Some bank news along Highway 45 North in Columbus.
First, Trustmark Bank is expanding its Leigh Mall location. Bart Wise, the bank president, told The Dispatch this week the plan is to double the size of the facility, which is located in the mall’s south parking lot.
The facility has not been updated in more than two decades, Wise said. The bank is having the interior and exterior completely overhauled to give it a new, fresh look, Wise said.
The branch employs five people today. When work is complete — Wise said sometime in mid-February — it will employ seven.
The branch will remain open throughout the construction process.
Second, the Cadence Bank location at 1616 Hwy. 45 N. has closed. The bank owns the spot. It is for sale. A Birmingham, Alabama-based real estate representative with the bank said the structure, which was built in 1977, is roughly 2,000 square feet. It is being sold “as is” — furniture included. There are 19 parking spaces on the property. Price tag: $640,000.
Danielle Kernell, a Texas-based marketing communications director with Cadence, gave The Disaptch a statement about the closing.
“Banking is an evolving industry, and the decision to close a branch is never an easy one,” the statement reads. It goes on to say that many customers rely on mobile and online banking to conduct transactions. The bank has invested in those avenues.
“The majority of the branches scheduled to close have Cadence Bank offices nearby where customers can conduct their banking business,” the statement said.
There are Cadence locations on Main Street, Alabama Street and Bluecutt Road.
Moving on.
Lost Pizza Company will open in Columbus in Jackson Square later this month.
Preston Lott, who was part of the duo that opened the first Lost Pizza Company in the Delta in 2007, said the restaurant is slated to open Nov. 17. It will be the 10th Lost Pizza Company restaurant, according to the restaurant’s main website. A Starkville location opened last year.
CJ’s Pizza in Columbus has closed. The restaurant was located in Towne Square along 18th Avenue North. The owner declined to comment.
Lastly, the UPS Store in Columbus has moved, but not very far. The business is now located at 216 Lincoln Rd., directly behind its previous location in Kroger Plaza on Hwy. 45 North.
Browning on Business is a weekly column that runs each Thursday. We want your input. Send items and tips to [email protected] or [email protected].
William Browning was managing editor for The Dispatch until June 2016.
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