Sometimes you see something really STUPID and you say to yourself “you have got to be kidding me!!!“

Well, late last night we did just that when we were sent the latest development in the First Community Bank Protests in Lexington. (See HERE for backstory.)

CEO & Co-Founder Mike Crapps (HERE) apparently does not like the Lexington County Republican Party (LCRP) demonstrating outside his main branch & corporate headquarters building located at 5455 Sunset Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072 … so he turned the sprinklers on the protesters!!!

Yes … “you have got to be kidding me!!!”

First Community Bank … not your “Hometown” bank!!!

Why is this so shocking?  Well, anyone in business knows you can’t turn your sprinklers on a public sidewalk … especially on a busy 4 lane thoroughfare … and force people into the busy street.  We have not checked the specific traffic statistics for the location, but from what we have seen (and it is like our HQ in Greenville), there must be 30,000 cars a day passing by … and the sidewalk directly abuts the roadway.  It’s DANGEROUS!!!

We can assure you that if their “lawyers” knew what was going on they would have a meltdown!  One problem may be in looking at their bank “Leadership” page (HERE) … it does not appear First Community Bank even have an inhouse General Counsel.  We all joke about lawyers … but they do keep you out of trouble and CEO Mike Crapps & First Community Bank might want to consult with one.

Aside from the “Public Relations” Disaster … this “thuggish” act by the bank is a law school 101 case study on what not to do.  Why?  If anyone get’s hurt or killed … if a car wreck occurs on the wet roadway … who do you think will be paying the price?  First Community Bank?  It’s not complicated.

COMPLAINT FILED!  We have been told that the incident has been reported to the Town of Lexington, including by a constituent directly to Mayor Hazel Livingston (HERE).  This is a pretty standard noncompliance issue.  Another business owner advised they have seen the Town of Lexington intervene with in a similar sprinkler wet sidewalk situation (although there was no apparent bad intent in that case).  It will be interesting what happens next from the Town, and if “politics” plays a part.

MUCH MORE TO COME?:  Yes, stay tuned … we are told more protests are planned … including in other cities across South Carolina.  It is getting interesting, and #SprinklerGate did not win CEO Mike Crapps & First Community Bank any friends in the Grand Old Party (GOP) across the State of South Carolina … and First Community Bank has SCGOP Chairman Drew McKissick to thank for dragging them into it all.

As reported earlier … this is really not a good look for FIRST COMMUNITY BANK!

Bonus:  Stock Price TANKING!

BONUS REPORTING:  What is interesting to us however as financial people, and it may just be coincidence, is that First Community Corporation’s stock price (FCCO) has tanked since this incident began back on December 21st, 2023 … down from $21.10 per share to a $17.57 close yesterday (down 16.7%) … and down another 4.67% in overnight trading.

Yes, it could be a coincidence and there could be other issues at First Community Bank (as the rest of the stock market seems to be doing fine over the same time period) … or maybe it is God’s intervention … but it would seem prudent for CEO Mick Crapps & First Community Bank to address this issue upfront and professionally … as opposed to playing the BULLY and “turning on the sprinklers”.

Stay tuned … 

Background Info:

January 31st, 2024 Article:  HERE

Send us your opinion on this great debate … and how you would like to see it solved … by hitting REPLY or emailing us at team@mySCGOP.com.

HAVE AN OPINION?

Have an opinion? Different or in agreement? About the above or something else? If so, speak up as we want to hear from you! Send your letters to team@mySCGOP.com and we will be happy to share it with our readers. #SaveSouthCarolina!

SUSTAINING & INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS:

Make a Charitable Donation TODAY: HERE