
The 2020 elections saw record turnout and will be remembered for years to come. For a complete listing of all races, please access the web links below:
Federal Elections Georgia Elections
Federal Elections Georgia Elections

The Value of Membership – Read the Latest Issue of Georgia Communities First
What’s in the latest issue of CBA’s magazine Georgia Communities First? In this issue, you’ll read about CBA’s Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, highlights from the Annual Convention, Preferred Service Providers, new education programs and much more. You won’t want to miss the feature on CBA’s 2020-2021 Chair David Lance, President & CEO, Greater Community Bank. Click here for the November/December issue.
What’s in the latest issue of CBA’s magazine Georgia Communities First? In this issue, you’ll read about CBA’s Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, highlights from the Annual Convention, Preferred Service Providers, new education programs and much more. You won’t want to miss the feature on CBA’s 2020-2021 Chair David Lance, President & CEO, Greater Community Bank. Click here for the November/December issue.

Craft Bank is Georgia’s Newest Community Bank!
Wonderful to see another new community bank in the Peach State! Congratulations to Ross Mynatt, President & CEO of Craft Bank, Atlanta. Craft Bank opened its doors last week and is the first new community bank inside the Atlanta Perimeter in over 12 years.
“I could not be more proud of our Board and Team for pulling together, staying focused, and persevering through the challenges presented by a pandemic, economic recession, period of social unrest, and a hotly contested presidential election in trying to open a new bank,” said Mr. Mynatt. “While we had some moments of doubt and frustration, our belief in the Craft concept and more importantly, in each other sustained us through some difficult times. I am also greatly appreciative of our partners (attorneys, consultants, capital raise firm, etc.) who encouraged and guided us along the journey. Finally, our regulatory partners with the DBF and the FDIC could not have been more accommodating under the circumstances. While everyone needed to their respective job, we all adjusted to adapt to a changing and uncertain business landscape.”
“The commitment to start a new community bank is a clear indication of the health and strength of the Georgia economy,” stated John McNair, President & CEO of Community Bankers Association of Georgia. “CBA of Georgia is proud to play a part in helping Georgia’s community banks serve the needs of their respective communities. We congratulate all involved with the formation of Craft Bank and stand ready to serve the bank when called upon.”
Wonderful to see another new community bank in the Peach State! Congratulations to Ross Mynatt, President & CEO of Craft Bank, Atlanta. Craft Bank opened its doors last week and is the first new community bank inside the Atlanta Perimeter in over 12 years.
“I could not be more proud of our Board and Team for pulling together, staying focused, and persevering through the challenges presented by a pandemic, economic recession, period of social unrest, and a hotly contested presidential election in trying to open a new bank,” said Mr. Mynatt. “While we had some moments of doubt and frustration, our belief in the Craft concept and more importantly, in each other sustained us through some difficult times. I am also greatly appreciative of our partners (attorneys, consultants, capital raise firm, etc.) who encouraged and guided us along the journey. Finally, our regulatory partners with the DBF and the FDIC could not have been more accommodating under the circumstances. While everyone needed to their respective job, we all adjusted to adapt to a changing and uncertain business landscape.”
“The commitment to start a new community bank is a clear indication of the health and strength of the Georgia economy,” stated John McNair, President & CEO of Community Bankers Association of Georgia. “CBA of Georgia is proud to play a part in helping Georgia’s community banks serve the needs of their respective communities. We congratulate all involved with the formation of Craft Bank and stand ready to serve the bank when called upon.”

