Clarifying LIHTC Language Adopted in House, Needs Agreement in Senate, Gold & Silver Bill Stalls
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Language specifying the intent of legislation related to Georgia’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program was added to SB 306 by Sen. Randy Robertson (R-Cataula) and was adopted by the House Wednesday. The bill must now go back to the Senate for agreement. The provision clarifies that $100 million in new state-issued LIHTC credits will be available for each year in 2026, 2027 and 2028. GBA requested this clarification after receiving feedback from members suggesting it was needed to provide certainty and ensure the program remained viable for bank participation.
Another bill closely monitored by GBA stalled Thursday in the House Banks & Banking Committee. SB 424 by Sen. Marty Harbin (R-Tyrone), which dealt with transactional gold and silver, was overwhelmingly rejected, effectively ending its chances for passage this year.
A substitute of the original bill was presented that removed the provision to create a state-level gold depository and shifted oversight from the Office of the State Treasurer to the Securities and Commodities Division within the Secretary of State’s office. Despite these changes, committee members were not willing to advance the bill.
With the legislative session winding down and Sine Die set for April 2, lawmakers have limited time to finalize their priorities. Chief among those is passage of the full-year state budget. Other key items, including tax relief measures and childhood literacy initiatives, are still unresolved. We’ll publish a full legislative update Friday after the General Assembly adjourns for the week.
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Limits on Interchange Advance in Other States
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Georgia isn’t the only state where lawmakers are pressing to limit interchange charges on some transactions, with proposals advancing in Colorado and Delaware. Colorado lawmakers are considering a bill to prohibit interchange on sales taxes, while Delaware legislation targets the charges on tips. Both measures are modeled after an Illinois law that remains under legal scrutiny, with appeals ongoing and federal regulators warning it could undermine the national banking system. We continue to oppose such legislation and its potential impact on banks, consumers and the broader payments system. The proposed Georgia legislation, SB 512 by Sen. Drew Echols, R-Gainesville, has not moved beyond the Senate Finance Committee to date.
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Lawmakers Roll Out Bills Targeting Deposit Insurance Changes
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Lawmakers in the U.S. House and Senate this week unveiled four bills aimed at updating deposit insurance, with a particular focus on noninterest-bearing transaction accounts. One proposal would raise coverage limits on those accounts from $250,000 to $5 million for banks and credit unions, while others would establish emergency guarantee programs, adjust for inflation and study future increases. Read more here.
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S&P Global 2025 Community Bank Rankings Released
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Congratulations to the GBA member banks that made the S&P Global 2025 Annual Rankings of Best-Performing U.S. Community Banks. The following members were recently recognized.
Banks under $3B:
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| - #72 – Craft Bank, Atlanta, Ross Mynatt, president & CEO
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#73 – Citizens Bank of Swainsboro, Zach Frye, president & CEO
- #74 – Embassy National Bank, Lawrenceville, Nitnin Shah, chairman & CEO
- #80 – Thomasville National Bank, Stephen Cheney, CEO
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#84 – Farmers State Bank, Lincolnton, Maria Bradford, president & CEO
- #85 – SunMark Community Bank, Perry, Brad Collins, president & CEO
- #86 – FNB South, Alma, Zach Johnson, president & CEO
- #99 – Security State Bank, Helena-McRae, Ken Dowling, CEO.
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Banks between $3B and $10B:
- #15 – Metro City Bank, Doraville, Farid Tan, president & CEO.
With questions about the rankings or S&P Global, please contact Maureen McKenna at 540.421.6189, maureen.mckenna@spglobal.com.
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Madison Sauls on Meeting Customers Where They Are
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Madison Sauls, vice president, loan officer and ISO at Bank of Dawson and a member of the GBA Agriculture Committee, began her career at the bank at just 18 years old, an experience that quickly shaped her perspective about relationships.
“Banking taught me how important relationships are,” she said. “Everyone has a story, and each is unique.” That early lesson continues to guide her work today, especially as customers and community members turn to her for financial guidance.
