General Assembly Session Update
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The 2026 legislative session continued this week, with what has felt like a noticeably slower start than in years past. That began to change midweek, as a full committee calendar and a surge of new legislation signaled growing momentum. On Wednesday alone, lawmakers introduced 132 new bills and resolutions.
The flood of legislation wasn’t the only headline under the Gold Dome as House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) Wednesday unveiled the Georgia HOME Act, a proposal aimed at eliminating property taxes on homesteads by 2032. Speaker Burns shared more about the proposal during the GBA Legislative & Economic Forum. HR 1114 by Rep. Shaw Blackmon (R-Bonaire) proposes a constitutional amendment, meaning it would require a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate, followed by approval from voters in a statewide referendum.
In other news, the first meeting of the House Banks & Banking Committee was rescheduled due to inclement weather earlier in the week and will now be held on Monday at 8 a.m. The agenda includes the Banking Department’s Housekeeping Bill HB 945 by Rep. Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe) and HB 934 by Rep. Noel Williams (R-Cordele), which transfers regulation of securities and commodities from the Secretary of State to the Department of Banking and Finance. The General Assembly adjourned for the week on Thursday. We will publish our full Legislative Update on Friday.
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Loudermilk's CTR/SAR Regulatory Relief Bill Advances
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We appreciate U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA11) for introducing The Financial Reporting Threshold Modernization Act (HR 1799), which would raise the CTR reporting threshold from $10,000 to $30,000 and index the revised threshold to inflation every five years. The legislation would also raise certain SAR thresholds from $5,000 to $10,000. The House Financial Services committee voted 30-24 to advance the legislation last week. We support the bill, as do all the other major state bankers associations and ABA. Read our letter here.
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Keep up Pressure to Close GENIUS Act Loophole to Protect Deposits
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As we flagged in recent Bulletins, continued member advocacy is needed to close a loophole in the Senate’s GENIUS Act that threatens bank deposits and local lending. While the bill correctly prohibits stablecoin issuers from offering interest, it does not clearly apply that ban to crypto exchanges and third-party affiliates — allowing the industry to offer yield and undercut insured banks. GBA has joined the American Bankers Association and 51 state bankers associations in urging senators to clarify the law. Contact Sens. Ossoff and Warnock here.
Why it matters in Georgia: Treasury Department and ABA analysis estimates billions in potential deposit outflows from Georgia banks if the loophole remains — putting community bank lending to consumers and small businesses at risk. Here’s a snapshot of the possible Georgia impacts.
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Premier Advocacy Event Draws Record Attendance
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A capacity crowd attended the Georgia Bankers Association’s Legislative and Economic Forum and Legislative Reception on Wednesday in Atlanta. As GBA’s largest single-day advocacy event, the forum marks the start of our annual efforts to keep members informed about critical banking and public policy issues.
Event highlights included:
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Legislative & Political Update: A fireside chat with political radio and podcast host Ben Burnett and GBA’s Bo Brannen examining the political and legislative forces shaping the state and banking industry.
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State of Georgia Banking: Commissioner Oscar “Bo” Fears provided an overview of Georgia’s regulatory environment and economic conditions.
- Economic Outlook: Dr. Roger Tutterow delivered an in-depth analysis of key economic trends and the outlook ahead.
Attendees also heard remarks on banking and business priorities at the General Assembly from Speaker of the House Jon Burns (R-Newington), Senate President Pro Tem Larry Walker (R–Perry), and Lt. Governor candidate and former State Senator John Kennedy.
The Legislative Reception that followed offered members the opportunity to engage directly with elected officials and discuss state and local issues in a collaborative setting.
A huge thank you to our event sponsors for their support!
- Platinum Sponsors: Burke Stelling Group, FHLBank Atlanta and Olsen Palmer.
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Silver Sponsors: Centrant Community Capital; CRS Data; EBS Strategies; McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co.; Point to Point Environmental; and ServisFirst Bank.
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New Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks Linked to First State Bank
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First State Bank in Wrens is alerting GBA members to a new wave of fraudulent cashier’s checks being presented for payment. While the bank has previously reported counterfeit activity tied to its cashier’s check account, these items differ in appearance from earlier incidents. The checks feature a different design, include two signatures, and contain check numbers outside the range currently being issued by the bank, indicating a possible evolving scheme. See examples here.
Member banks are encouraged to share this information internally and closely review any cashier’s checks drawn on First State Bank. With questions or to report similar activity, contact Jenn Davis, BSA/compliance associate, at jdavis@firstate.net.
