Boston Bound: GBA Annual Meeting Brings Big Agenda to Beantown
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The Georgia Bankers Association’s Annual Meeting heads to historic Boston this weekend, with events beginning Friday and wrapping up Sunday evening. More than 430 members, family and guests will be attending. In addition to the association’s annual business meeting to elect officers and install board members, members of the GBA Insurance Trust will elect directors, and GBA Retirement Services will share important updates. The agenda is full of timely content and discussions, but there will also be plenty of time for peer connection, networking and taking in a little Boston charm—think cobblestone streets, chowder and a stroll along the Freedom Trail. Coverage and photos from the weekend will be featured in next week’s GBA Bulletin.
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Bowman Sets Priorities as Fed Vice Chair for Supervision
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Following being sworn in this week to her new role, Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman outlined her top priorities in a speech at Georgetown University, emphasizing a practical approach to regulation. Of particular interest to GBA members:
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Regulatory Tailoring – Bowman criticized the extension of large bank rules to smaller institutions and called for a dedicated community bank framework. She plans to host a small bank policy conference later this year.
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Check Fraud – She called past efforts to curb check fraud “frustratingly slow” and pledged to push for faster remediation and targeted solutions.
- Supervisory Ratings – Bowman said the Fed will propose changes to better align ratings with financial condition, including a review of the CAMELS framework for smaller banks.
Read Bowman’s full remarks here.
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OCC’s Hood Defends Federal Preemption in Letter to CSBS
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Acting Comptroller of the Currency Rodney Hood strongly reaffirmed the OCC’s support for federal preemption in a letter this week to the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, which had challenged OCC regulations under a recent executive order. Hood wrote that the OCC’s preemption framework is “wholly consistent with Dodd-Frank and Supreme Court precedent,” and said the agency reviewed its regulations following the law’s enactment. He also called preemption a pro-competitive tool that enables “efficiencies associated with a uniform set of rules” and supports economic growth across all states.
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House Committee Advances Bill to Curb Abusive Use of Mortgage Trigger Leads
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The House Financial Services Committee this week advanced H.R. 2808, a bipartisan bill aimed at limiting the sale of mortgage “trigger leads” by credit reporting agencies. This issue has been a growing concern for many GBA members, as these leads can result in privacy invasions and consumer confusion. While this is the first step for the bill in the legislative process, its advancement is encouraging. GBA is urging members of the Georgia delegation to support this important legislation.
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Help Shape Policy—Two CSBS Surveys Open Through June 30
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GBA encourages member banks to complete two important CSBS surveys:
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2025 National Survey of Community Banks
A strong response from Georgia banks will help Georgia Banking Commissioner Kevin Hagler and his colleagues better understand our state’s banking environment. Your participation supports research and policy development at the national level. The survey takes 25–35 minutes and can be completed in multiple sessions.
Take the survey
View survey questions (PDF)
Be sure to have 2024 Call Report RIE data on expenses ready when completing this survey. Contact Melissa Sneed at msneed@dbf.state.ga.us with questions.
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Q2 2025 Community Bank Sentiment Index (CBSI)
This quick 7-minute survey gauges community bankers’ views on the economy. Take the CBSI survey to share your perspective.
Both surveys close June 30. Your input helps elevate Georgia’s voice in national conversations.
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Help Protect Older Americans from Financial Exploitation
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June 15 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a global effort launched by the World Health Organization and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. This annual observance brings attention to the often-hidden issue of elder abuse, including financial exploitation, and encourages communities to take action.
The ABA Foundation provides several free resources to help banks support older customers and prevent elder financial exploitation:
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Banker Training – Equip your staff with the skills to recognize, prevent and report elder financial exploitation. Training covers how to support victims and file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs).
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Consumer Education – Through the Safe Banking for Seniors program, banks can offer free outreach and education in their communities to help older adults guard against fraud and scams.
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Collaborate with Law Enforcement – Build strong partnerships with local law enforcement and adult protective services using ABA’s guidance and materials.
- Use Technology to Safeguard Accounts – Discover tools from ABA’s Partner Network that help banks use tech-based solutions to protect seniors’ financial well-being.
Explore these and other resources at aba.com/OlderAmericans.
