ADVOCACY

GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPDATE

Bank Tax Credit at Risk in Senate, New Interchange Bill Coming Soon

The Georgia General Assembly completed day 18 of the 40-day 2026 legislative session Thursday. The biggest news of the week was Senate passage of SB 476 by Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia). The bill would reduce the income tax rate to 4.99% for individuals, corporations and S corps/partnerships. It would also increase the standard deduction to $100,000 for married couples filing jointly and $50,000 for single filers, and establish a Jan. 1, 2032, sunset for all credits against Georgia taxable net income while repealing various industry-specific credits and tax exemptions.

Of particular concern for banks is the proposed repeal of the dollar-for-dollar state income tax credit for financial institutions, which could significantly affect how banks are taxed. Georgia taxes banks differently than most businesses. In addition to the state income tax, banks pay special state and local taxes on gross receipts known as the bank tax. The bank tax credit exists to prevent double taxation by ensuring banks are not required to pay both. They currently pay the greater of the bank tax or income tax. If SB 476 passes in its current form, Georgia banks could be looking at a $55 million annual increase in taxes owed to the state and local governments. Click here to read our whitepaper, The Necessity of the Georgia Income Tax Credit for Depository Financial Institutions. The bill now moves to the House, where there are likely to be differing views on how best to deliver tax relief to Georgians.

We also expect another bill restricting the collection of interchange on the sales tax portion of card transactions to be introduced by Sen. Drew Echols (R-Gainesville). The legislation had not been posted online as of publication, so look for more details in Friday’s legislative update.

U.S. House Advances Housing Package with Key Community Bank Provisions

The U.S. House of Representatives this week passed the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 6644) by a 390-9 vote, with all members of Georgia’s congressional delegation voting in favor. The legislation aims to boost housing availability nationwide while incorporating several provisions beneficial to community banks. Among them are higher supervisory and examination asset thresholds, an increase in the Public Welfare Investment cap, and reforms to streamline and simplify the new bank application process. The bill also includes a two-year phase-in of capital requirements for new banks and targeted efforts to support rural and minority financial institutions. Georgia Rep. David Scott (D-GA13) is among the bill’s 31 co-sponsors.

House Introduces SCAM Act to Combat Fraudulent Social Media Ads

On the heels of similar legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate last week, U.S. Reps. Dan Meuser, (R-Pa.), and Lou Correa, (D-Calif.), have introduced the Safeguarding Consumers from Advertising Misconduct, or SCAM, Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. GBA supports the bipartisan bill, which would combat fraudulent ads on social media platforms by requiring them to strengthen scam detection and prevention efforts and enhance enforcement of consumer protection laws by the Federal Trade Commission and state authorities. Our advocacy team will be reaching out to our U.S. House delegation to encourage them to support the bill.

The Bank of Dudley team had the team highest overall score

A sold-out field of participants gathered last Thursday for a day of sporting clays benefiting GBA's StatePAC*. The Leadership GBA Board of Directors, led by executive committee Robert Duvall, Bank of Madison; Zach Giddens, SunMark Community Bank; Luke Lanier, Durden Banking Company; and Brad Sheffield, Synovus Bank, hosted the annual event at Old Hudson Plantation in Sparta. Thank you to the Leadership Board members who volunteered their time as well as our sponsors who joined in with participants on the course to make the day a success. See photos from the day on GBA's Facebook page here.

Congratulations to this year’s tournament winners:

• Team Highest Overall Score: Bank of Dudley team, with team members Sam Beall, Hunter Beall, Paul Stevenson and Lee Whitaker.
• Highest Overall Individual Score: Browning Benton, Farmers & Merchants Bank, with a score of 96.
• Jason Davis, First State Bank, claimed the Cotton Drop contest, and the Long Bird competition concluded in a four-way tie between Blake Boling, The Citizens Bank of Georgia; Hunter Beall and Lee Whitaker, Bank of Dudley; and Cody Sheperd, CSRA Business Lending.

