The bank’s multi-part mission is to safe keep depositors’ money, provide all legitimate financial services to the community consistent with bank resources, furnish employees with competitive salaries and a pleasant working environment, and earn a proper return for shareholders. For nearly a century our commitment to the mission has served our customers, our employees, our communities, and our shareholders well. First National's commitment to safe, sound management of your money is not simply a response to a troubled economy. It is the cornerstone of our mission to: safekeeping our depositors' money, provide all legitimate banking services to the community, consistent with our resources, furnish our employees with competitive salaries and a pleasant work environment, and earn a proper return for the stockholders. 1922 - Gold Nuggets & Animal Pelts Candymaker Winfield Ervin founds First National at the corner of 4th and G streets, in Anchorage. The bank has 500 shares of stock, a single employee, and a vault filled with gold nuggets and untanned animal pelts. 1923 - The Alaska Railroad As the Alaska Railroad begins operation, contractors and employees turn to the bank for safety and security. 1943 - Payroll for Troops First National supplies payroll to troops stationed in Alaska. 1959 - Alaska Achieves Statehood Alaska finally achieves statehood, and the bank opens its Northern Lights Branch, the first Alaska bank branch located in a major shopping center. The following year First National would open Alaska’s first drive-through bank and become the first Alaska bank to computerize its operations. 1964 - Good Friday Earthquake After the catastrophic Good Friday earthquake, First National puts additional funds into the reconstruction of quake areas across the state. Bank President D.H. Cuddy announces new building project to demonstrate confidence in Alaska. 1967 - Flood Reconstruction First National serves as a catalyst for reconstruction following the Fairbanks flood of 1967. 1989-1999 - Expansion During Recession While the mid-80s recession forces some banks to close, First National, ranked among the nation’s top 10 performing banks, expands. Two new buildings are constructed in Anchorage: the Corporate Headquarters and the Service Center. The existing Data Center is also extensively remodeled. 2000-2010 - Online Banking Services First National Bank Alaska invests in technology, offering online banking services for consumers and businesses. The bank continues to grow, adding branches in Glennallen and Healy and a third in Fairbanks, the Johansen Branch. A new building for the Dimond Branch in South Anchorage is completed. 2011-Today - Best Place to Work Increased investment in e-services and technology enhancements continues throughout the decade, including mobile and enhanced online banking, giving customers greater security and convenience. Opening the North Star and U-Med branches in Anchorage and building a new Juneau Regional Branch reaffirms the bank’s commitment to providing convenience, service, and value to Alaskans statewide. In 2019, Alaska Business readers voted the bank the “Best of Alaska Business” in the Best Place to Work category for the fourth year in a row, and American Banker recognized First National as a “Best Bank to Work For” for the second year in a row. The same year, Anchorage Daily News readers voted the bank one of the state’s top three financial institutions in the ADN “Best of Alaska” Awards. In 2018, MSN.com named First National the most admired company in the state and the bank received the Rita Sholton Large Business of the Year Award from the Alaska Chamber.