ADVOCACY

BankPAC Golf Classic Scores for Advocacy

We had a full flight of members and guests tee it up this week at the BankPAC Golf Classic on a picture-perfect fall day. The tournament, sponsored by Leadership GBA, raises funds to support GBA’s statewide advocacy efforts on behalf of Georgia’s banking industry.

Leadership GBA Board Chair Robert Duvall, Bank of Madison, expressed his appreciation for the strong participation and support. “Supporting the GBA BankPAC is one of the most direct ways bankers can strengthen our industry’s voice with elected officials,” he said. “It’s great to see so many colleagues enjoying a beautiful day while investing in advocacy that benefits us all.”

Here’s who took home top honors for the day:

• Frist place overall: Philip Bernardi and Michael Thigpen, Oconee State Bank
• Second place overall: Mark Faas, Kevin Green and Patrick Green, Point to Point Environmental
• Third place overall: Walker Jordan, Bank of Monticello, and Joel Foster, Raymond James
• Putting contest winner: Robert Powell, OneSource
• Longest drive: Walker Jordan, Bank of Monticello
• Closest to the pin: Nick Marsit, Georgia Skyline Bank (IO)

The sponsor roster was full, as well. We appreciate these members for their support: Allure Security; BancCard of America; Bank of Monticello; Burke Stelling Group; Cash Transactions; Classic City Bank; Colony Bank; CRS Data; CSRA Business Lending; CT Solutions; First State Bank of Blakely; Genesys Technology Group; Great Oaks Bank; Greenlight; Lee & Mason Financial Services; Liberty Technology; Payroc; Pinnacle Bank; Planters and Citizens Bank; Point To Point Environmental; PointeNorth Insurance; PrimeSouth Bank; Southern Bank Equipment & ATMs; Steve H. Powell & Company; STS Group; The Citizens Bank of Georgia; The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro; United Bank; West Central Georgia Bank; and Wipfli.

See photos from the day on GBA's Facebook page here.

The 2025 BankPAC campaign to raise money for the GBA StatePAC and GBA FedPAC is going strong, and we hope you will consider contributing. Contribution forms, along with all BankPAC information, can be accessed on the advocacy page of gabankers.com, which includes 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 recently to the GBA FedPAC are eligible employees, officers and directors of Great Oaks Bank, Richmond Hill, Brad Brookshire, CEO.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Georgia Peanut Bank Week Starts Monday

Next week, more than 70 GBA members in over 160 branches all through the state will celebrate Georgia peanuts and peanut farm families during the annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week, co-sponsored by GBA and the Georgia Peanut Commission. See the list of participating banks. The official poster, recipe card, peanut fact sheet, press release template, and children's activity sheets are on the Peanut Bank Week page.

Please remember to send photos of your in-branch Peanut Bank Week activities to Katina Weiss at kweiss@gabankers.com for inclusion in a future GBA newsletter.

GBA Encouraged by Treasury Secretary’s Support for Community Banks

We were encouraged by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s wide-ranging remarks supporting community banking this week and outlining plans for what he called a “community bank comeback.” Speaking at the Federal Reserve’s Community Bank Conference, Bessent detailed steps the Trump administration plans to take to strengthen Main Street banks, including a renewed focus on regulatory tailoring, more balanced capital rules and modernization of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements.

Among the initiatives he discussed:

• Reforms to improve supervisory consistency, enhance examiner accountability and prevent duplicative exams
• A review of core technology provider contracts that restrict innovation
• A new rule to better define effective AML/CFT programs, focusing on results rather than process
• Capital framework changes that allow smaller banks to benefit from reduced requirements applied to larger institutions
• Support for bipartisan efforts to raise FDIC insurance limits on noninterest-bearing transaction accounts
• A commitment to preserve equal secondary market access for community lenders through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
• An anticipated reduction in the community bank leverage ratio.

Survey: Margins and Cybersecurity Lead Community Bank Risks

Net interest margins and cybersecurity top the list of concerns for community banks nationwide, according to the Conference of State Bank Supervisors’ 2025 Community Bank Survey. Externally, banks ranked net interest margin compression as their greatest risk, followed by core deposit growth, economic conditions, technology and funding costs. Regulatory burden dropped to sixth, reflecting less concern under the current administration. Internally, cybersecurity led all risks, cited by 58% of respondents, followed by technology implementation costs and credit risk.

