Georgia Bankers Rally to Raise Funds for Georgia State BankPAC at Pickleball Tournament
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A big group of Georgia bankers rallied Thursday for GBA's first-ever pickleball tournament raising funds for the StatePAC. The inaugural event was held at Rhythm & Rally in Macon, the country's largest indoor pickleball facility. We'll share a full report of event details and winners in next week's Bulletin.
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Record Crowd at 2025 Women in Banking Conference
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Nearly 160 members gathered Aug. 14-15 at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton for the 12th-annual Women in Banking Conference. Since its start in 2014, the conference has been a cornerstone of leadership development, peer connection and professional growth for women across Georgia’s banking industry.
This year’s agenda was well-rounded and impactful. Melissa Sneed, deputy commissioner for supervision at the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, and GBA’s Elizabeth Chandler opened the program with an informal chat on the state of Georgia banking. A panel on managing change followed, with insights from Mikelle Brady of Profit Resources, Susan Moss of Planters & Citizens Bank, Merri Ellen Wadsworth of Ameris Bank and Amanda Marunich of Pinnacle Bank. Attendees also participated in roundtable discussions, heard a panel on health and wellness, enjoyed a chair yoga session and gained important updates on fraud and financial crimes from Dana White of AB&T, Greta Wood of United Bank and Tami Walden of First American Bank & Trust Company. The conference closed with an inspiring keynote from Dima Ghawi, executive coach and author of Breaking Vases.
Attendees also enjoyed networking at an opening reception and wine tasting and learned about this year’s featured charity beneficiary, Rainbow Village.
Special thanks to Gayle Woolard of AB&T, chair of the GBA Women in Banking Committee, for her leadership in planning this year's program. We are also grateful to our sponsors for their support:
- Presenting Sponsor: CRS Data
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Platinum Sponsor: Profit Resources
- Gold Sponsor: McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co.
- Silver Sponsors: Carr, Riggs, & Ingram, FHLBank Atlanta, ServisFirst Bank, Troutman Pepper Locke and Wipfli.
See all the photos from the conference on GBA's Facebook page here.
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Fraud, AI and Growth Among Key Topics at OpTech Committee
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The GBA Operations & Technology Committee met Aug. 19 with Chair Sam Drennen, EVP and COO, First American Bank & Trust Company, Athens, and Vice Chair Kristy Harrell, SVP and COO, First National Bank, Bainbridge, leading the session.
The group welcomed several new members: Josh Dasher, PrimeSouth Bank; Sara Dunn, Classic City Bank; Suzanne Menendez, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.; and Scott Zheng, Embassy National Bank. Also joining as a new associate member was Marshall Jones, Safe Systems, a UFS Company.
The meeting opened with a roundtable discussion where members shared updates from their institutions and communities. Topics discussed were wide-ranging, including fraud prevention, core conversions, vendor contract negotiations, AI adoption and policy development, regulatory scrutiny, digital banking enhancements, staffing challenges, and growth strategies across markets. GBA’s Bo Brannen provided an industry and advocacy update, and the committee also began planning for the 2026 Operations & Technology Conference (see details below).
Upcoming Events
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Operations & Technology Peer Group Meeting – Sept. 10, UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens (register here)
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Operations & Technology Conference – Feb. 25–27, 2026, The DeSoto, Savannah (registration opening soon!)
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CFPB Announces Effort to Adjust Data Sharing Rule, Revised Small Business Lending Rule Expected This Year
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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Thursday announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to revise the implementation of Dodd-Frank Act section 1033, the Personalized Financial Data Rights Rule finalized last year.
The agency also recently revealed plans to repropose the rule on Dodd-Frank section 1071, related to small business lending data collection, among other items on its spring regulatory calendar. The CFPB’s rule list also notes other possible actions, including changes to its nonbank registry plan and clarification of standards on unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices.
GBA’s advocacy team will track the proposals closely and encourages members to share input to help shape our response.
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2025 Georgia BankPAC Update
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As the next election cycle is heating up, the 2025 BankPAC campaign to raise funds for the GBA StatePAC and GBA FedPAC is going strong, and we hope that you will consider contributing. Contribution forms along with all BankPAC information may be accessed on the advocacy page of gabankers.com with instructions and options for making these contributions. As a reminder, state-chartered banks or national bank holding companies may contribute to the StatePAC, while eligible individuals may do so to the FedPAC. If you have questions, contact Elizabeth Chandler at 404.372.7893 or Bo Brannen at 404.731.9886.
