First South Bank announced the opening of a new leasing production office (LPO) by its wholly owned subsidiary, First South Leasing, located in Charlotte, NC.

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. Barrett previously worked 25 years for Springs Leasing 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 NC, SC, VA and MD.

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. Sharon’s previous employer ceased leasing operations at the end of 2013 and we are pleased that she chose to bring her knowledge and expertise to First South Leasing.”