First South Bank (wholly owned subsidiary of First South Bancorp, Inc.), announced the opening of a new Leasing Production Office ("LPO") by its wholly owned subsidiary, First South Leasing, LLC, located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The LPO opened for business on January 16, 2014 and is First South Leasing's first office in the Charlotte and Mecklenburg County market area.  The focus of the LPO will be on marketing First South Leasing's commercial lease products and services to local businesses and commercial customers.  Sharon Barrett will serve as Leasing Consultant for the new LPO.  Sharon had previously worked 25 years for Springs Leasing Corporation located in Charlotte.  

"The Charlotte LPO will help us continue expanding and serving the needs of our growing North Carolina business and commercial customer base into the Charlotte and Mecklenburg County market area," First South Leasing President Donnie Bunn said. "First South Leasing began doing business in September 2001 and currently engages in leasing activities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland.  The new Charlotte LPO will offer the same hometown atmosphere that our customers have come to expect from First South Leasing, as well as a convenient location, an experienced staff, and a variety of business and commercial leasing products."

First South Bank President Bruce Elder commented, "We are excited about the new LPO and the opportunity to introduce First South Bank to the Charlotte market area. Our in-house equipment leasing offers a business line that distinguishes First South Bank from other community banks in North Carolina."

First South Bank has been serving the citizens of eastern and central North Carolina since 1902 and offers a variety of financial products and services.  In addition to the Leasing Company, securities brokerage services are made available through an affiliation with an independent broker/dealer. First South Bank operates through its main office headquartered in Washington, North Carolina, and has 26 full service branch offices located throughout eastern and central North Carolina.