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Bringing Creativity and Commitment to Banking with Lauren Nelson
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Accountability isn’t just a buzzword for Lauren Nelson—it’s a career cornerstone that dates back to her first job at a Carmike theater in Columbus. “If I didn’t show up or do something I needed to do, it could be a big deal and frankly wasn’t acceptable,” she said. “If I commit to something, it will happen.”
Now, as AVP and director of marketing at Georgia Banking Company, that early lesson continues to shape how she shows up for her team. When a colleague recently needed a quick solution at a conference, Nelson created a digital QR code with contact details in minutes—saving the day and helping her teammate make the right connections.
Read more in our latest GBA Member Profile.
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PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
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GBA Compensation Survey Deadline Extended
to June 27
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We are pleased to announce that the data submission deadline for the GBA Compensation Survey has been extended to June 27, offering you more time to participate. Why is this survey important?
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Comprehensive Insights: Get detailed data on base salaries, salary ranges, short-term and long-term incentives, total cash compensation and overall compensation.
- HR Policies & Practices: The survey report shows trends in salary increases, merit increases, structure adjustments, outsourcing, turnover and recruiting.
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Strategic Advantage: The GBA Compensation Survey is designed to help you navigate the complexities of employee compensation with confidence and make informed decisions about your pay programs.
- Key Data Breakouts: Data reported by asset size and Georgia geographic breakouts.
Dates to Remember:
- Extended Submission Due Date: June 27
- Results Published: Week of Aug. 11
Pricing:
- Participants: $650
- Non-Participants: $1,495
To receive access to the survey materials, contact Rhonda Snyder at rhonda.snyder@pearlmeyer.com. Also, if the time it takes to submit data is an issue, email Rhonda and Pearl Meyer can assist you with participation.
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Free Webinar: Mitigating Loss: Combating the True Cost of Fraud, June 25 at 2 p.m.
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Fraud continues to be top of mind for banks, with hard dollar losses growing at an all-time high. In this session, free to GBA members, Abrigo’s Terri Luttrell will discuss the true cost of fraud, new types of fraud affecting banks and the practical steps banks can take to mitigate the risks.
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Last Call! Internal Audit Peer Group Meeting June 17 in Macon
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There's still time to join the next session of the new Internal Audit Peer Group next week at Idle Hour Golf & Country Club in Macon. Specifically designed for internal auditors, the format of the peer group will feature an educational session on the future of the internal audit function led by Jason Keith of Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund, followed by an intensive roundtable discussion, facilitated by Ron Mitchell of Mauldin & Jenkins. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit topics during registration, which will generate discussion among their peers, as well as topics provided by our facilitator.
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NEW HUMAN RESOURCES PROGRAM
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HR 101: Welcome to Human Resources, Aug. 26 in Macon
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Are you new to HR or looking to build a stronger foundation in human resources? Don’t miss HR 101: Welcome to Human Resources, a new workshop specifically for HR administrators and support staff.
Hosted and designed by the GBA Human Resources Committee, this interactive workshop will equip attendees with practical tools, expert guidance, and actionable best practices covering HR compliance essentials, payroll operations, benefits administration, and more! Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to reinforce your HR fundamentals, HR 101 is the perfect opportunity to grow your skills and connect with peers. Register today and invest in your HR success!
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Reminder: President/CEO, Bank Accountant, Bank Counsel Conferences Registration Now Open
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In case you missed it last week, registration is now open for our annual President/CEO, Bank Accountant, and Bank Counsel Conferences, Georgia’s only President/CEO-level concurrent conferences focused specifically on top-management skill-building, intelligence sharing and connections. This fall, we’ll be back in Savannah at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District, Sept. 28-30. The event features exceptional educational content tailored to meet the distinct needs of its three audiences. Continuing education credit will be offered to accountants and attorneys. Make sure your bank or firm is represented!
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Don’t Miss These Member-Favorite Events
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More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up
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| WEBINARS – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING
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Treasury Management, AI and Microsoft Excel, 8 Keys to Teller Excellence and More
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Here’s a sampling of upcoming webinars.
Want to see the full webinar schedule?