A huge shoutout to our event sponsors! BancCard of America; Bank of Madison; Classic City Bank; Colony Bank; Commercial Banking Company; CSRA Business Lending; CT Solutions; Durden Banking Company; FHLBank Atlanta; First Carolina Bank; First National Bank; First State Bank; Georgia First Bank; Pacific Coast Bankers Bank (PCBB); Point To Point Environmental; QSI; Safe Systems, a UFS Company; Steve H. Powell & Company; SunMark Community Bank; The Citizens Bank of Georgia; and The Peoples Bank - Eatonton.

* The GBA State PAC contributes only to candidates running for state-level office such as the Georgia General Assembly, the Governor’s office and the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Contributions can be made by an individual, from bank funds if you are a state-chartered bank or from a national bank holding company if the contribution is made from funds other than those resulting from the operations of the national bank.

INDUSTRY NEWS

New Survey Highlights Opportunities for Banks to Help Customers Deal with Financial Stress

With 88% of U.S. adults reporting financial stress and 77% experiencing a setback in 2025, new survey data offers timely insight for bank product strategies and marketing messages this year. Consumers’ top anticipated expenses — debt repayment (40%), home-related costs (36%) and transportation (32%) — along with mixed confidence in covering a $2,000 emergency, point to growing demand for practical tools, flexible credit options and savings solutions that build financial resilience. Find out more from the full survey here.

GBA NEWS

Women in Banking Committee Gathers This Week in Covington

The GBA Women in Banking Committee met this week at United Bank in Covington. Led by committee Chair Gayle Woolard, AB&T, Albany, and vice chair Chelsea Coclough, First American Bank & Trust Company, Athens, the enthusiasm and energy were high around the table as the group worked to put the finishing touches on the agenda for the 2026 Women in Banking Conference. Also discussed were successes and concerns affecting committee members at their banks. This year’s conference will be Aug. 13-14 at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton. Registration will open at the end of March for this annual event, which draws more than 150 women bankers, Associate Members, Bank Accountant and Bank Counsel members from across the state. Check out the confirmed sessions for this year’s event:

• Economic Update from Paula Tkac, Executive Vice President and Director of Research, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
• Mastering Efficiency with Sarah Kinney, Athens Area Community Foundation
• What You Need to Know about Stablecoin with Kaye Lynch-Sparks, Senior Director & Counsel, Innovation Policy, American Bankers Association
• Conversations that Matter Session – still under construction
• Fireside Chat with BankMiami’s CEO and Founder Mary Usategui, and past committee chair Jessi Englert, First American Bank & Trust
• Closing Session: “See Differences Differently,” with Dr. Karah Sprouse, Generational Engagement Consultant and Assistant Professor of Business at Cumberland University near Nashville, TN.

Be sure your calendar is blocked and watch for the registration announcement in late March. And thanks to these wonderful Associate Members who are already showing their support through event sponsorship:

• Sapphire Sponsor: CRS Data
• Diamond Sponsor: Profit Resources
• Silver Sponsors: FHLBank Atlanta; McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co.; Troutman Pepper Locke; and Wipfli.

Sponsorships are still available; contact GBA’s Kathy Friestad with questions about this or the conference.

Calling 50-Year Bankers: We Want to Celebrate You!

It’s a time-honored GBA tradition to recognize our Georgia member bankers who have been in banking for 50 years or more. We will formally honor those bankers at our Annual Meeting in June. Celebrants do not have to attend to be honored! If you are celebrating that momentous milestone or know of a banker who has reached 50 years in the industry, please let us know! Complete this brief questionnaire by Friday, May 15. We’ll feature these honorees in our annual meeting wrap-up article, so watch for that. Questions? Contact GBA’s David Oliver. 

Volunteer with GBA and Make a Difference

More than 300 members serve on one of GBA's 24 committees or boards and shape industry policy priorities, educational programs and other resources provided by GBA. If you or a banker you know would be a good fit to carry on that tradition, now’s the time for committee volunteer nominations.