Other highlights:

• Competition: Nonbank payment providers gained ground, though community banks remain each other’s main competitors.
• M&A activity: Banks considering acquisition offers doubled to 12%, citing difficulty achieving scale.
• Deposit insurance: 72% supported raising coverage to $500,000.
• Fraud: Card, check and account takeover fraud made up nearly 90% of incidents and 80% of losses.

Beige Book: Hiring, Spending Ease as Southeast Activity Holds Steady

Economic activity in the Southeast was largely unchanged from mid-August through September, the Atlanta Fed reported in the latest Beige Book. Employers described a “hiring chill,” with flat employment, low turnover and some isolated layoffs. Wage and price growth remained moderate, though contacts warned tariff-related cost increases may extend into 2026. Consumer spending and leisure travel softened, while retail sales edged down and hotel occupancy declined. Housing sales slowed amid buyer hesitation, though luxury demand held steady. Commercial real estate vacancy rates rose as new supply outpaced demand. While loan growth across district banks was flat, manufacturing activity inched up and energy production in the Gulf remained strong. Agricultural demand stayed healthy but was weighed down by weaker exports.

GBA NEWS

Leadership GBA Board Meets to Advance 2026 Planning

The Leadership GBA Board of Directors gathered Oct. 16 in Macon for its fall meeting. Chair Robert Duvall, Bank of Madison, welcomed members and opened the session by thanking everyone for their continued service and commitment to GBA’s mission of developing future banking leaders.

An open “around-the-table” discussion allowed members to share current challenges and successes within their banks, offering valuable peer insight and reinforcing Leadership GBA’s mission to connect and develop the state’s next generation of industry leaders. Topics included fraud detection and deterrence, AI applications in banks, talent retention and recruitment, general economic and customer trends. Tripp Cofield, GBA president and CEO, and other staff present wove in advocacy and association updates and priorities when relevant during the conversation.

During the business portion of the meeting, the board reviewed results from the recent BankPAC Golf Classic, discussed plans for the 2026 tournament and celebrated another strong year of fundraising for GBA’s advocacy programs. Members also looked ahead to upcoming Leadership GBA-supported events, including the Legislative Forum and Reception on Jan. 28, the Clay Shoot on Feb. 5 and Georgia Banking School, April 26-May 1 in Athens.

The group also discussed plans for the 2026 Leadership Conference, set for July 13-15 at Omni Amelia Island, including potential speakers and topics based on member feedback, as well as updates on renovations and future venue options for 2027 and 2028.

Look for details soon about the conference agenda and registration information. With questions, contact Kathy Friestad 404.420.2024.

Over the next few weeks, we want to give a warm welcome to several new GBA Associate Members we onboarded last quarter. They all offer diverse solutions for your bank and provide invaluable support to GBA programs through sponsorships, exhibits and shared expertise. Be sure to get to know these folks and thank them for supporting GBA. You can get information about any of GBA's Associate Members by using the Associate Member search function on our website. This week we want to highlight the following:

Downey & Associates
Mr. Roy A. Downey, II, rdowney@partnersbenfit.com

Atlanta, GA

www.partnersbenefit.com

GBAIT Representatives

Greenlight

Mr. Matt Wolf, matt.wolf@greenlight.me

Atlanta, GA

www.greenlight.com/partnerships

Greenlight for Banks helps financial institutions build a pipeline for future customers and engage families. This co-branded financial education platform uses Greenlight's popular app and immersive games to teach kids and teens smart money habits. It establishes early connections, preparing young users to seamlessly transition into the partner bank's core services as they mature.

My Private Shares

Mr. Andrew Rietz, andrewr@myprivateshares.com

Fort Lauderdale, FL

www.myprivateshares.com

My Private Shares is a secure, web-based platform dedicated exclusively to your bank. Their platform enables shareholders to connect for private, shareholder-to-shareholder transactions under your bank’s guidelines, and it provides powerful tools for delivering timely and targeted communications. It’s a modern, flexible solution designed to give community banks control, transparency, and orderly liquidity options, while saving your team time, reducing the need for engagement in sensitive transaction discussions, and creating a better overall experience for shareholders.