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Compliance Alliance Question of the Week
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Question: Is there any sort of script that the bank could follow when dealing with the media after a robbery or other related security incident?
Answer: At a high level, the types of responses the bank would craft in dealing with the media in the wake of such an event would typically be tailored by public relations specialists, either internally (often the marketing team) or externally (e.g., a PR firm).
However, with that said, from a federal regulatory perspective: under 12 CFR 208.61, the bank's security procedures - in maintaining records aimed to assist in identifying persons committing crimes (including robbery) against the institution and that will preserve evidence that may aid in their identification and prosecution, and with periodically training officers and employees in proper employee conduct during and after a robbery - may broadly contain appropriate steps in how the bank should approach law enforcement, which in turn may inform how the bank would respond to the media. Read more here.
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The bank was ranked #1 among Metro Atlanta's 20 largest residential mortgage lenders for 2025 by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Read more.
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Albany - Flint Community Bank
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Alison Trotter has been promoted to group vice president / director of deposit operations. Read more.
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Atlanta - Georgia Banking Company
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Lauren Nelson has been promoted to assistant vice president and director of marketing.
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Will Clay has joined the bank’s Atlanta team as a wholesale middle market relationship manager.
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Atlanta - Synovus Bank/FHLBank Atlanta
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FHLBank Atlanta and Synovus Bank are delivering a $500,000 grant to Georgia Heirs Property Law Center Inc. The grant will be used to prevent and resolve heirs’ property issues that arise when home or landowners leave their property to others without a clear will, estate plan, title or deed. Read more.
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The bank officially opened its new branch on Walton Way in Augusta.
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Bainbridge - First Port City Bank
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Nancy Murphy has been promoted to assistant vice president / branch manager at the bank’s main branch.
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Marietta - Access Cobb, a Craft Bank
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Brittany Everette has joined the bank as a business development officer.
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Our sympathies to the family, friends and former colleagues of former GBA board member Walt Bernier, who recently passed away. Bernier served as president of Pelham Banking Company from 1969 until his retirement in April 2002. Read more.
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Perry - SunMark Community Bank
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John Andrew Veal has been promoted to executive vice president of the bank.
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Matthew Goldin has been promoted to vice president, senior credit analyst and data analytics officer. Read more.
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Tallahassee, FL - Capital City Bank
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Bethany Corum has been named president of the bank, effective July 1. Read more.
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Pensacola & Tampa, FL/Arlington, VA - Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund/Ascend
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Saltmarsh Cleaveland & Gund joined the Ascend platform, effective June 1, marking Ascend’s first expansion into Florida. The Pensacola-based firm, with offices in Tampa, brings an 80-year legacy of service to the platform. Ascend, supported by private equity firm Alpine Investors, partners with regional accounting firms generating between $15 million and $50 million in revenue, enabling them to remain independent while accessing the resources of a large firm. Read more.
Additionally, Saltmarsh Cleaveland & Gund unveiled a fresh brand identity. Read more.
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| Cordele - Planters First Bank
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The bank hosted the “Summer of Awareness – Protecting Our Elders Together” event at the Irwin County Senior Center, alongside local law enforcement, to raise awareness about elder abuse and financial scams.
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Jasper - Community Bank of Pickens County
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The bank donated $850 to Pickens County 4-H to support youth scholarships, encouraging leadership and higher education among local students.
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| Milledgeville - Exchange Bank
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The bank launched the “Supper with a Purpose” initiative to support local restaurants during the slower summer months through coordinated group meal orders for employees.
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| Bank team members volunteered at ESP Rome, packing “Lunches with Love” and participating in Friend Friday to support campers, staff and the organization's mission.
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The bank contributed to Upson Regional Medical Center through the Georgia HEART Hospital Program, enhancing healthcare services for Upson County and surrounding areas.
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Tifton - South Georgia Banking Company
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The bank donated $5,000 to the Tifton Council for the Arts in honor of retiring board member Dr. Joe Turner, supporting the Bette Turner Arts Annex.
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| Warner Robins - SunMark Community Bank
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Bank team members participated in the “Cops on Donut Shops” fundraiser at Dunkin’ Donuts to benefit Special Olympics, supporting local athletes and community inclusion.
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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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