Contact David Oliver with questions or to request a connection with a current committee/board member. Here's what two committee members had to say about their experience:

Robert Duvall
1st VP/Branch Manager
Bank of Madison

"I serve on the GBA Agriculture Committee because our bank is rooted in a small community where agriculture plays a vital role. Being able to share my firsthand experiences while learning about issues facing farmers across the state helps me better serve my customers. The insight gained through this committee truly strengthens how I support both our agricultural community and our bank."

Mikelle Brady, Partner
Profit Resources

"I love supporting the GBA Women in Banking effort, and serving on the committee is a great opportunity to do that. But the best part is having the chance to brainstorm, connect and dream with the other women on the committee as we work to offer a premier event. And we have fun doing it."

MEMBER NEWS

Fairness, Family and Giving Back with Shea Zeigler

Working alongside her father as he supervised and trained managers was Shea Zeigler’s first job after her family moved to Georgia from Kentucky. The experience shaped her understanding of responsibility early on and still influences her work today. Now human resource officer and vice president at WB&T Bankshares in Valdosta, Zeigler brings that same dependability and work ethic to her role and to her service as vice chair of the GBA HR Committee. “Showing up, being prepared, and doing your best every day were just expected,” she said. “Those lessons stuck with me and still shape how I approach my work today.”

That foundation was strengthened by a longtime mentor she worked beside for 13 years. One piece of advice continues to guide her leadership style: be fair and treat everyone the same. “If you do something for one person, you do it for all,” she said. Leading with consistency, she noted, builds trust and respect among coworkers.

Beyond her day-to-day HR responsibilities, Zeigler also manages the Empty Stocking Fund, a local nonprofit that partners with the Salvation Army to provide toys for children in need. Being entrusted with that effort, she said, reflects why she loves community banking and the direct impact it has on local families. Read more in her GBA Member Profile.

Related: The GBA HR Committee looks forward to welcoming their peers from around Georgia at the 2026 HR Professionals Institute coming up March 25-27 in Savannah. There are just a few weeks left to take advantage of group hotel rates at The DeSoto! Reserve your room by March 3.

Spotlight on New GBA Associate Members

Over the next few weeks, we want to give a warm welcome to several new GBA Associate Members that 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:

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.

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.

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.

TRAINING & EVENTS

Registration Now Open for 2026 Rural Development and Lending Conference

Join the GBA Agricultural Committee May 18-19 as they host GBA’s annual Rural Development and Lending Conference at The King and Prince, St. Simons. The agenda is almost finalized, but here is a list of confirmed speakers:

• Peanut Update – Marshall Lamb, National Peanut Research Laboratory
• Beef Update – Will Secor, Assistant Professor & Extension Livestock Economist, UGA
• Fruit & Vegetable Update – Jessica Kirk, Lewis Taylor Farms
• Crop Insurance – Plenn Hunnicutt, South Georgia Crop Insurance

Who Should Attend: Lenders and all Georgia bankers who have customers in the ag sector.

Exhibitor booths and sponsorships are available! Your company or firm may choose to support this event through exhibiting or sponsoring. A huge thanks to our sponsors already confirmed:

• Platinum Sponsor: CSRA Business Lending
• Silver Sponsor: Point to Point Environmental

Kristen Stogniew

Join Virtual BSA Peer Group Meeting on April 1

Registration is now open for the next virtual GBA BSA Peer Group Meeting on April 1from 10 a.m. noon ET via Zoom. This interactive session brings BSA/AML/CFT and OFAC professionals together to exchange ideas, share best practices and tackle timely compliance challenges shaped by participant-submitted hot topics. Led by Kristen Stogniew of Saltmarsh, the program delivers expert insight and valuable peer discussion — all in a convenient virtual format that makes it easy to stay informed without leaving your desk. Register now to connect, collaborate and strengthen your compliance program.

Registration Opening Soon!

