Advocacy
CBA's PAC/PR Funds
Advocacy Update
Preferred Service Providers
Events Calendar
HR & Talent Development League
Conventions
Webinars
Compliance Professional Package
Banker Regulatory Forums
Community Bank Leadership Academy
Check Out Our
Preferred
Service
Providers!
CBA's PAC/PR Funds
Advocacy Update
Preferred Service Providers
Events Calendar
HR & Talent Development League
Conventions
Webinars
Compliance Professional Package
Banker Regulatory Forums
Community Bank Leadership Academy
Check Out Our
Preferred
Service
Providers!

The energy at CBA’s CONNECT was over the top! Community bankers and partners gathered at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, last week for informative and timely educational programs taught by knowledgeable speakers, plus all the camaraderie and fun that CBA is known to host.
“CBA’s 54th annual convention—CONNECT—exceeded all expectations. As a longtime banking convention participant, the program put together by the CBA Convention Committee was one of the best I have ever seen,” stated John McNair, President & CEO of Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA). “Virtually every key and current business topic was addressed and, due to the exceptionally strong banker attendance, the networking opportunities for all were abundant. I am grateful to the entire Convention Committee and the CBA Staff that worked so hard to make this program one of the best in CBA’s 54-year history.”
“CBA’s 54th annual convention—CONNECT—exceeded all expectations. As a longtime banking convention participant, the program put together by the CBA Convention Committee was one of the best I have ever seen,” stated John McNair, President & CEO of Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA). “Virtually every key and current business topic was addressed and, due to the exceptionally strong banker attendance, the networking opportunities for all were abundant. I am grateful to the entire Convention Committee and the CBA Staff that worked so hard to make this program one of the best in CBA’s 54-year history.”

John also has the honor and privilege each year to thank our past Board chairs for their service and to welcome our new chairs into their respective positions. All in attendance joined John in thanking retiring CBA Board chair Debra Weil who is retiring from both the CBA Board and banking, and welcoming incoming 2022-2023 chair Richy Everly, Bank of Wrightsville, into the role. John had the same honor in thanking LEAD Board chair Brian Bazemore, The Citizens Bank of Cochran/Community Bank of Dublin-Laurens County, Dublin, for his amazing service and welcomed Chris Cochran, Affinity Bank, Atlanta, as the new LEAD Board chair.
The convention kicked off with Stephanie Stuckey of Stuckey’s Corporation on “Every Business Is a Story.” CONNECT sessions covered a wide range of topics, including small business, cryptocurrency, strategic planning, Banking as a Service, agribusiness opportunities, core market update, cultivating positive culture that leads to innovation, cyber security incident response, strategic decisions using data and much more.
The convention kicked off with Stephanie Stuckey of Stuckey’s Corporation on “Every Business Is a Story.” CONNECT sessions covered a wide range of topics, including small business, cryptocurrency, strategic planning, Banking as a Service, agribusiness opportunities, core market update, cultivating positive culture that leads to innovation, cyber security incident response, strategic decisions using data and much more.

Charles Potts, EVP/Chief Innovation Officer at ICBA, served as emcee for the Friday session, and Rebeca Romero Rainey, President and CEO of ICBA, provided an update on issues facing community banks on the national level. A panel discussion was held each day featuring a small business panel, an HR Panel discussing “The Great Resignation,” and a Regulatory Panel. The Saturday General Session ended with former NFL player Ray McElroy, who gave an entertaining and inspirational message.
CONNECT 2022 ended on a high note with the Chairman’s Reception, Dinner and party for all ages featuring Dueling Pianos. Click here for the agenda and photos from CONNECT.
Watch for more coverage of the 2022 CONNECT, including advocacy fundraisers, sponsors, exhibitors, LEAD initiatives, 2023 Convention info and more in next week’s e-newsletter. |

