Forty years ago when Tommy Moore first started at the Bank of Currituck, most of the bank's customers were farmers.

"We were kind of known as an agriculture bank back in that day," said Moore, 66.

But much has changed since then, explained Moore, who in December retired as the bank's president and CEO after 40 years with the bank's management.

Over the years Currituck County and parts of neighboring southeast Virginia grew quickly. The bank's customer base also grew, and eventually the bank opened new branches throughout Currituck, as well as in Dare County. As the population in Currituck continued to increase, so did the demand for banking services. This led to more banks opening in the area, and because of that competition, the Bank of Currituck has fewer Virginia customers than it use to, Moore said.

In addition to the changes brought on by growth, Moore also witnessed changes that affected the way banks do business.

"There have been numerous changes, especially in the regulatory environment," Moore said.

Government regulations added the Truth in Lending Act — specific information that must be disclosed in loans — and established "Regulation C," which implemented the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. Moore said while he agreed with many of the changes, there were some he didn't favor.

"Well, some of the regulations have been good," he said. "A lot of them have been very costly and burdensome ...There are a number things that I think don't have banks on a level playing field with other financial institutions such as credit unions."

Moore said that overall he believed his foremost challenge as a banker was diversifying the bank's interests from mostly agriculture to other fields. Despite the challenges, his 40 years in the banking business was a career he found both enjoyable and satisfying.

"I think that's been very challenging and very rewarding," Moore said.

Moore grew up in Washington and when he started at the bank in 1967 he didn't think he would be there throughout his career.

"When I first came with the bank, I really didn't think I would stay with the area that long," he said.

Though he did have opportunities to leave, he chose to stay because of the area's close proximity to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.

Moore said he envisions the Bank of Currituck's role in the future as continuing to expand into new service areas. He will remain as a consultant to the bank, as well as chairman of the bank's board.

According to a news release from the Bank of Currituck, the bank's new president and CEO is Matthew A.R. Converse, who has 20 years experience in the banking

industry.