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Brad Serff and Luke Flatt
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Brad Serff Named Facilitator for GBA Finance/Operations and Leadership Roundtables
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GBA is pleased to announce that Brad Serff will serve as facilitator for both the Finance and Operations Roundtables and the Leadership Roundtables, building on the strong foundation of peer-driven discussion these groups provide to Georgia bankers.
A Georgia banker since 1988, he has served as president and/or CEO of three banks across multiple markets, including as founding CEO and a director of Providence Bank in Alpharetta. His experience spans community banking leadership, strategic financial management and operational oversight. Brad is retiring at the end of this month from his role as regional president for Georgia and North Florida at Renasant Bank, so this is good timing for him to step into an ongoing leadership role for further developing bankers.
“Given the breadth and importance of the finance and operations discussions, it was essential to find someone with deep experience, credibility and a collaborative leadership style,” said Tripp Cofield, GBA president and CEO. “Brad is an outstanding fit. He understands the issues Georgia banks face and brings a practical, peer-driven approach that aligns well with the purpose of these roundtables.” Read more about Brad here.
Brad also succeeds Luke Flatt as facilitator of the Leadership Roundtables. Luke recently shared that he is stepping away from the role after a rewarding year of leading the roundtables. “Luke’s service to this group, the association and Georgia banking more broadly has been significant,” Cofield said. “We are grateful for the leadership, care and insight he brought to the Leadership Roundtables and the strong foundation he helped build.”
With questions about the Roundtable programs or to inquire about possible open spots for participation, contact Kathy Friestad or David Oliver.
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Leadership GBA Board Meets to Shape Future Programs
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Our member-driven Leadership GBA Board gathered Thursday to discuss upcoming initiatives and plan for the 2026 Leadership Conference. Look for details about the Leadership Conference agenda soon. The meeting, led by committee Chair Robert Duvall, Bank of Madison, focused on enhancing GBA's leadership development programs and supporting the growth of emerging leaders in Georgia’s banking industry. Board members shared insights gained from recent GBA advocacy events, economic and business conditions in their markets, and explored new ways to foster engagement with upcoming GBA programs. Here are some key upcoming events sponsored by the Leadership GBA. Thanks to our Associate Member Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough for hosting the meeting at its Atlanta offices.
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From the Parking Lot to the C-Suite: Chris Acker on Service
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A service-first mindset has guided Chris Acker throughout his banking career. Acker is proposed executive vice president and chief operating officer at First City Bank, I.O., in Alpharetta and serves on the GBA Security Committee.
His first job as a bag boy at Kroger taught a lesson that still shapes his approach today.
“Being kind and helpful is free, and is usually returned the same,” he said.
Mentors later reinforced that message with practical advice: show up early, be helpful and opportunities will follow.
That philosophy plays out daily in community banking. Whether helping a customer open an account or lending a hand in the parking lot to change a tire, Acker sees service as central to the role. “As a community bank, you service your customers,” he said. “Sometimes that means saving them a tow truck call.”
Read more in Acker's GBA Member Profile.
Related: The GBA Security Committee looks forward to welcoming their peers from around the state at this year's GBA Security Conference, April 13-15 at the Westin Jekyll Island. Get more details and register here.
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Welcome GBA's Newest Associate Members
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GBA Associate Membership is offered to individuals and organizations that want to do more business with banks as clients. These members also provide invaluable support to GBA's activities and programs throughout the year through attendance, sponsorships, exhibits and shared expertise. Be sure to get to know them and thank them for supporting the GBA.
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A1 Air and Sea Recovery
Mr. Thomas White, twwhitebonding@gmail.com
Carrollton, GA
www.a1airandsearecovery.com/asset-recovery
A1 Air & Sea Recovery brings decades of specialized experience in asset recovery and legal procedures. Founded by individuals with deep law-enforcement and bail-bonding backgrounds, the firm excels at locating and legally recovering high-value assets. Known for accessibility and fast response, A1 integrates investigation, legal coordination, and recovery execution into a seamless, compliant process that delivers dependable results.
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Baker Tilly
Mr. Joe Donnelly, joe.donnelly@bakertilly.com
Chicago, IL
www.bakertilly.com
Baker Tilly is a leading advisory, tax, and assurance firm, providing clients with a genuine advantage in major U.S. regions and key global financial centers. The firm leads with purpose and is committed to walking alongside clients every step of the way, offering strategic guidance and support tailored to their evolving needs.
