneers, people ready to step out and lead. This is a big, bold step forward, not just for Security Bank, but for Dyersburg and Dyer County and what we believe it could be."

Contributors to the renovation honored by Hayes include:

- Warren Nunn, Nick Nunn, Chris Nunn and the bank's Board of Directors

- Construction Manager Charlie Seaton

- Roy Scobey of Professional Designs

- Universal Contractors

- Legacy Cabinets

- Dick Breedlove

- William Cobb

- Hatch Masonry

- Myers Electrical

- Ford Construction

- Galleria

- Cooper Painting

- Klinkhammer Acoustical

- R&S Carpet

- Floyd Speck

- Jeff Newbill

- Hayes Brothers Communications

- Dyersburg Glass

- Frames, Etc.

- Jackson Iron Works

- Dyersburg Electric

- the city of Dyersburg

- Askew, Hargraves and Harcourt engineering firm

- Mary Beasley, Dottie Jones and Laura Dodson for decorating

- the staff, customers and tenants of the building, who have been patient with the process.