TRAINING & EVENTS

Act Fast to Register for FRM and Credit Conferences 

Two of GBA’s most popular fall programs are just around the corner, each offering timely insights, expert speakers and valuable networking for Georgia banking professionals.

• Financial Risk Management Conference - Nov. 6-7, Savannah
  The agenda features sessions on the economy, liquidity, public funds strategies, regulatory exams, audits and artificial intelligence. Speakers include Ryan Hayhurst of The Baker Group, Tod McKenna of Citi Services and other leading experts. Register here.
  
  
• Credit Conference - Dec. 4-5, Athens
  Planned by the GBA Credit Committee, this year’s program covers economic trends, agricultural market performance, AI integration and emerging credit risks. Highlights include sessions with Roger Tutterow of Kennesaw State University, Roman Nazarewycz of Zest AI and a fireside chat with State Rep. Houston Gaines (R-Athens) and GBA’s Tripp Cofield. Register here.

Both events are excellent opportunities to stay current on issues shaping Georgia banking and to connect with peers from across the state.

Reminder: Secure Your Spot in the 2026 GBA Compliance School

Now is the time to secure your spot in the 2026 GBA Compliance School, April 26–May 1, 2026, at the UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in Athens. This premier two-year program equips both new and experienced bankers with the knowledge and leadership skills to build, oversee and maintain strong compliance programs. Program tracks include:

• Year 1 – Building the Base: Fundamentals of compliance and strengthening your bank’s compliance foundation.
• Year 2 – Applying the Knowledge: Practical applications for lending, deposit and operational regulations, plus advanced strategies.
• ACE Track – For Alumni: Flexible, customizable coursework for continuing education credits toward a GBA Compliance School Master’s.

Both Year 1 and Year 2 include housing in the registration fee, and all tracks feature valuable peer networking and leadership development opportunities.

GBA Partner Program

Fundamentals Training: Understanding Bank Performance Returns in January

Join peers from 30 state bankers associations around the country in a unique Understanding Bank Performance program, a virtual five-session course designed to enhance your ability to interpret bank financials and key performance metrics. GBA partners with the Washington Bankers Association to make the program available to our members.

Who Should Attend?
This program is perfect for new bankers looking to build a solid foundation, as well as experienced bankers seeking to deepen their financial analysis skills.

Flexible & Convenient:
Attend virtually, with sessions running on Jan. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30.

Coming Up Soon!

BSA Peer Group Meeting
Nov. 4, Virtual

Register Here

More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up

• Compliance Conference - Oct. 20-22, The Westin Jekyll Island
• Internal Audit Peer Group Meeting - Nov. 18, Idle Hour Golf & Country Club, Macon

• Marketing Peer Group Meeting - Dec. 9, Methodist Home for Children & Youth, Macon

• The BSA Summit - Jan. 12-15, Lanier Islands Resort, Buford

• Legislative and Economic Forum & Reception - Jan. 28, The Ritz Carlton, Downtown Atlanta

• IRA Academy - Feb. 3-5, Middle Georgia State University, Macon

• Georgia Banking School - April 26 - May 1, University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens

ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING

Managing Interest Rate Risk, Fraudulent Cashier’s Checks, Commercial Lending Training Program and More 

Take a look at online training opportunities available to GBA members from OnCourse Learning and the American Bankers Association:

• Consumer Lending - Oct. 27 - Feb. 27
• Managing Interest Rate Risk - Oct. 27 - Dec. 29
• Fraudulent Cashier’s Checks: Best Practices for Avoiding Losses - Oct. 29
• Opening New Accounts Training Program - Nov. 3
• Commercial Lending Training Program - Nov. 6
• Bank Accounting: Interest Earning Assets - 2 Part Workshop - Nov. 12
• 2025 Call Report: Common Exam Issues - Nov. 14
• BSA Critical Issues and Updates - Nov. 18

PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

GBA Partner Banc Card of America (www.banccard.com) offers valuable services to retailers, restaurants, hotels, B2B, In-home and online merchants, allowing them to accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diners Club), and on-line and off-line debit cards. Best of all, one of their seven in-state, local representatives is never more than a short drive away from your bank or your merchant customers. Contact Jim Staples with Banc Card to find out how they can help, 770.314.3505, jstaples@banccard.com.