Contributing to the GBA StatePAC recently are:
- Citizens Community Bank, Hahira, Jeff Hanson, president & CEO
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Durden Banking Company, Twin City, Wade Johnson, president & CEO
- First State Bank, Wrens, David Jopling, president & CEO
- Georgia First Bank, Soperton, Maury Beasley, president & CEO
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Planters & Citizens Bank, Camilla, Susan Moss, president & CEO
- The Four County Bank, Allentown, Mike Brown, president & CEO.
And, contributing recently to the GBA FedPAC are those eligible employees, officers and directors of the following banks:
- Georgia First Bank, Soperton, Maury Beasley, president & CEO
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The Citizens Bank of Americus, Rick Whaley, president & CEO.
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FDIC Proposes Changes to Digital Signage Rules
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The FDIC Board has approved a proposed rule to amend requirements for displaying the FDIC official digital sign and non-deposit signage. The changes are designed to simplify compliance for banks by focusing signage on the most relevant pages and screens across digital channels, ATMs and similar devices.
The proposal revises elements of the 2023 rule and aims to make requirements clearer for both banks and consumers. Comments will be accepted for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register.
Read the FDIC notice of proposed rulemaking here.
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Deadline Nears to Order Georgia Peanut Bank Week Supplies
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The countdown is on for the 49th-annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week, happening Oct. 20–24. This year’s theme, “Peanuts and Pennies: Growing Georgia Together,” highlights the partnership between Georgia’s banks and its signature crop.
Banks can join the celebration by ordering promotional supplies, including the ever-popular Red Bag Peanuts, along with printable activities that help engage customers of all ages.
Don’t miss the Aug. 29 deadline to ensure your materials arrive in time.
Questions? Contact Maddie Frost at maddie@gapeanuts.com or 229.386.3470.
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Last Chance to Register for Three Upcoming Seminars
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HR 101: Welcome to Human Resources - Aug. 26
Are you new to HR or looking to build a stronger foundation in human resources? Don’t miss this new workshop specifically for HR administrators and support staff. Hosted and designed by the GBA Human Resources Committee, this interactive workshop covers HR compliance essentials, payroll operations, benefits administration and more. Get all the details and register here.
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- Personal Cash Flow Analysis Seminar - Aug. 26
Join
Shannon Fortson, EVP, Chief Credit Officer of Pinnacle Bank, for an in-depth, comprehensive understanding on how to analyze personal cash flow and personal tax returns. Learn how to calculate sources and uses of personal cash flow to support a borrower’s loan request to ensure a strong and healthy loan portfolio. Get all the details and register here.
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- Loan Structuring and Documentation for Loss Prevention Seminar - Aug. 27
Fortson also leads our popular Loan Documentation Seminar. Prevention of loan losses is crucial and begins with proper loan structuring and documentation techniques. Commercial loan officers, commercial loan personnel, loan assistants and closing specialists will benefit from this program. Get all the details and register here.
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Reminder: Premier GBA Conference for Credit Pros and Lenders Coming Up
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Bank credit and lending professionals should make plans today to attend GBA’s 2025 Credit Conference, Dec. 4-5 at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in Athens. Planned by the GBA Credit Committee, confirmed sessions include:
- Economic Update – Roger Tutterow, Henssler Financial Endowed Chair and Professor of Economics, Kennesaw State University
- Commercial Real Estate (CRE) – Cal Evans, Senior Director, Market Intelligence & Analytics, Synovus Bank
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Agriculture Update – Will Secor, Assistant Professor & Extension Livestock Economist, Ag & Applied Economics, UGA.
This conference is designed for chief credit officers, senior lenders, commercial lenders, credit analysts, loan officers, COOs, presidents/CEOs and business development officers. Don’t miss this opportunity to navigate credit challenges, share best practices and strengthen your lending strategies with peers from across Georgia.
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A huge thank you to our conference sponsors!
- Platinum Sponsor: Steve H. Powell & Company
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Silver Sponsors: Carr, Riggs & Ingram; CRS Data; Mauldin & Jenkins; Point To Point Environmental; and Wipfli.
