One of the newest companies added to the NASDAQ rang in its debut on the stock market listing. Literally.

Suzanne DeFerie '79 ACC, CEO of ASB Bancorp, Inc., rang the closing bell to end trading Monday. The event marked the company's addition to the exchange back in October. ASB Bancorp is beleived to be the first Asheville-based company to enjoy the honor.

A group of bank management team members and board members visited the NASDAQ Marketsite in New York’s Times Square for the bell ringing and photos. The ASB group gathered around a podium after company President and CEO Suzanne DeFerie delivered brief remarks in which she thanked customers, shareholders and bank employees.

The event, which is choreographed by a professional event planner, is designed to get the company exposure. Some television networks broadcast the bell ringing, including CNBC and Fox Business News, and the company’s logo is shown on NASDAQ’s giant tower outside.

ASB Bancorp Inc. is the holding company for Asheville Savings Bank. She joined the company in 1991 as chief financial officer. She was named CEO in 2008.