GBA Leadership Conference
July 13-15
The Omni, Amelia Island, FL

More Events and Training Opportunities Coming up

• Breaking into Banking 101: Fundamentals of Commercial Lending - Feb. 25, Zoom Webinar

• Operations and Technology Conference

   - Feb. 25-27, The DeSoto, Savannah

• Compliance Peer Group Meeting - March 11, Methodist Home for Children & Youth, Macon

• Business Cash Flow Analysis Seminar - South - March 12, Georgia Chamber of Commerce Center for Rural Prosperity, Tifton

• Marketing Conference & Customer Insights Workshop - March 25-27, The DeSoto, Savannah

• Breaking into Banking 201: Analyzing Repayment Sources - March 25, Zoom Webinar
• 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

ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING

Secrets of Being a Great Call Center Agent, Writing Teller Training and Procedures and More 

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

• Secrets to Being a Great Call Center Agent – Feb. 18
• Exploding Check Fraud – Feb. 19
• Treasury Management: A Powerful Tool to Increase Deposits and Fee Income – Feb. 23
• 2026 BSA Officer and Staff All-Day Streaming – Feb. 25
• Community Banker Workshop: Intro to Model Risk Management – March 5
• Writing Teller Training and Procedures – March 12
• Opening New Accounts - Part 1 – March 13
• SAR Decision Making – March 19
• Call Report Lending Schedules Workshop – March 24

Self-paced courses, certificates and reference guides:

• Reference Guide to Regulatory Compliance

• Succession Planning for Banks

• Teller Basics: Upskill for a Digital World

Build Expertise with the ABA Residential Mortgage Lender Certificate

Bankers looking to strengthen their mortgage lending knowledge can advance their skills through the ABA Residential Mortgage Lender Certificate, a comprehensive program designed for aspiring mortgage lenders and those new to the mortgage area, including loan clerks, processors and closers.

Available to GBA members for $775, the certificate provides a thorough review of banking fundamentals, credit analysis and legal principles that support the mortgage process — while also emphasizing relationship-based sales skills.

The program includes 30 required courses and exercises, covering topics such as mortgage processing and underwriting, fraud prevention, appraisal review, loan estimates and closing disclosures. Several courses are offered in partnership with AllRegs, a leader in residential mortgage lending. The estimated completion time is approximately 22 hours.

Participants can also earn credits toward select professional certifications, adding further value for career growth. Learn more and enroll here.

PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

2026 Banking Benefits & HR Policies Survey Open

In partnership with Pearl Meyer, the 2026 Banking Benefits and Human Resources Policies Survey is now open. If you did not receive a participation email, contact Rhonda Snyder at rhonda.snyder@pearlmeyer.com.

The survey covers PTO and leave policies, health and wellness benefits, FSAs, disability and life insurance, retirement plans, work-life and retiree benefits, payroll and organizational costs, and work-from-home practices. A dedicated Bank Executive Benefits & Perquisites section is also included; only banks that complete this section will receive those results.

Participants from the 2024 survey will receive a printable copy of their prior responses to simplify submission.

Key Dates and Pricing:

• Survey Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2026
• Submission Due Date: March 6, 2026
• Survey Results Published: Week of May 11, 2026
• $750 for participants.

GBA Partner ABA Insurance Services (ABAIS) offers trusted D&O, P&C, and other insurance solutions tailored for banks. This unique bank-owned, banker-directed program has been supporting the banking industry for over 30 years. ABAIS works with your local agent or directly with you to provide competitive quotes and expert service. Contact Pat Williams at 410.960.6878 or ppwilliams@abais.com  to learn more.

Many lenders treat vendor contracts as routine paperwork. You sign, store and forget them until renewal, creating dangerous blind spots in risk management. In this article, GBA Strategic Partner NContracts explains why effective contract management must span the entire vendor lifecycle, from onboarding to ongoing oversight to termination. Contracts are more than formalities; they are accountability tools that define performance expectations, security requirements and audit rights. The piece offers practical guidance on the three phases of contract management and how to turn vendor agreements into meaningful risk controls.

Related Webinar – Feb. 17 at 2 p.m.

Fourth- and Nth-Party Risk Management: Extending Vendor Oversight

Third-party risk management doesn’t stop with your vendors. Fourth- and nth-party relationships — subcontractors, cloud providers, data processors, and other downstream partners — can introduce operational, cybersecurity, and compliance risk into your bank. Click here to register.

