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The Community Bankers Association of Georgia CBA of Georgia strongly supports the Independent Community Bankers Association ICBA in their call for Congress to pass the Promoting Access to Capital in Underbanked Communities Act of 2021 (H.R. 2561), which would promote the creation of de novo community banks, especially in America’s rural areas. Rural America has been adversely impacted by the rapid consolidation of financial institutions over the past decade, which has reduced the number of access points to credit and other financial services for rural farmers, small businesses, and consumers.
“Years ago, at least one community bank was headquartered in every county in Georgia- sadly, this is no longer the case. The pandemic has clearly illustrated the value of having a local community bank available to serve the needs of small businesses and individuals throughout our great state. This bill would encourage capital to flow into the creation of new community banks throughout rural Georgia. The CBA of Georgia encourages all of our federal legislators to immediately co-sponsor H.R. 2561,” stated John McNair, President & CEO of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia.
“Years ago, at least one community bank was headquartered in every county in Georgia- sadly, this is no longer the case. The pandemic has clearly illustrated the value of having a local community bank available to serve the needs of small businesses and individuals throughout our great state. This bill would encourage capital to flow into the creation of new community banks throughout rural Georgia. The CBA of Georgia encourages all of our federal legislators to immediately co-sponsor H.R. 2561,” stated John McNair, President & CEO of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia.
CBA Chairman David Lance Featured in BAI Banking Strategies Discussing PPP

David Lance, Chairman of Community Bankers Association of Georgia and President of Greater Community Bank, Rome, was recently interviewed by BAI Banking Strategies on his experience with both rounds of PPP in 2020 and 2021.
In the article, Mr. Lance points out that banking associations like his “tried to play a role of support,” particularly to community banks, which were arguably most overwhelmed by the rapid flood of loan applications. Greater Community Bank was able to fund $47 million across 334 PPP loans.
Technology glitches, overwhelmed staff and systems, contradictory dictates, and an over-arching pressure to make things happen fast all contributed to a rushed, somewhat confusing environment with the first round of PPP. But now, with a second round of PPP currently under way, bankers and others involved in the process are much older and wiser—and applying their lessons learned last year to this recent round of funding. “All of us learned from our initial experience,” says Lance. In this second round of PPP, Lance’s Greater Community Bank has so far approved 130 PPP loans worth $22 million. But, more importantly, there are better guidelines around the funding process, such as the need for business customers to demonstrate that they are 25 percent down in revenues for at least one quarter. And, Lance says, “There’s not as much of a frenzy. The rules are better known, and everything is calmer… approvals are coming much faster.” While he admits there was a “huge learning curve,” Mr. Lance says that his banks and others have “found out what works.” Read the entire article.
In the article, Mr. Lance points out that banking associations like his “tried to play a role of support,” particularly to community banks, which were arguably most overwhelmed by the rapid flood of loan applications. Greater Community Bank was able to fund $47 million across 334 PPP loans.
Technology glitches, overwhelmed staff and systems, contradictory dictates, and an over-arching pressure to make things happen fast all contributed to a rushed, somewhat confusing environment with the first round of PPP. But now, with a second round of PPP currently under way, bankers and others involved in the process are much older and wiser—and applying their lessons learned last year to this recent round of funding. “All of us learned from our initial experience,” says Lance. In this second round of PPP, Lance’s Greater Community Bank has so far approved 130 PPP loans worth $22 million. But, more importantly, there are better guidelines around the funding process, such as the need for business customers to demonstrate that they are 25 percent down in revenues for at least one quarter. And, Lance says, “There’s not as much of a frenzy. The rules are better known, and everything is calmer… approvals are coming much faster.” While he admits there was a “huge learning curve,” Mr. Lance says that his banks and others have “found out what works.” Read the entire article.