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| Berman Fink Van Horn P.C.
Mr. Charles Van Horn, cvanhorn@bfvlaw.com
Atlanta, GA
www.bfvlaw.com
Berman Fink Van Horn provides creative and collaborative solutions to legal matters affecting businesses at every stage, from inception to exit. Whatever the legal issue, the firm’s team works to protect and grow each client’s business as if it were its own.
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| BOLI Portfolio Strategies
Mr. Paul Thornton, paul@bpscynergy.com
Woodstock, GA
www.bpscynergy.com
The firm provides implementation and service of executive non-qualified benefits and Bank-Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) assets.
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Cornerstone Advisors
Ms. Kristie Peterson, kpeterson@crnrstone.com
Scottsdale, AZ
www.crnrstone.com
Cornerstone Advisors helps banks improve performance through data-driven consulting, technology strategy, and vendor contract negotiations. With over 20 years of experience, Cornerstone combines deep financial industry expertise, proprietary data, and bold insights to guide institutions in achieving strategic growth, optimizing operations, and navigating an increasingly complex banking and technology landscape.
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| Directlink
Mr. Chris Catanzarite, chris@directlink.ai
Liverpool, NY
www.directlink.ai
Directlink helps community banks serve customers faster, smarter, and more securely across every trusted channel. From AI-powered voice banking to governed internal knowledge and intelligent conversion experiences, the company delivers reliable, compliant conversations banks can stand behind.
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| Farmer Mac
Mr. Connor Poteet, cpoteet@farmermac.com
Washington DC
www.farmermac.com
Farmer Mac’s mission is to increase the accessibility of financing to provide vital liquidity for American agriculture and rural infrastructure. Serving as a secondary market for agricultural and rural infrastructure credit, Farmer Mac offers a wide range of solutions to support financial institutions’ growth, liquidity, and risk management needs across diverse markets, including agriculture, agribusiness, power and utilities, and broadband infrastructure.
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HHM, CPAs
Mr. Jim Vaughn, jvaughn@hhmcpas.com
Chattanooga, TN
www.hhmcpas.com
HHM CPAs is a full-service accounting firm with decades of experience serving businesses and individuals. Their team provides tax, audit, advisory, valuation, wealth management, and forensic services. Known for their integrity and personalized client relationships, HHM CPAs is committed to delivering trusted financial guidance and building long-term partnerships that support growth, compliance, and financial clarity.
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Kristopher James Company
Ms. Cynthia Glover, cglover@kristopherjamescompany.com
Carrollton, TX
www.kristopherjamescompany.com
Kristopher James Company helps financial institutions reduce costs and improve efficiency through tailored solutions in expense management, marketing programs, and operational supplies. As the preferred provider of forms and supplies for Jack Henry™, with expertise across core systems, the company streamlines printing, inventory automation, and fulfillment while delivering guaranteed savings and consistent supply-chain value.
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| LemonadeLXP
Ms. Hawley Kane, hkane@lemonadelxp.com
Ottawa, ON
www.lemonadelxp.com
LemonadeLXP is an all-in-one learning and knowledge platform for community banks. It powers staff training, frontline enablement, and customer education through engaging, interactive learning experiences to drive growth across every channel.
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| Lumio Solutions
Mr. Brad Miller, bmiller@lumiosolutions.io
Glen Allen, VA
www.lumiosolutions.io
Lumio unifies financial, risk, and operational data into forward-looking intelligence for community banks. Its configurable, expert-led platform helps bank leaders see clearly, act confidently, and grow intentionally—turning complex data into actionable insights that improve performance, strengthen risk management, and support smarter strategic decisions across the institution.
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| Merit Financial Advisors
Ms. Jooliana Krummel, jkrummel@meritfa.com
Alpharetta, GA
www.meritfinancialadvisors.com
Merit Financial Advisors helps banks drive new revenue and strengthen client loyalty through a scalable Non-Deposit Investment Program (NDIP). Their revenue-sharing model supports high-net-worth clients while boosting long-term growth. Merit provides compliant investment solutions, advisor support, and marketing enablement, enabling community and regional banks to retain deposits, diversify non-interest income, and deepen client relationships.
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Miller & Martin PLLC
Mr. Kevin P. Abernathy, kevin.abernethy@millermartin.com
Atlanta, GA
www.millermartin.com
Miller & Martin is a strategic legal advisor serving the financial services sector. The firm delivers counsel on compliance, mergers, capital formation, risk mitigation and transactional matters, helping banking clients navigate regulatory frameworks and pursue growth with tailored, experienced legal support.
