Let me preface this vent by stating that I have done business with First Virginia since I opened my account in 1985 with a five dollar bill I earned by raking leaves.

Living in Northern Virginia my whole life has been very educational. I attribute that faster-paced lifestyle to my knowledge of marketing, advertising, and business. I feel that I have learned a great deal about what makes a good business. I know what makes them tick. That is why I don't understand the absolute stupidity of the business decisions First Virginia Bank has made.

The name first Virginia gives you a feeling of comfort. "They were here in Virginia first." This is a good, solid bank. No problems will come from something that is time-tested like First Virginia. Right? Wrong. The most obvious problem I have with First Virginia is the name. Allow me to explain.

I went into the First Virginia to withdrawl $200 for personal use. The ladies, nice as they were, informed me that I cannot withdrawal money from my account. I smiled, hoping they were joking, but quickly realized that they were not. "Where was your account started?" they asked me. "Up home, in Northern Virginia." "Oh. That's why. You can't withdrawal money down here because this is Southwest Virginia." I gave it some thought. A smirk came across my face. (I imagine Marcellus Wallace had the same expression in Pulp Fiction as he was being bent over the table in Zed's basement.) "So, this is First Virginia, but you don't associate with Northern Virginia, huh?" "Yes, that's correct. This is Southwest Virginia, so we do not communicate with that region."

"It would make too much sense for First Virginia to serve all of VIRGINIA, now wouldn't it?" I asked, very politely, but with obvious sarcasm. They couldn't do much more than shrug their shoulders at me.

Had the thought not occurred to them that the computer system they use in Radford could, with a tiny bit of effort, communicate with those in Northen Virginia? Were they so stupid they did not even realize that Northen Virginia is not a different state from Virginia? I couldn't believe it. I was so pissed off.

What the hell kind of business in these global expansionist times we live in can survive if it is not even unified within the same friggin' state? I could understand if First Virginia couldn't work with Crestar. I could understand if First Virginia couldn't talk with First Bank of Oklahoma. But transactions between one region of the state to another cause that much difficulty? Good Golly, Miss Molly. What a bunch of crap!

They need to get off their asses and spend a little time, money, and research. Maybe then, First "Virginia" will realize that this is the 90's, and the 50's are over with. Only then will they enter our age of technology. The technology is out there. You aren't reading this article on paper, ya know!?!? Computers are a free medium!!! Don't even get me started about ATM fees!