Executive Channel: Taking Your Bank to the Next Level
CBA held the first Executive Channel yesterday at the Fall Line Brewery in Macon. The C-suite bankers in attendance are the pioneers for the program that was established to invest in the community bank industry.
“We believe management needs to have ongoing learning opportunities and this quarterly program brings those high-level topics our bankers are requesting,” said Kristi Greer, Senior Vice President – Professional Development at CBA. The morning agenda focused on four primary topics: Regulatory & Legal Updates; Legislative and PAC Updates; Current Community Bank Updates/Trends and Economic & Financial Trends. Following the presentations, facilitators conducted a round table discussion on topics and questions from attendees.
Special thanks to the facilitators Dianne Barton, Performance Solutions and Corrie Hall, James-Bates-Brannan-Groover LLP. Warren Averett was the lunch sponsor for the inaugural Executive Channel. CBA will be offering Executive Channel quarterly and details will be published soon.
For more information or to register, contact Kristi Greer.
CBA held the first Executive Channel yesterday at the Fall Line Brewery in Macon. The C-suite bankers in attendance are the pioneers for the program that was established to invest in the community bank industry.
“We believe management needs to have ongoing learning opportunities and this quarterly program brings those high-level topics our bankers are requesting,” said Kristi Greer, Senior Vice President – Professional Development at CBA. The morning agenda focused on four primary topics: Regulatory & Legal Updates; Legislative and PAC Updates; Current Community Bank Updates/Trends and Economic & Financial Trends. Following the presentations, facilitators conducted a round table discussion on topics and questions from attendees.
Special thanks to the facilitators Dianne Barton, Performance Solutions and Corrie Hall, James-Bates-Brannan-Groover LLP. Warren Averett was the lunch sponsor for the inaugural Executive Channel. CBA will be offering Executive Channel quarterly and details will be published soon.
For more information or to register, contact Kristi Greer.
Thursday Breakout Sessions - Choose from different speakers and topics each day!
Directors: How to Build a Better Board
Mr. Philip Smith, President, Gerrish Smith Tuck, PC Success for your organization may very well begin or end at the board of directors level. Read more. Revenue Generation Panel Panel Moderator - Dan Speight, Planters First Bank Join your fellow bankers to discover services to increase revenue and non-interest income. Panelists: (Pictured Below) · Jim Reber, ICBA Securities · Skip Wilcox, Crescent Mortgage · Matt Mingenback, FITECH · Arne Monson, Holtmeyer & Monson · Ryan Busenitz, Kasasa |

FDIC Releases Community Banking Study
The FDIC has released the Community Banking Study, the first since 2012, noting that community banks have proven to be quite resilient.
Relative to noncommunity banks, community banks have had faster growth in return on assets ratios, higher net interest margins, stronger asset quality, and higher loan growth rates. Community banks have continued to demonstrate this strength during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FDIC recognizes the role community banks play in providing loan and deposit services to customers.
Click here to access the study.
The FDIC has released the Community Banking Study, the first since 2012, noting that community banks have proven to be quite resilient.
Relative to noncommunity banks, community banks have had faster growth in return on assets ratios, higher net interest margins, stronger asset quality, and higher loan growth rates. Community banks have continued to demonstrate this strength during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FDIC recognizes the role community banks play in providing loan and deposit services to customers.
Click here to access the study.
2021 CBA PAC/PR TopGolf Showdown
Join us for a one-of-a-kind event that is equal parts networking and golf tournament with friendly competition! This open-air tournament offers a way to connect and raise money for an important cause – CBA’s PAC Fund. Enjoy food, beverages, prizes, and support CBA’s PAC. Click here for more information and to register. |
Georgia’s community bankers do great things in their communities every day. Here is the latest on community outreach and news from CBA Members:
- Kim McMichael, Branch Manager at Ameris Bank, Monticello, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Ameris Bank Volunteer of the Year Award.
- Tracy McClendon, Bank of Hazlehurst, received the Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis County Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Leadership Award.
- Mauldin & Jenkins has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2021 honor by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Top Workplaces. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. 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:

