Oct 19 - CBA Today eNewsletter - COMMUNITY BANKERS ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA

2022 Community Bank Leadership
Academy Graduates

The Community Bank Leadership Academy held its 4th workshop on October 4-5, where we had the opportunity to observe and hear the lessons learned, skills gained and plans for action from each of our graduates.

This is the 5th year that CBA has offered a 4-part certificate program to support the talent-building strategies of our community bank industry. CBA's Director of Education, Kristi Greer, led the final session to prepare the leadership bankers as they embark on continued growth and development in their careers. “We are extremely proud of our banks for choosing to invest in their employees. The 2022 CBLA class was another awesome group that has energized me to set new learning goals too,” said Ms. Greer.

Our sponsor, Barrett School of Banking, Chris Kelley added his top life leadership lessons and invited our graduates to consider setting the goal to participate in the Barrett School of Banking.

Here are some insights from several of this year’s participants.

“I chose to attend CBLA because I want to grow not only as a leader, but as a person also. By attending these sessions, not only have I learned more about myself, I have developed a skill set and acquired tools needed to continue to become a successful leader. Leadership Academy provided us with great speakers who have coached us and helped with our growth and professional development as leaders and people. I feel I have connected with a network of people that will also help continue my evolution as a leader, not only in my career but in my family and community as well. I recommend this class to everyone. To be able to lead is to be humble and to have the knowledge that continued growth is ongoing.”
Priscilla A Morris, The Claxton Bank

“I believe the CBA Leadership course is relevant at all stages of your career. It has helped me to recognize and understand my own style and to see areas where I can improve. If you are new to a leadership position, the knowledge gained from the program, correctly applied, would provide an opportunity to succeed in your position and be ready to grow into the next one. I would recommend the program to anyone willing to take a hard look at themselves and be ready to be a better leader.”
Angelia Alfred, American Commerce Bank

“This leadership class has been a beneficial time of self-reflection on both a professional and personal level. I am closing out this course with an immense understanding of different leadership styles and how those around me respond to those techniques. The curriculum exposed my leadership strengths and weaknesses for the benefit of my team and other relationships in my life.” Jonathon Guthrie, The Peoples Bank

Bob Koncerak

CBA's Marketing Committee Announces Marketing
Resources Page
Looking to tell your bank’s story? Share community events, new employees or promotions? CBA’s Marketing Committee is pleased to announce a Marketing Resources Page, a one-stop repository of all things marketing at CBA.

CBA’s Marketing & Communications Committee, chaired by Bob Koncerak, EVP/COO, American Commerce Bank, Bremen, met recently to outline plans for Georgia’s community banks to share best practices and amplify the good work community banks are doing.

Cassie Cornell, Assistant Vice President, Digital Strategy & Professional Development Marketing at CBA, developed the Marketing Resources page. The page includes news feeds from AgoraEversole Marketing Agency and William Mills Agency, easy ways for banks to share community events, Swaggin’ Wagon sightings, and much more. Check it out and share your news!

Innovation Exploration Conference Two Weeks Away!
Join your fellow bankers and associate members as we choose to learn and embrace opportunities to create efficiencies and new ways to service our stakeholders. In today’s ever-changing financial landscape, community bankers must remain vigilant in exploring ways to implement solutions that keep community banks competitive.

CBA’s Professional Development Team has added new sessions to the conference—take a look at the agenda, and you will see timely topics taught by the best in the industry. Don’t miss out--register today.

CBA Advocacy Fund: Thank You!
At CBA, we must constantly build and renew relationships with
legislators that understand and support community banking.

Thank you to the following banks for their generous contributions to CBA’s Advocacy Fund:

Century Bank & Trust, Milledgeville - Mr. Derek Williams

Jennifer Fanning has joined
Colony Bank, Savannah, as a Mortgage Loan Originator.

Lisa Harrington has joined BankSouth, Savannah, as Relationship Manager.

Frank Posey has joined South Georgia Banking Company, Tifton, as Senior Vice President and City President of the Cordele and Vienna markets.

Think CBA First for Your Professional Development Needs!
Here are some upcoming CBA events:

Bank Security: Recognize & Prevent Fraud
November 29 | Dublin or STREAM
All bank security officers want to know the musts for their physical security programs. All bank staff want to know how to stop check fraud.

In this one-day fraud awareness training, participants will learn what criminal activity is affecting community banks. Check fraud, elder fraud and other scams will be discussed.

We want to support your bank in being able to identify and prevent! Let's learn these preventative strategies together.

Participants will review recent security statistics, trends, and profiles. Participants will learn the top security and robbery techniques that will increase their knowledge to support community bank security procedures. Participants will hear preventative methods to support their internal best practices. Participants will also increase their knowledge of elder fraud, student fraud, counterfeit checks, and currency scams. We will also have time for roundtable discussions (RAP session). And more.

Our agenda includes: The Perfect Storm - Skimming/Card Cloning - Robbery/Active Shooter - Crisis Communication - Roundtable Discussions

Submit your Questions to a CBA Team member prior to the program. Send your ideas/questions for the RAP session to Education@cbaofga.com

Mike Burke
SHAZAM

Patrick Dix
SHAZAM

Warren Averett has grown substantially over the last few years to become one of the largest accounting firms in the Southeastern region, ranking among the top 30 firms in the United States. With more than 800 employees and 340 CPAs across 15 offices, Warren Averett offers depth and experience in financial services, with services that span beyond audit and tax to include wealth management, staffing and recruiting, technology consulting, financial outsourcing, retirement plan administration and investments. Our Banking Services Group is made up of 50+ professionals serving a variety of financial institutions, from community banks, state banks, public banks, de novo banks and insurance organizations. We go beyond the typical audit, accounting and tax return functions to find unique ways to improve your overall operational efficiencies.

Contact Lisa Berry at 205-368-5689 or visit their website.

Here are some of the latest news stories relevant to community banking and the financial services industry:

October 19, 2022