NEWSMAKERS

Athens - First American Bank & Trust

Sam Drennen, executive vice president and chief operating officer, has been named one of the American Bankers Association’s 2025 Emerging Leader Award recipients.

Atlanta - Truist Securities

Truist Securities has opened a new office at The Battery Atlanta, featuring outdoor spaces including a rooftop terrace overlooking Truist Park. Read more.

Blackshear - First Southern Bank

The bank recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new branch located at 221 Ware Street in Blackshear.

Greensboro - BankSouth

The bank completed its acquisition of State Bank of Cochran and its divisions First Laurens Bank and Community Bank of Johnson County, with local leadership continuing in key roles. Read more.

Greenville, SC - United Community Bank

United Community Bank was honored with the 2025 ABA Foundation Community Commitment Award for Volunteerism. The bank’s Financial Literacy Month initiative mobilized nearly 2,000 employees across five states to deliver financial education to more than 31,000 students and adults, combining education, service and charitable giving to strengthen financial health in local communities.

Johns Creek - Loyal Trust Bank

Michael O’Neill, the bank’s new president and CEO, recently appeared on Atlanta Chinese Television to share the bank’s vision for expanding innovative, community-focused banking solutions across Johns Creek, Duluth and beyond.

Milledgeville - Exchange Bank

Jonathan Pope has been promoted to senior vice president and commercial lender. Read more.

Sandy Springs/Valdosta - ServisFirst Bank/First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Valdosta

Gina Omolon of ServisFirst Bank and Broc McDowell and Lindsey Law of First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Valdosta recently completed the 2025 Financial Managers School hosted by the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Athens-Clarke & Oconee Counties

Oconee State Bank, Classic City Bank, BankSouth and First American Bank & Trust have joined forces to form a local coalition to combat fraud. The collaborative effort focuses on information sharing, coordinated consumer education and unified messaging to protect customers. Additional banks are expected to join in the coming months. Read more.

Atlanta - United Community Bank

Bank team members volunteered with The Elizabeth Foundation to serve meals and provide resources to those experiencing homelessness.

Calhoun - First National Community Bank

The bank is again sponsoring the Festival of Trees at the Harris Arts Center. The Calhoun branch team will decorate a custom tree as part of the annual event supporting arts in Gordon County. Read more.

Claxton - Tippins Bank

The bank donated 80 teddy bears to the Kids Alliance for Better Care at Evans Memorial Hospital to comfort children receiving treatment.

Clayton - Rabun County Bank

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Rabun County Bank made a $2,000 donation to F.A.I.T.H., Inc., supporting the nonprofit’s work assisting families and survivors of domestic abuse.

Columbus - Synovus Bank

The bank donated $7,000 through its Synovus Slams program, supporting youth baseball programs in Columbus and Huntsville, AL. Read more.

Hawkinsville - Planters First Bank

Bank team members visited Hawkinsville High School to speak with seniors about check writing, credit scores and fraud prevention. The bank also donated dog and cat food to the Hawkinsville-Pulaski County Animal Control Center.

Milledgeville - Exchange Bank

The bank continued its Money Cents Program at Georgia Military College Prep, leading students through a hands-on budgeting game to build real-world financial skills.

Perry - SunMark Community Bank

The bank's September Casual Cause donation went to Big Brothers Big Sisters Heart of Georgia. The bank also sponsored the Perry Kiwanis 5K, supporting the club’s mission to help children through its Bringing Up Grades program.

Ringgold - Builtwell Bank

The bank collected more than 5,000 food items through its annual canned food drive with local elementary schools, benefiting Christ Chapel, Communities in Schools Catoosa County and The Catoosa County Children’s Fund.

Thomasville - Thomasville National Bank

Portfolio Manager Laura Cotten met with the Thomasville High Rocket Team as it prepared for the American Rocketry Challenge, encouraging students in their hands-on STEM learning.

Valdosta - Guardian Bank

Bank team members led a budgeting lesson for Valwood School’s fifth graders, helping students plan “tailgate party” budgets to learn smart spending and saving decisions.

Read All About It: Send Us Your News

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.

Recruit, Retain and Develop the Best Bankers with GBA's Job Bank

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.