For banks with business clients in manufacturing, you’ll want to check out this guide from GBA Associate Member Specialty Tax Group (STG). It covers two of the most impactful programs, the R&D Tax Credit and the Georgia Retraining Tax Credit. These credits reward manufacturing companies for the work they’re already doing: developing processes, improving equipment, testing new ideas, and training employees. These credits help manufacturers stay competitive, and the STG guide breaks everything down in clear, straightforward language so you can understand what your customers qualify for and how the credits work.

Click here for insight from GBA Associate Member Armagh Capital to see How the Big Beautiful Bill affected transferable Renewable Energy Tax Credits. These tax credits became popular in 2024 and are now abundant for the 2025 tax year and future tax years. These tax credits have a three-year carryback and a twenty-year carryforward. Banks can take advantage of these tax credits through the filing date of their tax return, including extensions. For more information, contact John Carson, john@armaghcapital.com or Richard Jones at richard@armaghcapital.com.

NEWSMAKERS

Atlanta - Citizens Trust Bank

President and CEO Cynthia Day has been named one of the 2026 Georgia Titan 100, a prestigious recognition celebrating Georgia's top CEOs and c-level executives across diverse sectors. Read more.

Augusta - Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.

Matt Wehman has joined the bank as fiduciary funds manager within its trust department. Read more.

Bainbridge - First Port City Bank

President and CEO Scott Ewing was named the 2025 Man of the Year by the Bainbridge Decatur Co. Chamber of Commerce. 

Clayton/Clarkesville - Rabun County Bank / Traditions Bank, a Division of Rabun County Bank

Ryland Richmond has joined the Rabun County Bank Clayton team, and Cindy Fry has joined the Traditions Bank Clarkesville team.

Calhoun - North Georgia National Bank

Chelsea Waits has joined the bank’s Calhoun main office as a relationship banker.

Milledgeville - Century Bank and Trust

Tara Dyer has been promoted to senior vice president, head of operations. Read more.

Richmond Hill - Great Oaks Bank

Dana Potts has joined the bank as executive vice president and Chief Financial Officer. Read more.

Winder - Renasant Bank

Commercial Banking Executive Chris Maddox received the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce’s highest honor, the “Shining Star” award. He was honored for his service through the Barrow Community Foundation, his role at the bank and his leadership in economic development. Read more.

Atlanta - Mauldin & Jenkins

Benjamin Ellis has been appointed as the firm’s Chief Information Officer, effective Feb. 1. Read more.

Tampa and Pensacola, FL - Saltmarsh

Mercedes Flowers has joined the firm as Chief Growth Officer. Read more.

Atlanta - Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Dwight Blackwood, Alan Faircloth and Rebecca Wasserman were all promoted in the Atlanta Fed's Legal Department, effective Feb. 1. Read more.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Bainbridge - First National Bank

The bank was the presenting sponsor of the Bainbridge Jazz & Blues Festival.

Bainbridge - First Port City Bank

The bank donated $1,500 to its local United Way to support their work for those in need.

Blairsville - United Community Bank

Bank team members recently volunteered at a Georgia elementary school’s “Amazing Shake,” interviewing students and helping them build confidence and skills for situations such as future college and job interviews.

Braselton - Exchange Bank

The bank sponsored the Jackson County Chamber Annual Awards Dinner.

Jasper - Community Bank of Pickens County

The bank sponsored the Pickens Chamber of Commerce’s February Breakfast.

Perry - SunMark Community Bank

The bank hosted Girl Scout Troop 60140 for a behind-the-scenes tour. With cookie season in full swing, the girls were given a tour of the bank, introduced to different departments and taught about what each team does to help serve the community.

Thomaston - United Bank

For the third year, bank employees Ashley Bell, Cassie Crane, Samantha Pilkenton and Shannon Hatcher volunteered at Tim Tebow's Night to Shine event in Thomaston. This annual prom is held simultaneously around the world on the Friday before Valentine's Day and supports about 90,000 honored guests and their families.

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.