Sauls credits her early experience rotating through different areas of the bank with helping her grow. Learning each department not only broadened her knowledge but also pushed her outside her comfort zone, ultimately leading her to her current role.
That hands-on approach carries into how she serves customers. Whether meeting a farmer in the field to finalize paperwork, responding to after-hours requests or helping someone navigate a challenging financial situation, Sauls emphasizes accessibility and responsiveness. In a community bank, she noted, being available can make all the difference.
Originally planning a career in pre-med biology, Sauls discovered her passion for banking through her work at Bank of Dawson — a place she now describes as family. Read more about Sauls, including her favorite reads and daily routines, in her full GBA Member Profile.
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Scenes from Savannah: 2026 HR Professionals Institute and Marketing Conference
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Bankers from across Georgia gathered in Savannah for two dynamic, concurrent conferences focused on people, strategy and growth. From timely HR discussions to creative marketing insights, attendees connected, shared ideas and gained practical takeaways to bring back to their banks. Here’s a look at a few moments from The DeSoto. We'll have a full roundup of speakers and sessions in next week's GBA Bulletin.
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HR Professionals Institute
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GBA Retirement Services Welcomes New Member
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GBA Retirement Services is excited to welcome to the GBA Master 401(k) Trust: Echota Fabrics, Calhoun, Will Ostuw, CEO. We enjoyed meeting with employees last week as we prepare for them to join our program in April. We look forward to providing outstanding service for these plan participants in the years to come. As a reminder, we can accept referrals and help your bank’s business customers, in addition to GBA member banks and associate members.
Some of the advantages of being part of the GBA Master Trust include:
- GBA’s dedicated staff support as a primary resource and oversight of service providers.
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American Trust Company as an investment manager and discretionary Trustee.
- Reduced fees with high-quality service providers.
- Ongoing investment education and retirement planning sessions for employees.
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Personalized Managed Account Solution geared to each participant’s needs through the Unified Plan at no additional cost for participants.
- Added value: Your bank’s business customers are eligible to participate through referral from you as an add on service.
We would love to do a plan review and show you why all of our members are pleased with the service and performance provided by GBA Retirement Services. Contact Mandy Richards at 678.549.4167 for more information about how GBA Retirement Services can help design or improve your retirement plan.
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Registration Now Open for Leadership Conference, July 13-15
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Registration is now open for GBA’s Annual Leadership Conference, July 13–15 at the Omni Amelia Island Resort. This signature event is thoughtfully designed to cultivate Georgia’s emerging bank leaders—equipping them for success while encouraging meaningful professional and personal growth.
Celebrated for its authentic, relationship-driven atmosphere, the Leadership Conference offers a dynamic blend of impactful learning and relaxed connection. This year’s experience is elevated even further as we gather at the newly refreshed and reimagined Omni Amelia Island Resort—an inspiring coastal setting that’s ideal for both productivity and downtime.
Explore everything the conference has to offer—from engaging sessions and networking opportunities to family-friendly highlights like Kids’ Night Out and the Burger Bash Reception and Dinner. Registration packages are available for members, spouses/guests, and children (Two-Dinner Packages are offered based on age), making it easy to bring the whole family along.
We encourage you to secure your accommodations early, as rooms are expected to fill quickly. Helpful booking tips, full conference details, and registration information are all available online.
Exhibit space and sponsorship opportunities remain available, with a range of options to suit your organization’s goals; click here for sponsorship information and click here to see the list of available options. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Associate Members who have already committed their support:
- Presenting Sponsors: CSRA Business Lending, First Stop Health, Point to Point Environmental
- Platinum Sponsors: Anthem, CRS Data, Steve H. Powell & Co.
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Gold Sponsors: FHLBank Atlanta, ServisFirst Bank
- Silver Sponsors: The First National Bankers Bank; McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co.; Troutman Pepper Locke; Wipfli.
For additional information, please contact Kathy Friestad at 678.523.6407.
