People Southern Bank’s office in downtown Clanton is undergoing renovations designed to modernize its interior for its customers and staff members.

“It has been 24 years since our last renovation,” Richard Moore, Peoples president said, explaining the renovations will give the first floor a more open look. “We have removed some of the counters and will replace them with individual workstations,” he said.

A more efficient lighting system is being installed throughout as well as new carpeting, wall paper and paint. Construction is ongoing while the bank is open but Moore said everybody is working in their same offices to make sure customers continue to receive the help they are accustomed to receiving.

“The renovation work will provide additional office space on both levels of the bank including staff training and meeting rooms on the second floor,” Moore said. He said a new conference room, community room and space to be used by bank auditors will be housed on the second floor also.

Renovations at the bank began about a month ago and are expected to be complete by early summer.

Moore said in addition to upgrading the building, the bank continues to upgrade services it provides. “We are a full service bank,” he said, “including internet banking.”

Customers who choose to bank online now have the option to sign up to have the bank notify them via email when their bank statements are ready to be downloaded each month. “Of course the option to download statements monthly is a decision made by the individual customer” Moore said, adding the bank continues to mail statements to customers.

Responding to why the bank elected to renovate at a time when many companies are taking a “wait and see” attitude about the economy, Moore said, “Nationwide the economy is suffering and we are all affected by it. I feel that Alabama’s and Chilton County’s economy is better than most. We will recover from this.”

“Prior to the downturn,” he said, “Chilton County was well situated. Once the recovery takes place Chilton County will again be well situated.”

He said he sees signs that the economy will turn around in the not too distant future. “In the meantime,” he said, “we just have to be patient and continue to work.”

People Southern Bank employs 50 people in its location in downtown office, Thorsby office and its branch bank in South Clanton.