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Check Out Our
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At least 1,000 community bank employees and supporters are ready to celebrate Community Banking Month in style with their Georgia Community Bank T-Shirt. Thank you to bankers and associate members for purchasing the shirts. All proceeds go to support CBA’s PAC/PR Fund.
Due to popular demand, CBA is offering a second printing of these limited-edition t-shirts. Available in both long and short sleeve, order for yourself or your entire team. Order by April 9th! Click here for more info and to place your order!
Due to popular demand, CBA is offering a second printing of these limited-edition t-shirts. Available in both long and short sleeve, order for yourself or your entire team. Order by April 9th! Click here for more info and to place your order!
- Only $20 per shirt when you order for your entire bank staff. Use coupon code WDQ29 ($25 regular price)
- Special perks when you wear your t-shirt to certain CBA events!
- Same soft fabric & style you love from our 2020 convention t-shirt.
- Wear your shirt this Friday, April 2nd, to kick off Community Banking Month! Tag us on social media and use #CommuniTeeBanking
Community Banking is Where Innovation Thrives!
CBA was honored to partner with Georgia Fintech Academy for a student event panel discussion on community banking and the role of fintech. Special thanks to Tommy Marshall, Executive Director Georgia Fintech Academy for hosting. The panel included Kim Kirk, EVP, Chief Operations Officer, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.; Cliff Mcgahee, Director of Core Solutions, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.; Frank Griffin, President, Flint Community Bank; and John McNair, President/CEO of Community Bankers Association of Georgia.
Approximately 50 students from throughout the state attended with a higher concentration of students from UGA, Georgia State, Kennesaw State and Georgia Tech.
Panelists discussed how they leveraged technology to improve efficiencies and the customer experience at their bank. Students were exposed to the endless number of acronyms in banking – TCR, RPA, etc. Besides the convenience of technology, students also shared they appreciated the personalized advice that comes with relationship banking community banks offer.
“We appreciate our partnership with Georgia Fintech Academy and enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm and engagement from students,” said John McNair. “CBA is committed to assisting our member banks with technology solutions as well as identifying future talent for their institutions. We look forward to future events with our fintech partners.”
CBA was honored to partner with Georgia Fintech Academy for a student event panel discussion on community banking and the role of fintech. Special thanks to Tommy Marshall, Executive Director Georgia Fintech Academy for hosting. The panel included Kim Kirk, EVP, Chief Operations Officer, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.; Cliff Mcgahee, Director of Core Solutions, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.; Frank Griffin, President, Flint Community Bank; and John McNair, President/CEO of Community Bankers Association of Georgia.
Approximately 50 students from throughout the state attended with a higher concentration of students from UGA, Georgia State, Kennesaw State and Georgia Tech.
Panelists discussed how they leveraged technology to improve efficiencies and the customer experience at their bank. Students were exposed to the endless number of acronyms in banking – TCR, RPA, etc. Besides the convenience of technology, students also shared they appreciated the personalized advice that comes with relationship banking community banks offer.
“We appreciate our partnership with Georgia Fintech Academy and enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm and engagement from students,” said John McNair. “CBA is committed to assisting our member banks with technology solutions as well as identifying future talent for their institutions. We look forward to future events with our fintech partners.”

Georgia Community Bankers Named to Serve on
ICBA Committees
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) announced that several Georgia community bankers were named to serve on various ICBA committees.
In addition to helping shape and advocate ICBA’s national policy positions and programs, responsibilities from these bankers include engaging in grassroots activities in Georgia to promote pro-community bank policies and serving as a liaison between community banks and ICBA staff and leadership in Washington, D.C.
Congratulations to:
ICBA Committees
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) announced that several Georgia community bankers were named to serve on various ICBA committees.
In addition to helping shape and advocate ICBA’s national policy positions and programs, responsibilities from these bankers include engaging in grassroots activities in Georgia to promote pro-community bank policies and serving as a liaison between community banks and ICBA staff and leadership in Washington, D.C.
Congratulations to:
George Andrews, Unity National Bank, Atlanta
Minority Bank Advisory Council Housing Finance Committee Jolene Carroll, Magnolia State Bank, Eastman Agriculture-Rural America Committee Frank Griffin, Flint Community Bank, Albany Cyber and Data Security Committee |
John McNair, Community Bankers Association of Georgia, Marietta
Large Community Bank Council, SRP Executive Bran Thompson, South Georgia Bank, Glennville Legislative Issues Committee Derek Williams, Century Bank and Trust, Milledgeville Safety and Soundness Committee, Vice Chairman |

Lori Godfrey Testifies before Senate
Judiciary Committee
Lori Godfrey, Chief of Staff, Executive Vice President, Government and Regulatory Relations at CBA, recently testified in favor of the H.B. 334 Remote Online Notary Bill before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Ready more about CBA’s position on this bill and other advocacy efforts in this week’s Advocacy Update.
Judiciary Committee
Lori Godfrey, Chief of Staff, Executive Vice President, Government and Regulatory Relations at CBA, recently testified in favor of the H.B. 334 Remote Online Notary Bill before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Ready more about CBA’s position on this bill and other advocacy efforts in this week’s Advocacy Update.

