FNB Corp. said Friday it has begun a "rebranding" campaign for its Metropolitan National Bank affiliate headquartered in Youngstown.

Established in 1922, Metropolitan has 12 offices serving Mahoning, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties in Ohio.

President and chief executive officer of Metropolitan, Gary L. Roberts will remain in an executive capacity with First National Bank once the consolidation is completed.

Roberts noted that no frontline positions will be affected by the rebranding. "Customers will receive the same superior level of service that they have come to enjoy from our staff of friendly, knowledgeable bankers," he said. "Furthermore, our experienced commercial lending team will remain intact, providing the same personalized service to their clients."

The First National Bank brand will be depicted in each local market by FNB's new red, white and blue logo depicting a handshake and the American flag.

Signs bearing the new logo will be erected at all existing banking locations prior to year end. A similar rollout is currently taking place for FNB's community banking affiliates in Pennsylvania and Florida and should be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2002.

FNB is a $6.8 billion diversified financial services company headquartered in Naples, Fla.