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Secure Your Spot: Virtual BSA Peer Group Meeting
Nov. 4
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Registration is now open for GBA’s next virtual BSA Peer Group Meeting, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. - noon. Join your peers online for an interactive discussion of hot topics in BSA/AML/CFT and OFAC compliance, led by Kristen Stogniew, GBA’s BSA Summit facilitator. This convenient, no-travel program gives you the chance to exchange ideas, submit discussion topics and strengthen your compliance program with insights from experts and peers alike.
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| More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up
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WEBINARS – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING
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Bank Accounting Boot Camp, Cyber Security 101, 2025 Head Teller Training and More
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Here’s a sampling of upcoming webinars.
Want to see the full webinar schedule?
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Limited-Time Bonus Offer for Webinar Subscriptions
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GBA members can stretch their training dollars with a special promotion on the OnCourse Learning Webinar Subscription Service (WSS). Now through Aug. 31, when members buy 10 or more tokens, they’ll receive bonus tokens at no extra cost.
Bonus tokens breakdown:
- 10 tokens = 1 bonus
- 20 tokens = 2 bonus
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30 tokens = 3 bonus
- 30+ = 1 bonus per 10 additional
With WSS, subscribers have access to more than 450 live and OnDemand webinars, the ability to invite up to five team members to each live session, unlimited OnDemand playback, free compliance briefings with Carl Pry (a $1,400 value) and rollover of unused tokens.
This offer applies to new subscribers only. Bonus tokens will be credited seven days after the promotion ends. Learn more and signed up here.
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PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
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Fresh Insights from the 2025 Georgia Banking Compensation Survey
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The results of the 2025 Georgia Banking Compensation Survey, conducted by GBA in partnership with Pearl Meyer, are in and available for purchase. This year’s survey provides Georgia banks with valuable benchmarking data to guide pay, incentive and talent strategies.
The 2025 survey includes input from 69 Georgia institutions, covering more than 5,200 incumbents and 177 positions, plus a Policies and Practices Report detailing base salary programs and incentive plans. The effective date of the data is April 1, 2025.
Report prices are:
- $650 – Participants
- $1,495 – Non-Participants.
Pearl Meyer has emailed all participants with purchase instructions. Non-participants, or anyone who has not received an email, may contact Rhonda Snyder at rhonda.snyder@pearlmeyer.com.
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Minimizing Wire Fraud Risk: Strategies for Smarter Defenses, Sept. 4 at 2 p.m.
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Wire fraud remains a major threat to banks as criminals use increasingly advanced tactics. In this webinar, the team from Abrigo will share practical strategies to help detect and prevent wire fraud effectively. Whether you are improving existing controls or evaluating vulnerabilities, this session offers guidance to strengthen your institution’s defenses. Key takeaways include:
- The latest wire fraud schemes and how they work
- Proven tactics and tools to reduce fraud losses
- How AI and machine learning enhance detection of suspicious activities.
Click here to register and stay informed to better protect your organization against wire fraud.
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ASSOCIATE MEMBER HUB | TAYLOR ADVISORS
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The Time for Asset Recycling is Now
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The interest rate environment is shifting, creating challenges and opportunities for banks. After years of liability-driven pressure on Net Interest Margins (NIM), the landscape is beginning to stabilize as deposit costs ease and the Federal Reserve signals a softer rate path. Now, the focus turns to the asset side of the balance sheet — and the opportunity for strategic asset recycling. This article from Associate Member HUB | Taylor Advisors explores why now is the time to optimize asset mix, manage risks, and position for stronger performance. Read the full post to gain strategies for the quarters ahead.
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Compliance Alliance Question of the Week
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Question: What are the record retention requirements for emails between employees and customers? And are we required to keep physical copies of the emails, or can we keep them solely in an electronic format?
Answer: Email retention isn’t really “one-size-fits-all” - or, said differently - there’s no universal timeline that fits every message in your inbox. Instead, retention tends to depend on the actual content of the specific message. Click here to read more.
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Compliance Alliance Introduces Certified Cybersecurity Training for Bankers and Directors
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The GBA co-owned Compliance Alliance has partnered with Dr. Kevin Streff to launch The Cyber Institute, offering certified cybersecurity training designed specifically for bankers and bank directors. This new program provides unique, tailored courses aimed at improving information security awareness, fulfilling regulatory requirements and safeguarding customer data. Developed by experts in both banking operations and cybersecurity, the training offers practical, real-world education suitable for institutions of all sizes.
