TUPELO – It’s a small but growing family.

At least, that’s what officials with Baldwyn-based Farmers and Merchants Bank believes.

The 62-year-old bank opened its first office in the financial hub of Northeast Mississippi on Friday with a six-person office.

“Farmers and Merchants is a family owned business, and we’re here to provide great customer service in the Tupelo market,” said branch manager Bill Almon. “We’ve had great customer response. ... they’ve welcomed us to the community. We think we can make a difference.”

Almon said FMB and its customers will like how they’re treated.

“It’s a very competitive market. But I think what sets us apart is we treat everyone like family – we greet you by name, we know who you are,” he said.

The full-service FMB office offers individual and business loans, mortgages and insurance services.

Among the faces at the office is Prentiss Turner, a 40-year banking veteran. Turner has worked for BancorpSouth and Renasant and joined FMB this year.

Founded in 1941, Farmers and Merchants Bank has more than $212 million in total assets.

Total deposits as of the latest reporting period of June 30, 2012, were about $175 million.

FMB has six offices – its main office in Baldwyn, two in Booneville and one each in Mantachie, Marietta and Mooreville.