Robert James, Carver State Bank, Elected Chairman of National Bankers Association (NBA)
Attorney Robert E. James, II, of Carver State Bank, Savannah, was elected Chairman of the National Bankers Association (NBA), the Washington, DC headquartered trade association that represents the nation’s minority-owned banks.
“It is wonderful to see another Georgia community banker in a national leadership role. CBA of Georgia is grateful to Robert for his service,” commented John McNair, CBA president & CEO.
The National Bankers Association’s membership includes banks that are owned by African Americans. Hispanic-Americans, Asian-Americans, Native Americans and women. The NBA’s mission is to create an inclusive financial services industry and a vibrant business environment for minority financial institutions, their customers and the communities they serve. Member banks are located in twenty-two states and the District of Columbia.
Mr. James is a public finance attorney, management consultant and real estate developer. He first entered banking 20 years ago when he was elected a Director of Carver State Bank. In addition to serving as a member of the bank’s board, he is the bank’s Director of Strategic Initiatives and President of the Carver Community Development Entity (CDE), a subsidiary of the bank’s holding company. As the leader of Carver’s CDE, he has successfully deployed Carver’s 2017 allocation of $30 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs) to stimulate almost $65 million in total investments in healthcare and community facilities, as well as manufacturing and other small businesses in underserved rural and urban communities throughout Georgia, creating 389 permanent jobs and 227 construction jobs. Click here for full article.
Attorney Robert E. James, II, of Carver State Bank, Savannah, was elected Chairman of the National Bankers Association (NBA), the Washington, DC headquartered trade association that represents the nation’s minority-owned banks.
“It is wonderful to see another Georgia community banker in a national leadership role. CBA of Georgia is grateful to Robert for his service,” commented John McNair, CBA president & CEO.
The National Bankers Association’s membership includes banks that are owned by African Americans. Hispanic-Americans, Asian-Americans, Native Americans and women. The NBA’s mission is to create an inclusive financial services industry and a vibrant business environment for minority financial institutions, their customers and the communities they serve. Member banks are located in twenty-two states and the District of Columbia.
Mr. James is a public finance attorney, management consultant and real estate developer. He first entered banking 20 years ago when he was elected a Director of Carver State Bank. In addition to serving as a member of the bank’s board, he is the bank’s Director of Strategic Initiatives and President of the Carver Community Development Entity (CDE), a subsidiary of the bank’s holding company. As the leader of Carver’s CDE, he has successfully deployed Carver’s 2017 allocation of $30 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs) to stimulate almost $65 million in total investments in healthcare and community facilities, as well as manufacturing and other small businesses in underserved rural and urban communities throughout Georgia, creating 389 permanent jobs and 227 construction jobs. Click here for full article.

November Marketing Toolkit Is Ready!
Each month CBA designs promotional items to help member banks celebrate different aspects of Community Banking! CBA offers themed promotional materials to use for your bank’s website and social media channels including banners, profile frames, hashtags, and more.
For November, CBA is helping community banks spread the word about the value community banks bring to their customers and community. In addition, CBA has provided a Shop Local for the Holidays campaign which includes an infographic, blog and social media graphics. Take advantage of these complimentary campaigns. Click here to check it out!
Each month CBA designs promotional items to help member banks celebrate different aspects of Community Banking! CBA offers themed promotional materials to use for your bank’s website and social media channels including banners, profile frames, hashtags, and more.
For November, CBA is helping community banks spread the word about the value community banks bring to their customers and community. In addition, CBA has provided a Shop Local for the Holidays campaign which includes an infographic, blog and social media graphics. Take advantage of these complimentary campaigns. Click here to check it out!
Georgia’s community bankers do great things in their communities every day. Here is the latest on community outreach and news from CBA Members:
- During the month of October employees of South Georgia Bank, Reidsville, to “Dress Down in Pink”, each Friday. Monies collected were donated to the local Tattnall County C.A.R.E.S.
- Employees and customers at South Georgia Bank, Reidsville enjoyed Georgia Peanut Week. Jars of peanut butter were collected for the Evans County Food Bank.
- CBA Associate Member Scott McElhiney, Atris Technology, shared his annual Halloween pumpkins again this year. Each year, he carves amazing creations. Nice work!
- Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company, Louisville, has been recognized as Georgia’s Best Small Bank by Newsweek. Read more here.
- Congratulations to Atlantic Capital Bank, Atlanta and United Community Bank, Blairsville, for being named Best Banks to Work for in 2020 by American Banker and Best Companies Group. Read how these banks have kept employees engaged and motivated during this most challenging year.
- First National Bank of Coffee County, Douglas, had a “Blast from the Past” Halloween theme.
- Planters First Bank, Cordele, had 101 Dalmatians running wild.
- Employees at the many locations of Queensborough National Bank & Trust had a variety of costume themes!
|