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| NBID
Mr. Tony Karalekas, tony@nbid.com
New York, NY
www.nbid.com
National Bank InterDeposit Company (NBID) is a reciprocal deposit network. Member institutions can leverage NBID’s deposit network to offer access to millions in aggregate insurance across network banks to attract large-value depositors, retain key relationships, and grow new business lines. All participating depository institutions receive a membership interest in NBID.
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| SYBA Security
Ms. Brigitte Vantieghem, brigittev@syba.io
Alpharetta, GA
www.syba.io
SYBA provides the first personal cybersecurity insurance designed for bank customers and employees, offering coverage for financial fraud, ransomware, identity theft, account takeover, phishing, and cyberbullying. Its app combines device protection with a 24/7 white-glove incident response center and up to $5 million in Personal Cyber Insurance underwritten by Lloyd’s of London and Chubb. SYBA helps reduce fraud, build loyalty, and protect households everywhere.
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WH Bass
Mr. Chris Warren, cwarren@whbass.com
Duluth, GA
www.whbass.com
A general contractor based in Johns Creek, GA, the company has been in business since 1984. Throughout its history, it has completed more than 400 bank projects, primarily ground-up constructions, with a specialization in community and regional banks.
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Registration Now Open for Compliance Peer Group Meeting
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Registration is now open for the GBA Compliance Peer Group Meeting on March 11 at the Methodist Home for Children & Youth in Macon. This highly interactive, banker-led session brings together compliance professionals from across Georgia for candid, peer-to-peer discussions on current compliance challenges, emerging regulatory concerns, and practical solutions being implemented in banks today. Moderated by Beth Hamilton, GBA’s Compliance Committee Chair and VP, compliance officer at First National Bank, Bainbridge, the meeting is entirely peer-driven, with participants submitting hot topics during registration to help shape the conversation. Designed for bank compliance officers, compliance personnel, and anyone with compliance responsibilities, this meeting offers practical insights, best practices and valuable networking opportunities.
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Last Call for GBA Seminars: IRA Academy and Call Report
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Your roadmap to IRA mastery is here! The GBA IRA Academy set for Feb. 3-5 at Middle Georgia State University in Macon delivers three stand-alone, workshop-style days. Attend one, two or all three depending on your training needs.
- Day 1: IRA Basics – Build a solid foundation in IRA setup, contributions, distributions, transfers & rollovers.
- Day 2: Advanced IRAs – Dive into inherited IRAs, conversions, recharacterizations & qualified charitable distributions.
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Day 3: Ops, Admin & Reporting – Focus on compliance, reporting, error correction & transaction accuracy.
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Stay confident, accurate and audit-ready by attending GBA’s next Call Report Seminar Feb. 3 at Middle Georgia State University in Macon. Join your peers for a detailed, line-by-line review of commonly completed Call Report schedules, with expert tips for accurately reporting individual items. Led by industry-respected professionals from Mauldin & Jenkins, Michael Gordon, CPA, partner, and Nicole Cunningham, CPA, partner, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how schedules connect, how to spot inconsistencies and how to avoid the most common and costly reporting errors. This seminar is ideal for CFOs, controllers, operations officers and anyone responsible for Call Report preparation or review.
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Business Cash Flow Analysis Seminar at Two Locations for Your Convenience
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Boost your lending confidence with this hands-on seminar designed to sharpen your cash flow analysis skills and enhance your lending performance. Led by Peter Faser, business strategy advisor with The Profitability Coach and chairman of the Georgia Banking School Board of Directors, this full-day program gives you practical tools to assess business repayment capacity and make more confident credit decisions.
Through a mix of lecture and interactive casework, you’ll learn how to:
- Identify key financial trends and cash flow drivers
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Analyze operating cycles and business performance
- Apply a four-step process to evaluate loan requests effectively.
Whether you’re a small business lender, commercial lender, or credit analyst, you’ll leave with actionable insights to strengthen your underwriting and credit analysis.
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Canton – Click here to register.
Feb. 24, 2026 | Cherokee Conference Center at The Bluffs -
Tifton – Click here to register.