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Check Out This Year's Rural Development and Lending Conference Agenda
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The agenda has been finalized for the GBA 2026 Rural Development and Lending Conference, May 18-19 at the King & Prince on St. Simons. Planned by GBA’s Agriculture Committee, Will Moore, WB&T Bankshares, Inc., chair, and Lisa Hodges, Morris Bank, vice chair, the conference will provide updates on peanuts, beef, timber, vegetables, crop insurance and more. Attendees will sharpen their skills, share the latest intel and make essential connections helpful in serving their communities. Secure your spot today!
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor: CSRA Business Lending and Silver Sponsor: Point to Point Environmental.
The hotel reservation deadline is Wednesday, April 15, and rooms at the discounted GBA rate may sell out before that date.
Sessions include:
- Peanut Update - Marshall Lamb, Ph.D., research leader, the National Peanut Research Laboratory
- Beef Update - Will Secor, Agricultural & Applied Economics, UGA
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Timber Panel - Dru Preston, Georgia Forestry Commission, Utilization Department and Tim Lowrimore, president & CEO, Georgia Forestry Association
- Crop Insurance - Plenn Hunnicutt, South Georgia Crop Insurance
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Vegetable Update - Jessica Kirk, vice president of operations, Lewis Taylor Farms
- Agricultural Lending in Georgia: Regulatory Updates, Credit Trends and Emerging Risks - Stewart Thigpen, Steve H. Powell & Co.
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Farm Labor - Ellen Hendley, vice president, AGWORKS H2.
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SAVE THE DATE!
GBA President/CEO, Bank Accountant, and Bank Counsel Conferences
Oct. 4-6, 2026
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds at Lake Oconee
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| More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up
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LAST CALL! BSA Peer Group Meeting - April 1, Zoom
- Understanding Bank Performance Webinar Series - April 2-24, Zoom
Bank Security Conference - April 13-15, The Westin Jekyll Island
GBA Compliance School - April 26 - May 1, University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
Operations and Technology Peer Group - May 4, Methodist Home for Children & Youth, Macon
Bank PR & Crisis Communications - May 7 & 14, Webinar Series
Internal Audit Peer Group Meeting - May 14, Methodist Home for Children & Youth, Macon
2026 Annual Meeting - June 7-9, The Cloister, Sea Island
Information Security Officer 101 Seminar - June 23, Middle Georgia State University, Macon
Fraud Academy - Aug. 18-20, Hyatt Regency, Lexington, KY, or Virtual
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ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING
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TRID Risks, Teller Basics, Succession Planning for Banks, New OCC Rules For Stablecoin 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.
Upcoming hot topic webinars:
Self-paced courses, certificates and reference guides:
Facilitated courses starting soon:
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Build Expertise with ABA’s 2026 Wealth Management and Trust Webinar Series
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As client expectations and relationship models continue to evolve, staying current in wealth management and trust services is more important than ever. GBA members are encouraged to take advantage of the American Bankers Association’s 2026 Wealth Management and Trust Webinar Series, a comprehensive program designed to strengthen advisory skills and support long-term client growth.
This webinar suite covers a wide range of timely topics, including estate planning, fiduciary risk, tax strategies and client behavior. Participants will gain practical insights they can apply immediately, while also earning continuing education credits across several ABA professional certifications.
The series includes both live sessions and on-demand access, allowing participants to learn on their schedule throughout the year. Topics range from grantor trust strategies and Roth IRA conversions to the psychology behind financial decision-making and planning for liquidity events.
The full webinar package is available to ABA members for $1,499 and includes access to all sessions in the 2026 series. Learn more and register here.
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PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
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Last Call for 2026 Benefits & HR Policies Survey, Compensation Survey Opening Soon
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The due date for participation in the 2026 Banking Benefits & HR Policies Survey is Friday, March 27. Contact Rhonda Snyder at rhonda.snyder@pearlmeyer.com if you wish to participate.