Human Resources Professionals Conference
May 13-14 | Jekyll Island | In-Person or STREAM
Julia Johnson, Director of Organizational Performance Consulting, WIPFLI, will be presenting two important topics for HR Professionals:
HR Review: Understanding the Essential Functions of Human Resources
A human resource review is an opportunity for a bank to conduct an in-depth analysis of current human resource practices. The review will help answer the question, "Are your human resource practices helping, hindering, or having little impact on what your bank is trying to accomplish?" An effective human resources management function serves as an integral business partner and assists in the management of the bank’s most important asset—its people. In this session, we will present and discuss a systematic approach to evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of key human resources functions.
Talent Assessment & Succession Management
The changing workforce and aging baby boomers are realities leading more financial institutions to seek help in understanding which of their staff is able and willing to fill key roles over the next five years. Determining the depth of the talent pipeline internally and externally isn’t easy. Succession planning is not a new concept, yet many struggle at creating processes and a robust approach that moves beyond a static list of names kept in a file. A succession planning program includes a focus on positions critical to the institution’s strategic plan as well as a focus on employees and their development. This session will talk about the issues and challenges of succession in today’s workplace and provide some practical approaches and tools to guide effective succession planning.
Click here for full agenda and registration information.
May 13-14 | Jekyll Island | In-Person or STREAM
Julia Johnson, Director of Organizational Performance Consulting, WIPFLI, will be presenting two important topics for HR Professionals:
HR Review: Understanding the Essential Functions of Human Resources
A human resource review is an opportunity for a bank to conduct an in-depth analysis of current human resource practices. The review will help answer the question, "Are your human resource practices helping, hindering, or having little impact on what your bank is trying to accomplish?" An effective human resources management function serves as an integral business partner and assists in the management of the bank’s most important asset—its people. In this session, we will present and discuss a systematic approach to evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of key human resources functions.
Talent Assessment & Succession Management
The changing workforce and aging baby boomers are realities leading more financial institutions to seek help in understanding which of their staff is able and willing to fill key roles over the next five years. Determining the depth of the talent pipeline internally and externally isn’t easy. Succession planning is not a new concept, yet many struggle at creating processes and a robust approach that moves beyond a static list of names kept in a file. A succession planning program includes a focus on positions critical to the institution’s strategic plan as well as a focus on employees and their development. This session will talk about the issues and challenges of succession in today’s workplace and provide some practical approaches and tools to guide effective succession planning.
Click here for full agenda and registration information.

FinTech Bootcamp
May 13-14 | Jekyll Island | In-Person or STREAM
This full 2-day seminar will provide comprehensive insight on what you should be doing and how to do it to be an effective FinTech Compliance Officer. Combining lecture and written materials the FinTech Compliance Officer Boot Camp is a must whether you are new to compliance or have been moving through the motions of compliance for years. Sponsorships available! Register here.
May 13-14 | Jekyll Island | In-Person or STREAM
This full 2-day seminar will provide comprehensive insight on what you should be doing and how to do it to be an effective FinTech Compliance Officer. Combining lecture and written materials the FinTech Compliance Officer Boot Camp is a must whether you are new to compliance or have been moving through the motions of compliance for years. Sponsorships available! Register here.

GATHER: Illuminating insights in community banking
May 19 | 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. ET
While we cannot gather in-person this year, S&P Global Market Intelligence is inviting bank executives, advisers, technology partners and investors to GATHER to discuss how banks can set Goals, understand the right Analysis to measure success, embrace and accelerate Technology, serve their communities with Heart, all while delivering Earnings and Results in the current environment. Visit the event website for a full list of speakers.
May 19 | 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. ET
While we cannot gather in-person this year, S&P Global Market Intelligence is inviting bank executives, advisers, technology partners and investors to GATHER to discuss how banks can set Goals, understand the right Analysis to measure success, embrace and accelerate Technology, serve their communities with Heart, all while delivering Earnings and Results in the current environment. Visit the event website for a full list of speakers.
CBA Wellness Solution - FREE Interactive Virtual Webinar
May 18 | 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. ET | STREAM CBA is hosting a complimentary webinar for member banks and partner firms to learn about the benefits of CBA’s Health Insurance solution. CBA has partnered with CS&O Captives and CBIZ to offer a comprehensive health insurance program for its members. Register here. |
![]() Q1 Results: Light at the End of the Tunnel
May 6 | 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. ET Vaccinations are accelerating and U.S. businesses are expressing more optimism about their near future. Should bankers follow suit? It’s too early to know COVID’s true impact on economic and customer conditions – but it’s not too soon to question what Q1 numbers say about the state of banking. Is that really light we see up ahead? If so, what’s to be done about loan provisions? Loan demand? Will net interest margin increase? Have we scheduled a loan review? Will we be ready for in-person exams? Join this webinar for the Q&A discussion every banker should hear at this critical point in the year. We’ll use QwickAnalytics to break down the numbers that show where the industry is now and where the tracks may be taking us in 2021. Register here. |
Newcleus is the premier benefit plan and financing strategy provider in the banking industry. Our size and tenure allow us to provide our clients and advisors with the best products, services, administration, and regulatory compliance support available. Our proprietary MINTS platform currently services over 45,000 policies for more than 750 financial institutions throughout the U.S.
Contact J.R. Llewellyn at 678-427-1015, by email or visit their website. |
Here are some of the latest news stories relevant to community banking and the financial services industry:
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