United Bank recently announced it is preparing for a historic milestone Jan. 4, 2014, when it will celebrate its 110-year anniversary, according to a United Bank press release.

Founded in 1904 as The Bank of Atmore, the bank later changed its name as it expanded.

“After 110 years, our mission lives remains to provide strength through service excellence,” said Bob Jones, United Bank president and CEO. “Through two World Wars, the Great Depression and countless economic and political events that have shaped our region, United Bank has endured.

“I am proud of the foundation built by those before us and that we continue that legacy today.”

To celebrate its 110th anniversary, United Bank will host a bank-wide “birthday party” Friday, Jan. 3, and will serve hot dogs, Dr Pepper and cake from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at each branch location.

“The hot dog and Dr Pepper were both introduced at the World’s Fair in 1904, so we felt it was only fitting to serve them as part of our celebration,” Jones said. “It’s our way of saying thanks to our customers who’ve been with us for decades and to those who are just discovering how being United has its advantages.”

When it opened in 1904, The Bank of Atmore had capital stock of $15,000 and, by October 1904, the bank enjoyed assets totaling $44,668. From then to the 1960s and 1970s, the bank expanded its Atmore office more than once and opened its Flomaton branch. Total assets at that time were $45.7 million.

The 1980s saw the creation of United Bancorporation of Alabama, Inc., and, with its expansion to Frisco City and Monroeville, the new United Bank brand. New technologies such as ATMs and 24-hour phone service were launched in the 1980s, followed by expansion to Foley, Lillian and Bay Minette in the 1990s.

United Bank began the 21st Century with continued growth by opening full service branches in Silverhill, Magnolia Springs, Summerdale, and a second office in Bay Minette. The bank began its Florida operations with full service branching in Jay and Milton. The Business Banking Center was opened in Loxley in 2006, followed by branches in Pace, Fla., and then Spanish Fort and Loxley. Today, United Bank enjoys assets of $480 million.