The survey provides comprehensive benchmarking data on benefits and HR policies for banks, including PTO and leave programs, health and wellness benefits, retirement plans, disability and life insurance, executive benefits, and related cost data.
Also, please note that the 2026 Georgia Banking Compensation Survey will open for participation the first week of April. Be on the lookout for an invitation with participation details.
If you have questions, please email Bo Brannen at bbrannen@gabankers.com or Rhonda Snyder at rhonda.snyder@pearlmeyer.com.
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STRATEGIC PARTNER BANC CARD OF AMERICA
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Banc Card of America Offers the Best Local Support for Any Type of Merchant
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GBA-endorsed Banc Card of America offers valuable services to retailers, restaurants, hotels, B2B and online merchants, allowing them to accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diners Club), and online and offline 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.
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STRATEGIC PARTNER SHRED-IT
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Exclusive Savings for GBA Members and Associate Members
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Your bank or company handles vast amounts of sensitive financial and customer information every day. Shred-it’s trusted information-security solutions help you stay compliant, protect against data breaches, and reinforce customer confidence.
Get significant savings through the Shred-it GBA Member Program:
- 30% discount on document destruction services
- 30% discount on hard drive and media destruction
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35% discount for Community Shred Days
Comprehensive Services Offered:
- Document Destruction – Regularly scheduled service to protect your organization 24/7.
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On-Demand Shredding – Clear out clutter and old records as needed.
- Hard-Drive Destruction – Ensure that confidential data from retired devices is permanently unrecoverable.
- Media Destruction – Securely destroy digital information from USB drives, DVDs, and other media.
Ready to get started? Learn more or set up service today:
shredit.com/en-us/national-accounts/state-bankers-association-program
With questions, contact Kevin Kroboth at Kevin.Kroboth@Stericycle.com or 704.299.1623.
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Athens - Classic City Bank
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James Carson has joined the bank as first vice president, commercial banker.
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Bainbridge - First National Bank
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Candy Moore has joined the bank as a relationship specialist.
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Blairsville - United Community Bank
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The bank was ranked No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction for Retail Banking in the Southeast by JD Power, topping the list for 12 of the past 17 years.
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Milledgeville - Exchange Bank
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Lorrie Stephens has been promoted to assistant accounting officer. Read more.
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Watkinsville - Oconee State Bank
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The bank’s Fraud Squad actively lead initiatives to raise awareness and strengthen protection for customers and the community during March, which is Fraud Prevention Month. The bank was recently awarded the AARP BankSafe Seal and is the only local bank included on AARP’s 2026 recognition list. Additionally, the bank’s Fraud Squad hosted its second quarterly Fraud Roundtable for local community banks on March 17. Two additional banks joined the conversation this quarter, with plans to continue expanding participation.
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Augusta - Security Federal Bank
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AVP and Retail Banking Manager Collette D’Antignac visited third grade students at Lamar Milledge Elementary to teach the basics of economics, including goods and services, producers, consumers and how these concepts connect to everyday life. She also led a hands-on demonstration about how to properly write a check.
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| The bank’s Greensboro and Lake Oconee team took part in the Teen Maze event at Greene County High School. The program gives local teens a hands-on look at real-world decision making.
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Macon - Planters First Bank
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The bank hosted a Lunch & Learn with Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta on affordable housing at the Macon-Bibb County Planning & Zoning Commission, alongside several Macon-area organizations making a difference.
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Perry - SunMark Community Bank
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The bank presented a $1,000 check to Happy Hour Service Center, made possible by support from its annual Shred Day event. The funds will help support Happy Hour's participants as they take part in the Special Olympics. The bank also sponsored the Blessing of the Crops Breakfast in Dublin hosted by the UGA Cooperative Extension - Laurens County, the Farm Bureau and Young Farmers.
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| Suwanee - Embassy National Bank
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Bank team members along with friends and family participated in the Suwanee Kiwanis 5K Shamrock Run to support local youth and give back to the community.
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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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