Senate Farm Bill Stalls in Committee; Join GBA to Urge Action in September
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The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee failed by one vote to advance its version of the farm bill this week. Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) vowed to bring the bill back up the first week of September, when the Senate returns from August recess. Earlier this week GBA joined a coalition of state bankers associations, the American Bankers Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation and other agriculture organizations urging lawmakers to approve a modernized, five-year bill. Read the coalition letter here.
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Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) will be a key vote in deciding whether the bill moves forward in September, so he needs to hear from Georgia bankers about the importance of advancing a new farm bill that will better serve agriculture customers. The current farm bill was enacted in 2018 and expired in 2023. While it has been extended several times by Congress, the farm bill needs to be updated to reflect the current economic conditions in the agriculture industry. The U.S. House has already passed its version of a bipartisan farm bill, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567).
Take action: Contact Sen. Warnock and Georgia's congressional delegation and encourage them to support a long-term Farm Bill that strengthens rural communities and agricultural lending
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Behind the Scenes: Planning Begins for Georgia Banking School 2027
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The Georgia Banking School Board met Tuesday to begin planning the 2027 school session, which is set for April 25-30 in Athens. Volunteer bankers from across the state carefully reviewed student feedback from this year's courses and instructors before refining the curriculum, selecting faculty and outlining the framework for next year's program.
"Our board members really care about making Georgia Banking School better every year," said Georgia Banking School Board Chair Peter Faser, principal at The Profitability Coach. "Looking at what students told us worked well — and where we can improve — is one of the most important parts of building the next session."
The board also welcomed new member Oonagh Benson of Classic City Bank, Athens. Benson, the 2026 Graduate of Distinction, joins the board after completing the program this year.
The Georgia Banking School has been preparing banking leaders for more than 60 years. Learn more about the school here. Look for details and registration for the 2027 session soon. With questions, contact Alison Moreau.
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Bank Counsel Board Addresses Industry Priorities, Conference Planning
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The GBA Bank Counsel Section Board of Directors met Aug. 4 to discuss legal, legislative and regulatory issues affecting Georgia banks while continuing plans for this fall's Tri-Conference. The meeting, led by the board's Vice Chair Walt Jones of Balch and Bingham, included a roundtable discussion on emerging issues from members' markets and practices.
Board members heard an update from Amy Patterson, deputy commissioner for legal affairs at the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, followed by a discussion of unauthorized practice of law issues led by GBA Legislative Consultant Steve Bridges. GBA EVP of Government Relations & Advocacy Elizabeth Chandler provided a state and federal legislative and policy update, while GBA SVP of Member Services & Advocacy Bo Brannen led a discussion on section membership, recruitment and BankPAC participation.
The board also continued planning for the Bank Counsel Conference, scheduled for Oct. 4-6 at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee. Members finalized session topics and speakers for the conference, which is held in conjunction with the President/CEO and Bank Accountant conferences. Get conference details and register here.
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Chandler Talks Banking and Advocacy at Griffin Rotary
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Thanks to former GBA Chairman Chuck Copeland, First National Bank of Griffin, for inviting GBA’s Elizabeth Chandler, EVP of Government Relations & Advocacy, to speak at the Rotary Club of Griffin July 23. During her “Under the Gold Dome 101” Q&A discussion with Copeland, Chandler gave an overview of Georgia’s banking industry as well as insider insight into our advocacy on behalf of members and how the legislative process works in Georgia. GBA often speaks to banker and business groups to tell the story about banking beyond the headlines. Contact David Oliver, 404.520.6311, with questions.
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Update on Georgia BankPAC Campaign
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The 2026 BankPAC campaign is in full swing. Contribution forms along with all BankPAC information may be accessed on the advocacy page of our website with easy-to-follow options for making these contributions.
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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 is:
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- Vallant Bank, Elberton, David Voyles, CEO.
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Contributions to the GBA FedPAC have come from eligible employees, officers and directors of:
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- The Bank of LaFayette, Dave Gilbert, chairman & CEO
- The Citizens Bank of Americus, Rick Whaley, president & CEO
- Vallant Bank, Elberton, David Voyles, CEO.
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American Trust Retirement Merger with Ascensus
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Following the agreement announced in May, the Ascensus acquisition of the American TCS business, including American Trust Retirement, closed Aug. 3.
American Trust Retirement is the trustee, investment manager and recordkeeper of the GBA Master 401(k) Trust sponsored by GBA Retirement Services.
Members of the GBA Master 401(k) Trust were notified earlier in the week. Short-term, everything remains the same for GBARS members, with continued dedicated support from GBA staff, our client service managers at American Trust, compliance support, and participant services. Over time, both companies anticipate enhanced technology, tools, and expertise that each company provides in the retirement industry. Participants should receive more information in the coming weeks, but a press release is available on the American Trust 401(k) participant website.
GBARS will work closely with American Trust to minimize any effects or inconvenience to our members. Our primary focus will remain on helping participants prepare for a successful retirement. We are proud of the progress GBARS has made since partnering with American Trust, with 69% of total Trust participants on track to replace at least 70% of their income in retirement. We will continue to provide updates on the merger as we learn more. If you have any questions, please contact Mandy Richards at 678.549.4167.
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Order Peanut Bank Week Supplies by Aug. 31
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The 50th-annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week is set for Oct. 19–23, and this year’s theme, “Peanuts…Georgia’s Golden Investment,” celebrates the collaboration of banking and agriculture.