Think CBA First for Your Professional Development Needs!
Be sure to think of CBA first when it comes to your training and Professional Development needs. Here are some upcoming CBA events:
Be sure to think of CBA first when it comes to your training and Professional Development needs. Here are some upcoming CBA events:

What we think we know? What we don’t know? What we need to Know? How to proceed?
Topics Include:
What’s Happening with the Georgia Hemp Program
Hemp Farming – Round Table Discussion with Hemp Producers
Cannabis Banking in Georgia
Legal Side of MRB in Georgia
Cannabis Banking – MRB, Hemp, and CBD – To Bank or Not Bank?
Updating your Policy and Procedures
Register here
Topics Include:
What’s Happening with the Georgia Hemp Program
Hemp Farming – Round Table Discussion with Hemp Producers
Cannabis Banking in Georgia
Legal Side of MRB in Georgia
Cannabis Banking – MRB, Hemp, and CBD – To Bank or Not Bank?
Updating your Policy and Procedures
Register here

Join the 2021 Human Resources & Talent Development League!
Click here to learn more!
- Early Bird Pricing Open through November 15 for $1450
- Benefits for your HR Professional: Ongoing education, networking, online discussion group, round tables
- Benefits for your financial institution: Legal HR Hotline, resources sharing
Click here to learn more!

Webinar: Q3 Results Are In - What is the True State of Credit Quality?
Thursday, November 5, 2020 | 2:00 -2:45 pm ET
The Q3 results are in. Many bankers are likely thinking, 'Am I feeling better about the outlook for the pandemic and, in turn, the economy? What is the true state of credit quality? What will 2021 look like? What areas are improving, what areas are declining? What do I need to prepare for in 2021? Has our loan review been scheduled? The stress test . . .?” Should you be asking the same things? We’ll provide the answers to these questions by looking at metrics that still flash green and metrics that are turning yellow. Join Shawn O’Brien, President, QwickRate and David Ruffin, Principal, IntelliCredit as they use QwickAnalytics to break down the numbers of true community banks to see where the industry is and where it’s headed for the rest of 2020. Click here to learn more and register.
Thursday, November 5, 2020 | 2:00 -2:45 pm ET
The Q3 results are in. Many bankers are likely thinking, 'Am I feeling better about the outlook for the pandemic and, in turn, the economy? What is the true state of credit quality? What will 2021 look like? What areas are improving, what areas are declining? What do I need to prepare for in 2021? Has our loan review been scheduled? The stress test . . .?” Should you be asking the same things? We’ll provide the answers to these questions by looking at metrics that still flash green and metrics that are turning yellow. Join Shawn O’Brien, President, QwickRate and David Ruffin, Principal, IntelliCredit as they use QwickAnalytics to break down the numbers of true community banks to see where the industry is and where it’s headed for the rest of 2020. Click here to learn more and register.
ACG has proudly served the interest of Georgia Community Banks for over 30 years. They believe in a “Better Customer Experience” and ensure complete satisfaction. For over 15 years ACG has been an endorsed member of CBA of Georgia.
To learn more, contact Phil Winn at 678-458-9899 or visit their website. |
Here are some of the latest news stories relevant to community banking and the financial services industry:
Additional Resources:
- Agencies propose regulation on supervisory guidance
- Cotton Comments
- CFPB amends rules on disclosing records
- Fed increases access to Main Street Lending Program
Additional Resources:
CBA Resources
Online Directory
Print Directory
Career Center
FDIC Regulatory Calendar
Salary Survey
Online Directory
Print Directory
Career Center
FDIC Regulatory Calendar
Salary Survey
Connect with us on
social media!
social media!