Who we are

About BCB

Benchmark Community Bank focuses on serving Southside Virginia and northern North Carolina. Since 1971, Benchmark has been helping area citizens and businesses thrive. We are, always have been, and intend to remain locally owned and operated.

Benchmark is a dynamic, full-service financial institution dedicated to the customers and communities we serve. Our branches are primarily staffed by local residents whose love of hometown mirrors ours.

Members of the Benchmark family are also individuals who pride themselves in giving exceptional service. They love listening and always want to know what other community members are looking for in a financial institution. We gather this information regularly so that we can make the right decisions on new products and services. By right decisions, we mean, of course, what the people in the community want and need.

This year, Benchmark was once again named one of the top community banks in the nation by American Banker magazine. There are approximately 4,700 community banks nationwide. This is just one example of the many times that Benchmark has been recognized for its excellence.

What's our history?

Originally founded as The Lunenburg County Bank, the predecessor to Benchmark Community Bank opened for business on September 8, 1971 in a "doublewide" in Kenbridge, Virginia. From those humble beginnings, Benchmark's leaders have developed a well-regarded institution upon which many Southside Virginians depend for their banking needs. For 49 years now, growth has been strong and steady. The timeline below gives a brief overview of Benchmark's growth:

The Benchmark Timeline

1971  The bank is formed as the Lunenburg County Bank, and the first office is opened in Kenbridge.

1974  The bank is relocated to its current site in Kenbridge and opens a branch in Victoria.

1989  Upon deciding to open branches in Farmville and South Hill, the Lunenburg County Bank is renamed Benchmark Community Bank.

1993 - 2004  Steady expansion increases the bank's reach to Crewe, Lawrenceville, Clarksville, Chase City, Blackstone, and South Boston.

2005 - 2006  A new Operations Center is completed, and the headquarters is renovated.

2007  A new facility is built in South Boston.

2008  A new office is opened in Halifax.

2010  A new facility is built for South Hill (formerly in a business center).

2012  The Lawrenceville branch is renovated.

2013  A new facility is built in Clarksville (formerly in a modular unit).

2014  A loan production office is opened in Wake Forest, NC, the first location outside of Virginia.

2016  A loan production office is opened in Henderson, NC.

           The Kenbridge branch is moved to a newly renovated free-standing building.

           The Victoria and South Hill offices are renovated.

2018  A new office is opened in Emporia, VA.

2019  A new office is opened in Youngsville, NC.

2020  A new facility is built in Henderson, NC (formerly in a business center).

          A new office is opened in Zebulon, NC.

          The downtown Farmville branch is moved to a new location in Midtown Landings.

2022  The Halifax branch is renovated.

          The Emporia branch is moved to a free-standing building.

2023  The Blackstone branch is renovated.

          The Wake Forest branch is moved to a free-standing building at Heritage Station.

Benchmark Today

Since 1971, the bank now known as Benchmark Community Bank has grown to 17 locations spread across 7 Southside Virginia counties, plus small but growing offices in these North Carolina towns: Henderson, Wake Forest, Youngsville, and Zebulon. The headquarters remains in Kenbridge, Virginia.

Benchmark's President/CEO is E. Neil Burke, who has been with the bank since 1999. A native of South Hill, Virginia, Burke previously served as the bank's Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer.

The executive management team is composed of L. Michael Arthur, Jr., Elizabeth T. Beale, LeAnne R. Emert, and Lee Minix. The senior management team serves as the bank's chief officers in their respective departments: Jake Allen, Jennifer M. Clark, Steve Creedle, Rick L. Houser, Nicole Martin, and Curtis Tyndall. The management team works with an active, hands-on board of directors composed of local business owners and leaders or retired professionals.

Benchmark employs over 200 people throughout Southside Virginia and northern North Carolina.

Who's Who

Executive Officers:

E. Neil Burke, President / Chief Executive Officer

Mike Arthur, Executive VP / Chief Administrative Officer

Elizabeth T. Beale, Executive VP / Chief Financial Officer

LeAnne R. Emert, Executive VP / Chief Banking Officer

Lee Minix, Executive VP / Chief Credit Officer

 

Administrative/Operations Team:

Jenny Clark, Senior VP / Chief Human Resources Officer

Steve Creedle, Senior VP / Chief Lending Officer

Nicole Martin, Senior VP / Chief Operations Officer

Jake Allen, Senior VP / Compliance & BSA Officer

Rick Houser, Senior VP / North Carolina Market Executive

Holly McFarland, Senior VP / Regional Manager

Matthew Newton, Senior VP / IT Manager

Curtis Tyndall, Senior VP / Henderson Market Executive

John Webb, Senior VP / Regional Manager

Helen Person, VP / Director of Marketing & Public Relations

 

Board of Directors, Benchmark Bankshares, Inc.:

Ernest R. Lail, Retired Executive - Chairman

Mark F. Bragg, Atlantic Medical, Inc. - Vice-Chair

David K. Biggs, Biggs Construction Co., Inc.

Joel C. Cunningham, Jr., Cunningham Law Group, P.C.

Gregg V. Gordon, Aarons Creek Farms, Inc.

Beth E. Moncure, Blackstone Emporium - Secretary

Michael A. Moss, CMP Professional Land Surveyors

Mark Southall, Creative Electrical Contractors

Clifton Threat, The Bank Restaurant

Ronnie E. Williams, Precision Pipes, Inc.

E. Neil Burke, President / CEO

 

For Newcomers

If you are new to the area or thinking about relocating here, one of the many things you probably need to consider is a new bank. As you compare your options, we encourage you read about our Benchmark for Life concept.

We also invite you to request a Newcomer's Bag.