Participants can earn Cybersecurity Awareness Credits by covering essential topics such as secure network practices, data breach prevention and incident response. Courses are offered in various formats and can be customized to fit each bank’s size, complexity and structure. Learn more and explore course options at The Cyber Institute.
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The following industry leaders were named to the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2026:
- Lillie Louis-Fils, director, national executive, Bank of America
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Joseph Rheaves, Atlanta market president, Truist Bank
- Cristel Williams, senior vice president and director of client and community relations, PNC Bank
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Cheryl Venable, chief operating officer and first vice president, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
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The following member banks and companies were named Top Workplaces for 2025 by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
- Ameris Bank
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Fifth Third Bank
- Georgia Banking Company
- Synovus
- Alston & Bird LLP
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Corserv
- Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC
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Charlotte, NC - Truist Bank
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Truist Financial Corp. announced plans to open 100 new branches and renovate more than 300 existing locations over the next five years.
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The bank hosted a ribbon cutting and open house to celebrate the opening of its new Augusta branch at 1602 Walton Way.
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Chatsworth - First National Community Bank
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The bank celebrated its 50th anniversary Aug. 18 with a systemwide event across all 11 branches featuring food, giveaways and a commemorative ceremony in Chatsworth. Read more.
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Cochran - The Citizens Bank of Cochran / Community Bank of Dublin-Laurens County
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Morgan Harvey has joined bank as a teller.
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Dublin - Citizens Bank of Laurens County
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Makayla Chalker joined the bank as a teller its Hillcrest location.
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Devin Cunningham joined the bank as head teller in its Martinez office.
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| Metter - Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.
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The bank celebrated the grand opening of its new Metter branch with a ribbon cutting event.
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Milledgeville - Century Bank and Trust
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Carolyn Parker joined the bank as a personal banker.
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Perry/Alamo - SunMark Community Bank/ Wheeler County State Bank
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SunMark Bancshares, Inc., parent company of SunMark Community Bank, and Wheeler Bancshares, Inc., parent company of Wheeler County State Bank, have signed a definitive merger agreement. The combined bank will hold approximately $556 million in pro forma assets and be positioned as one of Georgia’s premier community banks. Read more.
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Perry - SunMark Community Bank
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Kenny Douglas joined the bank as chief compliance officer.
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Rincon - Bank of Newington
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The bank held a grand opening for its new Rincon location Aug. 13.
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Andrew Skillman joined the bank as relationship manager.
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Watkinsville - Oconee State Bank
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Oconee Financial Corporation, parent company of Oconee State Bank, announced the completion of a $20 million subordinated debt offering. The additional capital will support growth strategies, including the bank’s recent Macon expansion. Read more.
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Atlanta - Fenimore Kay Harrison LLP
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We extend our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of longtime Georgia banker William “Bill” Lamar Daniel, who passed away Aug. 17 at age 75. Daniel’s distinguished career included leadership roles with United Community Bank, Bank South, Planters First Bank and others. A memorial service will be held Aug. 23 at Scot Ward’s Green Meadow Chapel in Conyers. Read more.
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| Athens - Classic City Bank
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The bank served as presenting sponsor of Clarke County School District’s Convocation July 30.
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Athens - First American Bank & Trust Company
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The bank presented a $50,000 donation to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department through the Georgia Law Enforcement Tax Credit program.
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| The bank supported Linen and Blues, a cultural celebration hosted by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and the 50 for 50 Sigma Scholarship Foundation.
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Leesburg - First National Bank
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Bank team members welcomed students back to school in Lee County.
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Milledgeville - Century Bank & Trust
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The bank partnered with The Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation on a significant donation to the Colquitt County Educational Foundation in support of literacy development across the region.
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Savannah - TC Federal Bank
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The bank’s Savannah team donated $1,860 to the Keepers of the Flame Foundation through its Jeans for Charity program, supporting breast cancer patients with physical and emotional resources.
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Savannah - Coastal States Bank
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Coastal Regional President Brian Smith packed dry bags for the John A. Peters Jr. Memorial Tarpon Tournament, benefiting St. Joseph’s/Candler Foundations. The event has raised more than $65,000 for cancer care and research.
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Tifton - South Georgia Banking Company
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Bank team members welcomed the Class of 2029 to Tifton during ABAC’s Town & Gown celebration.
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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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© 2025 Georgia Bankers Association
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