May 12 - CBA Today eNewsletter - Community Bankers Association of Georgia

CBA’s 53rd Convention is just a few weeks away! CBA’s Convention Committee and CBA Staff have been busy ensuring a convention experience like never before! New ideas, new connections, an additional day of programming, networking and more.

This year’s convention has something for everyone, from general session topics to a variety of breakout sessions. See old friends and meet new ones during the Thursday Night PAC Fundraiser, the Ultimate Beach Party, networking breaks with exhibitors, or at the Chairman’s Reception & Dinner. The May/June issue of Georgia’s Communities First magazine is your guide to all things convention!

40+ Hours of Content, 50+ Exhibitors,
Al-Powered Networking - FintechSouth!
“CBA of Georgia is thrilled to support this year’s FintechSouth, produced by CBA partner Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). I encourage all community banks and fintech-oriented firms to participate. Georgia is the fintech capital of the world, and CBA has made a concerted effort to align with all the major fintech organizations here in our state for the benefit of our members,” stated John McNair, President/CEO of CBA of GA.

The global event will be held June 22–24 and includes 2,000+ fintech leaders from around the world for three days of content and experiences designed to help businesses drive success and thrive in the next normal.

“FintechSouth is a must make event for all community banks in our state interested in current fintech trends, improving their overall efficiency ratio and enhancing the customer experience utilizing the technology resources now available. I encourage all CBA members to register for this event and participate," stated Chris Stanley, CBA Innovation Committee Chair and Senior Vice President, Atlantic Capital Bank, Atlanta.

Learn more and registration information.

ICBA Capital Summit Meeting with Congressman Loudermilk
Special thanks to Congressman Barry Loudermilk, for meeting with representatives from CBA to discuss what the important issues are for Georgia’s community bankers. The meeting was part of ICBA’s Capital Summit. Meeting with Congressman Loudermilk were John McNair, President & CEO, CBA; Lori Godfrey, Executive Vice President, Government and Regulatory Relations, CBA; Tyler Eck, Government and Regulatory Relations Associate, CBA; Colin Carr, Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for Congressman Loudermilk, and Reece Sanford, VP/SBA Relationship Manager at SouthState Bank, in East Ellijay.

CBA PAC/PR Topgolf Showdown
Join us next week 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. Proceeds from this event go to the CBA Political Action Committee (PAC) and Public Relations (PR) funds. Since CBA maintains the only state PAC working exclusively for Georgia’s community banks, the funds provide Georgia’s community banking industry a voice in state politics.

Registration includes 3 hours of golf, food, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks and an afternoon of fun! Show your community bank spirit and wear your CBA t-shirt! Bring a co-worker or customer. Click here to register.

Saturday Breakout Sessions - Marketing & Talent!
Choose from different speakers and topics each day for a one-of-a-kind personalized experience!
• Sequential Marketing — Why it’s a Must in Today’s Business Development
Mr. Keith Brannan, Chief Marketing Officer, Kasasa
It’s an age-old truth: humans love stories. So it’s no surprise that sequential marketing is so big right now.

• Talent Acquisition Shouldn’t be a Gamble: Strategies to Stack Your Talent Deck; Deep Dive with Bank Case Study
Mr. Brandon Kinsey, Co-Founder, Kinsey Management LLC
As a bank leader, the single most important job you have is getting the right people into the right roles.

Georgia’s community bankers do great things in their communities every day. Here is the latest on community outreach and news from CBA Members:

Oconee State Bank, Watkinsville, shows their community bank spirit at a recent product launch.

June Moore is Retiring After 61 Years in Banking!
R. Jeffery Cannon, President of Citizens Bank of Laurens County, Dublin, announces that June Moore will be retiring on May 28, 2021 after more than 61 years in community banking in Dublin-Laurens County.

“June undoubtedly represents the ideals of community banking. Her attention to her customers’ needs and support for the entire community are things we all can strive to replicate. Very few people can remember banking in Laurens County without June Moore. She began her banking career on March 15, 1960 and has worked at three different banks over the years, including several name changes with the old C&S Bank. I have known June since before I started my career here in banking back in the early 1980s and have had the distinct privilege and honor to work with her for the last 27 or so years. Our bank is extremely thankful for what she has done to make us better bankers as well as make our community a better place to work and live. In addition, I am blessed to call her my friend.”

Citizens Bank of Laurens County will be hosting a reception in honor of June Moore’s retirement on Thursday, May 27th from 4–7 p.m. in the Henry King Room at the Dublin Country Club. All of our community is invited to drop by and let June know how much she has meant to us here in Dublin and Laurens County.

Carla Senst has been promoted to Banking Officer and Branch Manager at the Richmond Hill Branch of First Chatham Bank, Savannah.
Crystal Cross has been promoted to Treasury Management Specialist at the Richmond Hill Branch of First Chatham Bank, Savannah.
Chris Starling has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Retail Banking Manager at the Richmond Hill Branch of First Chatham Bank, Savannah.

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:

CBA Wellness Solutions - Health Insurance - FREE Interactive Virtual Webinar
May 18 | 2 p.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.

Essentials of Banking Series - Session III & IV
May 20-21 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET | STREAM
CBA and VACB are pleased to present the “Essentials of Banking Series!" This curriculum is a four-part series designed to provide a comprehensive overview of banking principles and operations offered in two, two-part sessions. The program has been re-worked to include between class assignments designed to enhance classroom instruction. Register here.

Webinar: Optimizing The Merchant Account
May 19 | 2 p.m. ET | STREAM
We'll help navigate the cost structures & optimization of merchant processing accounts and give you the payments strategies that help your commercial clients minimize fees and increase profits so they can re-invest back into their business. Register at https://taluspay.com/webinars/

SHAZAM delivers the tools community financial institutions need to compete with a level of personal service and reliability unmatched in the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) industry. As a member-owned and controlled network we answer directly to our financial institutions and focus on responding to their needs. SHAZAM is a not-for-profit organization and is not driven by profits or shareholder revenues. Instead, we are focused on delivering the products, services and pricing that make our participants' debit card programs competitive.

To learn more, contact Alex Jernigan at 229-861-3802 or visit their website.

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

May 12, 2021