March 12, 2026 | Georgia Chamber of Commerce – Center for Rural Prosperity
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| More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up
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Breaking into Banking 101: Fundamentals of Commercial Lending - Feb. 25, Zoom Webinar
- Breaking into Banking 201: Analyzing Repayment Sources - March 25, Zoom Webinar
HR Professionals Institute - March 25-27, The DeSoto, Savannah
Marketing Conference & Customer Insights Workshop - March 25-27, The DeSoto, Savannah
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Bank Security Conference - April 13-15, The Westin Jekyll Island
Georgia Banking School - April 26 - May 1, University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
GBA Compliance School - April 26 - May 1, University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
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ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING
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ACH Basics, Secrets of Being a Great Call Center Agent and More
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Take a look at online training opportunities available to GBA members from OnCourse Learning and the American Bankers Association:
Self-paced courses and reference guides:
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PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
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STRATEGIC PARTNER INTRAFI
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Webinar: Strengthen Your Balance Sheet with GBA-Endorsed IntraFi Services
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Join GBA Strategic Partner IntraFi Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. to learn how banks can use IntraFi solutions to manage large deposits, enhance liquidity, and strengthen customer relationships. As competition for deposits intensifies, financial institutions need strategies that protect balances while supporting growth and profitability.
This session will highlight how IntraFi services, including ICS and CDARS, provide expanded FDIC insurance across network banks and help institutions retain high-value clients. Attendees will gain practical insights into balance sheet optimization, liquidity management and deposit strategy, along with time for questions and discussion.
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Save Big on Supplies with ODP Business Solutions
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GBA is pleased to offer banks and all Associate Members exclusive savings through our partnership with ODP Business Solutions (formerly Office Depot). This program gives you access to deep discounts on more than 1,300 commonly used banking, office and cleaning supplies, plus furniture, print services, and promotional items. Members typically save 20–30% off retail pricing and can customize a list of up to 75 additional items to fit their unique needs. Enjoy free next-day delivery on qualifying orders, easy online ordering, and in-store pickup options. Register for an account here: www.odpbusiness.com/banksignup. If you’re already an ODP Business Solutions customer and would like switch to the GBA program, please contact bank.opportunities@odpbusiness.com.
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Bainbridge - First Port City Bank
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Amy Walsh has been promoted to director of marketing.
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Cleveland - Apex Banking Company of Georgia
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Jennifer Behlog has been promoted to assistant vice president.
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The bank announced the following officer promotions:
- Anthony Hayes - senior vice president, Houston County market leader
- Patrick Thames - vice president, commercial lender
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Jason Tharp - vice president, commercial lender
- Matthew Weigel - assistant vice president, commercial lender
- Candice McNeal - assistant vice president, commercial & consumer lender
- Austin Carroll - mortgage department lead
- John Floyd - commercial/retail lender
- David Coleman - portfolio manager.
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| The bank hosted a grand opening celebration Jan. 22, marking the official launch of its new on-site banking branch plus ATMs located inside the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America facility in Ellabell. Read more.
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Lorrie Cook and Tesa Hood
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Pine Mountain - First Peoples Bank
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Lorrie Cook has been promoted to vice president, loan officer. Tesa Hood has been promoted to vice president, operations manager.
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Woodstock - Seacoast Bank
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The bank recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its first Georgia branch in Woodstock.
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| Bainbridge - First Port City Bank
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The bank sponsored the recent Martin Luther King Jr. Gala. The Decatur County MLK Committee brought this event to Bainbridge, celebrating the life, legacy and purpose of Dr. King.
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| Braselton - Exchange Bank
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The bank recently presented a $1,500 donation to Adult Literacy Jackson in support of the organization’s mission to strengthen individuals and communities through adult literacy. Read more.
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Cordele - Planters First Bank
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The bank's Treasury Management team spoke at Crisp County High School's Senior Grow and Go event sharing practical tips on financial literacy, checking and savings, credit basics, mobile banking and investments. In addition, bank team members visited Pulaski County Head Start to talk with parents about everyday banking, budgeting basics, fraud awareness and savings tips for children, and the bank joined the Kiwanis Club of Hawkinsville-Pulaski County in celebrating Read Across Georgia Week.
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| The bank made a $10,000 donation to ESP Rome to support its work across Rome and Floyd County.
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Read All About It: Send Us Your News
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We want to share your news with your colleagues across the state. Please forward your announcements and photos to GBA's David Oliver and Katina Weiss.
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Recruit, Retain and Develop the Best Bankers with GBA's Job Bank
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GBA will post open positions, free of charge, for GBA members. See the open positions in Georgia here. We will also post professional summaries for bank-job seekers on our Bankers Available page. Contact Katina Weiss, 404.420.2021, with questions or needs.
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