Thank You Debra Weil and Congratulations!
Debra Weil, the 2021-2022 CBA Chair, was recognized by John McNair, CBA, and 2022-2023 CBA Chair Richy Everly, Bank of Wrightsville. Debra retired from the bank earlier this year and turned the CBA Chairmanship over to Richy Everly. “It is important to recognize Debra’s many years of service in the community banking industry and to CBA. Debra has served on virtually every CBA committee, has been our LEAD Board Chair, and now the CBA Chair,” said John McNair.
“She has been an enthusiastic participant at countless CBA conventions, advocacy events, and other CBA functions. Additionally, she has been a role model for many women seeking careers in the community banking industry. We are so very grateful for her friendship and support of CBA. On behalf of the entire team at CBA, we wish her all the best in retirement!"
Debra Weil, the 2021-2022 CBA Chair, was recognized by John McNair, CBA, and 2022-2023 CBA Chair Richy Everly, Bank of Wrightsville. Debra retired from the bank earlier this year and turned the CBA Chairmanship over to Richy Everly. “It is important to recognize Debra’s many years of service in the community banking industry and to CBA. Debra has served on virtually every CBA committee, has been our LEAD Board Chair, and now the CBA Chair,” said John McNair.
“She has been an enthusiastic participant at countless CBA conventions, advocacy events, and other CBA functions. Additionally, she has been a role model for many women seeking careers in the community banking industry. We are so very grateful for her friendship and support of CBA. On behalf of the entire team at CBA, we wish her all the best in retirement!"

CBA Convention Committee Delivered!
Richy Everly, President & CEO, Bank of Wrightsville, 2022-2023 CBA Chair and Chair of the 2022 Convention Committee, recognized the committee for their hard work putting together one of the best convention lineups CBA has had. “The committee has worked for several months with an amazing team of individuals who have helped plan and orchestrate the convention. We met once a month and reviewed registrations and hotel room blocks, selected speakers and entertainment, and discussed everything in between. Special thanks to Chris Cochran, Affinity Bank; Corrie Hall, James-Bates-Brannan-Groover LLP; Jane Lawson, First Peoples Bank; Michael McGahee, Bank of Camilla; and Matt Mingenbach, FITECH. These volunteers went above and beyond their call to make CONNECT a success.
Richy Everly, President & CEO, Bank of Wrightsville, 2022-2023 CBA Chair and Chair of the 2022 Convention Committee, recognized the committee for their hard work putting together one of the best convention lineups CBA has had. “The committee has worked for several months with an amazing team of individuals who have helped plan and orchestrate the convention. We met once a month and reviewed registrations and hotel room blocks, selected speakers and entertainment, and discussed everything in between. Special thanks to Chris Cochran, Affinity Bank; Corrie Hall, James-Bates-Brannan-Groover LLP; Jane Lawson, First Peoples Bank; Michael McGahee, Bank of Camilla; and Matt Mingenbach, FITECH. These volunteers went above and beyond their call to make CONNECT a success.