Hosted by GBA and Georgia Peanut Commission, this yearly tradition gives banks a chance to showcase their peanut pride and connect with customers using fun, printable activities for kids and, of course, the famous promotional packs of Red Bag Peanuts.
Please place your order by Aug. 31 to receive your supplies in time.
Questions? Contact Maddie Frost at maddie@gapeanuts.com or 229.386.3470.
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CONFERENCE & EVENT SPOTLIGHTS
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BankPAC Pickleball Paddle Battle
Aug. 27, Macon
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Hit the Courts at this Fun Indoor Event
Join us at the world's largest indoor pickleball facility for a fun afternoon of social, friendly competition, lunch and giveaways. Prizes will be awarded to top winners! All proceeds go to the GBA StatePAC.
Get involved beyond the court!
Sponsorship opportunities are available, with prices ranging from $250 - $650. Contact GBA’s Kathy Friestad with questions.
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HR Professionals Peer Group Meeting
Sept. 3 in Macon
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Join fellow bank HR professionals from across Georgia for an interactive roundtable discussion focused on today's most pressing HR topics. Share ideas, discuss challenges, exchange solutions and gain valuable insights from peers who understand the unique needs of the banking industry. Discussion topics will be driven by participant input, ensuring relevant and meaningful conversations for attendees.
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South Georgia Community Bank Symposium Sept. 17, Valdosta
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Ops/Tech Peer Group Meeting Sept. 22, Athens
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Jim Stewart of Vallant Bank and GBA Operations & Technology Committee member will facilitate the meeting covering industry hot topics. Participants can help shape the discussion by submitting topics during the registration process. Sponsorships are available. Click here for sponsorship information.
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PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
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ASSOCIATE MEMBER PROFIT RESOURCES, INC.
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Reviewing Core System Parameters Can Reveal Opportunities for Improvement
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Banks rely on core systems every day, and reviewing the settings and parameters within those systems can provide valuable insights that are often overlooked. A recent article from GBA Associate Member Profit Resources highlights how reviewing core system configurations can help banks identify inefficiencies, uncover opportunities and ensure systems are aligned with business goals. Small configuration decisions can impact operational efficiency, customer experience and revenue performance. Read the full article for additional insights and visit profitresources.com for more information on optimizing core system performance.
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ASSOCIATE MEMBER CHECKALT
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What the 18-Month Receivables Window Means for Banks
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Banks are facing growing expectations from business customers for faster, more integrated payment and receivables solutions. According to a recent Datos Insights study commissioned by GBA Associate Member CheckAlt, nearly 75% of banks under $30 billion in assets are actively evaluating, or plan to evaluate, receivables and payment processing technology in the next 18 months. While every bank's strategy will differ, the study suggests this is an appropriate time to assess current capabilities, identify future needs and develop a long-term modernization roadmap that aligns with customer expectations and institutional goals. Read more from CheckAlt here, or contact Will Grattan, will.grattan@checkalt.com, with questions.
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GBA Fall Advocacy Play Day – Oct. 14!
Two Great Events, One Important Cause
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BankPAC Golf and Inaugural Mahjong Mingle
River Forest Golf Club, Forsyth
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Join your peer Georgia bank compliance professionals. Get practical insights on today's top compliance issues, exchange ideas with peers from across the state and return with solutions you can put to work right away — all while enjoying outstanding networking in a relaxed coastal setting.
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Come to Georgia's top multi-day conference for bank CFOs and finance teams — the Financial Risk Management Conference, set for Nov. 5-6 at the Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory.
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This event, planned by the GBA Credit Committee, covers the full spectrum of market intelligence, credit trends, underwriting, risk management and business development topics essential for growing, thriving banks. The event provides participants the opportunity to network, share best practices and learn from nationally known experts in an away-from-the-bank environment to foster creativity and connections.
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ONLINE LEARNING – GREAT FOR FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING
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Head Teller Training, AI 101, Treasury Management 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:
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Erin Dee has joined BankSouth Mortgage as Senior Vice President, Chief Innovation Officer. Read more here. Jessica Swink has joined BankSouth Mortgage as SVP, Director of Marketing & Digital Strategy. Read more here.
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Bainbridge – First Port City Bank
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Shea Campbell has been promoted to Vice President/Lender. Elva McNair has been promoted to Vice President/Branch Manager. Kayla Williams has been promoted to Vice President/Branch Manager/Corporate Secretary.
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Tosha Pressley has joined the bank as Branch Manager in Perry.
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Pine Mountain – First Peoples Bank
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Andrea Burkett has joined the bank as Vice President and AML/CFT officer. Jeff Akers has joined the bank's Old Town team in Columbus as a Commercial Lender.
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Richmond Hill – Great Oaks Bank
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Wade B. Hall, director, received the Wise Owl Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Georgia Forestry Association. He was presented the award by Georgia Forestry Association President Tim Lowrimore.
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Thomasville – Pinnacle Financial Partners
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Raymond Thompson has joined the bank as Market Executive for Thomasville. Tina Ramsey has been named Office Leader of the bank’s Gateway office. Janet Dean has been promoted to Area Manager of Client Services. Read more here.
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Swainsboro – Citizens Bank of Swainsboro
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The bank donated $500 to Wreaths Across America to help provide Christmas wreaths for veterans' graves that otherwise would not have a sponsor, supporting the organization's mission to honor those who served.
Also, Keep Emanuel Beautiful (KEB) has selected the bank as its latest Beautiful Business of the Month Award recipient, recognizing the bank's exceptional property maintenance, beautification efforts and commitment to community pride.
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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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