2021 Julian & Jan Hester Scholarship Applications Deadline Extended to April 23rd!
Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA) is pleased to help your bank promote the 2021 Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship. This is an excellent opportunity for Georgia's community banks to increase their presence throughout their communities. The Hester Scholarship is open to Georgia high school seniors who will be entering a Georgia college, university or technical school (two-year program or more) in the fall semester of 2021.
Banks should submit all completed applications to CBA no later than Friday, April 23, 2021. For more information click here.
Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA) is pleased to help your bank promote the 2021 Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship. This is an excellent opportunity for Georgia's community banks to increase their presence throughout their communities. The Hester Scholarship is open to Georgia high school seniors who will be entering a Georgia college, university or technical school (two-year program or more) in the fall semester of 2021.
Banks should submit all completed applications to CBA no later than Friday, April 23, 2021. For more information click here.

April is Community Banking Month:
Community Banks Build Better Communities
CBA makes it easy for your bank to celebrate Community Banking Month! Our free marketing toolkit includes banner ads, press releases, celebration ideas and more. Join in the fun on social media by using the hashtags #BankLocalGA, #GoLocal, #ILoveMyCommunityBank, or #CommunityBankingMonth.
Community banks take in local deposits and redistribute them back into the community—making more than 60 percent of small business loans and more than 80 percent of agriculture loans. They also contribute tax dollars that help maintain local municipalities and keep local neighborhoods viable and vibrant because serving the best interests of their customers is fundamental to their business philosophy. Make sure your customers know about the community bank locator on CBA’s website.
Community Banks Build Better Communities
CBA makes it easy for your bank to celebrate Community Banking Month! Our free marketing toolkit includes banner ads, press releases, celebration ideas and more. Join in the fun on social media by using the hashtags #BankLocalGA, #GoLocal, #ILoveMyCommunityBank, or #CommunityBankingMonth.
Community banks take in local deposits and redistribute them back into the community—making more than 60 percent of small business loans and more than 80 percent of agriculture loans. They also contribute tax dollars that help maintain local municipalities and keep local neighborhoods viable and vibrant because serving the best interests of their customers is fundamental to their business philosophy. Make sure your customers know about the community bank locator on CBA’s website.

Solutions for Success: Untapped Opportunity:
One Way to Drive Income & Diversify Your Portfolio
Solutions for Success is a regular column in CBA’s magazine and features timely issues and best practices from CBA Associate Members and Preferred Service Providers. CBA recently met with Brian Mullett, Senior Vice President, Bank Relationships at Bankers Healthcare Group, to ask a few questions about alternative lending and what to look for when considering this option. Click here to read the feature.
One Way to Drive Income & Diversify Your Portfolio
Solutions for Success is a regular column in CBA’s magazine and features timely issues and best practices from CBA Associate Members and Preferred Service Providers. CBA recently met with Brian Mullett, Senior Vice President, Bank Relationships at Bankers Healthcare Group, to ask a few questions about alternative lending and what to look for when considering this option. Click here to read the feature.
Georgia’s community bankers do great things in their communities every day. Here is the latest on community outreach and news from CBA Members:
- As part of the Georgia HEART Hospital Program, Ameris Bank, Atlanta, has donated $2,000,000 in financial support to 19 rural hospitals located throughout the bank’s footprint in Georgia. Ameris Bank has participated in the program since 2018, contributing over $6,000,000 to rural Georgia hospitals. Read more here.
- John McNair, CBA President & CEO, recently stopped by Classic City Bank, Athens, to visit with Bill Hopper, CEO & Board Member, and Chad Hargrove, CFO & COO.
- Exchange Bank, Milledgeville announced that Maggie Glover is its 2021 Exchange Bank Scholarship recipient for the Jones County area. Read more.
- Exchange Bank, Milledgeville, announced that Stella Glover is its 2021 Exchange Bank Scholarship recipient for the Baldwin County area. Read more.
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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:

Banker Regulatory Forum
Safety & Soundness - RAP
April 14 | STREAM
“As the world is starting to re-open following the COVID-19 pandemic, we are likely to face new challenges and changes as a result of such transition. Now, it is more important than ever for bankers to stay focused on the safety and soundness of their institution and stay up to date on any regulatory feedback.”
— Doroteya N. Wozniak Register here.
Safety & Soundness - RAP
April 14 | STREAM
“As the world is starting to re-open following the COVID-19 pandemic, we are likely to face new challenges and changes as a result of such transition. Now, it is more important than ever for bankers to stay focused on the safety and soundness of their institution and stay up to date on any regulatory feedback.”
— Doroteya N. Wozniak Register here.

Deposit Accounts: How to Bank Legal Entities
& Mitigate Fraud
April 22 | In-Person or STREAM
Have you updated your new account procedures recently? What forms do you need to bank legal entities? What documents should each type of entity provide? Do I always need bylaws, an operating agreement, a partnership agreement, articles of incorporation/ organization, etc.? When should I verify information with the Secretary of State? How do I protect our bank from scams? Register here.
& Mitigate Fraud
April 22 | In-Person or STREAM
Have you updated your new account procedures recently? What forms do you need to bank legal entities? What documents should each type of entity provide? Do I always need bylaws, an operating agreement, a partnership agreement, articles of incorporation/ organization, etc.? When should I verify information with the Secretary of State? How do I protect our bank from scams? Register here.
Talent Development in Action During our First Session of the
Community Bank Leadership Academy
Our industry requires growth and professional development — CBAs leadership academy supports development of many skills including communication, problem solving, project management and more. On March 23 & 24, our 2021 class of the Community Bank Leadership Academy started in Macon at the Situation Room where the group begun their learning journey. April Farlow, leadership coach, led the group through multiple exercises to support ongoing growth for our bankers.
“This class is MUCH better than I expected. Normally a class setting is a presentation and you get what you take from it. The CBLA has group interaction and learning activities that really do engage you! I am learning a lot about myself through exercises and learning a lot about my employees so that I can better interact with them. So far, I highly recommend.” Maigan Wall, Loan Operations Manager, Persons Banking Company.
Community Bank Leadership Academy
Our industry requires growth and professional development — CBAs leadership academy supports development of many skills including communication, problem solving, project management and more. On March 23 & 24, our 2021 class of the Community Bank Leadership Academy started in Macon at the Situation Room where the group begun their learning journey. April Farlow, leadership coach, led the group through multiple exercises to support ongoing growth for our bankers.
“This class is MUCH better than I expected. Normally a class setting is a presentation and you get what you take from it. The CBLA has group interaction and learning activities that really do engage you! I am learning a lot about myself through exercises and learning a lot about my employees so that I can better interact with them. So far, I highly recommend.” Maigan Wall, Loan Operations Manager, Persons Banking Company.

Webinar: How to Conduct a Compliance Risk Assessment
Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM EST
A robust and comprehensive Compliance Risk Assessment process is an essential component of an effective Enterprise Compliance Management System. An effective risk assessment process helps the board and management address emerging risks at an early stage and allows them to proactively develop and implement appropriate strategies to mitigate the risks before the risks have an adverse effect on the bank’s condition or risk profile. Click here for more information and to register.
Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM EST
A robust and comprehensive Compliance Risk Assessment process is an essential component of an effective Enterprise Compliance Management System. An effective risk assessment process helps the board and management address emerging risks at an early stage and allows them to proactively develop and implement appropriate strategies to mitigate the risks before the risks have an adverse effect on the bank’s condition or risk profile. Click here for more information and to register.

Webinar: How to Mitigate Payments Acceptance Fraud
Wednesday, March 31, 2021 | 2:00 PM EST
Businesses are expected to lose $130 BILLION dollars between 2018 and 2023 from fraud. Your clients are at risk. Learn how to save your clients thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars in fraud. More info and to register.
Wednesday, March 31, 2021 | 2:00 PM EST
Businesses are expected to lose $130 BILLION dollars between 2018 and 2023 from fraud. Your clients are at risk. Learn how to save your clients thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars in fraud. More info and to register.
Wipfli LLP ranks among the top 20 accounting and business consulting firms in the nation. For 90 years, our financial institutions practice has educated, advised, and assisted financial institutions in the successful navigation of the complex and ever-changing environment they face. Let our professionals assist you with your regulatory compliance, profit improvement, risk management, strategic planning/board development, IT services/cybersecurity, HR consulting, and audit and tax needs.
Contact Mary Boortz at 715-858-6677, by email or visit their website. |
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