Taking Charge—Cyber Risk Pros Staying Ahead
of Threats
CBA’s popular Cyber Risk Summit was held in August in Savannah with close to 70 attendees. Information security officers, digital innovation experts, operations managers, and risk managers gathered to learn, share resources, and ensure their bank is cyber aware and compliant. In the latest issue of Georgia Communities First magazine, CBA polled several community bank cyber experts on best practices, recent threats and what keeps them up at night. Read the latest issue.
of Threats
CBA’s popular Cyber Risk Summit was held in August in Savannah with close to 70 attendees. Information security officers, digital innovation experts, operations managers, and risk managers gathered to learn, share resources, and ensure their bank is cyber aware and compliant. In the latest issue of Georgia Communities First magazine, CBA polled several community bank cyber experts on best practices, recent threats and what keeps them up at night. Read the latest issue.
Learn the key areas that need attention for effective cybersecurity governance. Threat Landscape – Regulatory Expectations and Updates – Credible Challenge – Annual Board Reporting – Steering Committees – Assessments - Exam Readiness Learn more and register.
CBA Welcomes New Associate Members
The Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA) would like to welcome new Associate Members who were recently approved by the Board of Directors. Throughout the year, CBA’s Board reviews and approves quality vendors who provide products and services to CBA members. For more information on becoming an associate member contact Lindsay Greene.
The Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA) would like to welcome new Associate Members who were recently approved by the Board of Directors. Throughout the year, CBA’s Board reviews and approves quality vendors who provide products and services to CBA members. For more information on becoming an associate member contact Lindsay Greene.
Dytrix.Inc.
Mr. Rick Longmore Compliance | Blue Bell, PA Fairway Wholesale Lending Mr. Bob Johnson Mortgage Services | Sharpsburg, GA FlexHR Ms. Jennifer Moreland HR Services | Atlanta, GA |
Human Interest
Mr. Joey Prebianca Retirement Services | St. Augustine, FL Latitude 34 PR Ms. Pat Check Advertising/Marketing | Alpharetta, GA Qualtik Ms. Emily Oberto Software | Austin, TX |
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, recently sponsored the 2022 Hog Mountain Bowl, a fun night of rivalry and the return of Friday night lights!!
- BHG Financial's bank network members have recently surpassed $1 Billion in interest income earned. Read more here.
|
|
|
River City Bank, Rome, announces the addition of Tushar Patel and Penny Evans-Plants to its Board of Directors. Both individuals were also appointed to serve on the Board of the bank’s holding company, RCB Financial Corporation. Read more.
|
Colony Bank, Fitzgerald recently announced organizational changes. Eddie Hoyle, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer, plans to retire on Dec. 31 after 11 years of service to Colony and 44 years in the banking industry. In connection with this, the company will separate Heath Fountain’s roles as president and CEO and combine Hoyle’s responsibilities under the position of president. Dallas “D” Copeland, who currently serves as special advisor to the company, has been named president of the company and the bank. Fountain will remain CEO, primarily focusing on the execution of the bank’s strategic plan and acting as the primary liaison between management and the Board of Directors. The bank also announced that Kimberly Dockery, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, will transition into the newly created role of Chief of Staff.
Read more. |

United Community Bank Team to Honor Anniversary of 9/11 with Grassroots Efforts and Donations Across Their Communities
In observance of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, employees of United Community Bank (United) honored 9/11 victims and heroes with acts of service in communities across their 5-state footprint. For the second year in a row, United Community Bank employees are encouraged to organize acts of service within their communities or participate in projects led by the Together for Good Council. In addition to the acts of service, the United Community Bank Foundation will be making a total of $25,000 in donations to local organizations that support first responders.
Local activities and donations are driven by team members across the bank’s service area and include:
In observance of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, employees of United Community Bank (United) honored 9/11 victims and heroes with acts of service in communities across their 5-state footprint. For the second year in a row, United Community Bank employees are encouraged to organize acts of service within their communities or participate in projects led by the Together for Good Council. In addition to the acts of service, the United Community Bank Foundation will be making a total of $25,000 in donations to local organizations that support first responders.
Local activities and donations are driven by team members across the bank’s service area and include:
- Donating to TRED (Trails for Recreation and Economic Development of Rome/Floyd), Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, Blairsville Shop with a Cop, Cobb County Public Safety Foundation, Glynn County Volunteer Firefighters, and Hall County Law Enforcement Foundation Fund
- Hosting lunch for first responders in Blue Ridge and Blairsville, Ga.
- Delivering lunch and goodies to police and fire departments in Pickens County, Glynn County and Brunswick
Think CBA First for Your Professional Development Needs!
Here are some upcoming CBA events:
Here are some upcoming CBA events:
Darnel is a debt collection agency founded upon a commitment to high ethical standards and driven by the successful recovery of your company's accounts receivable and bad debt.
We offer a combination of highly-developed skills and a wide range of prompt, professional accounts receivable collection and bad debt collection programs specifically designed to fit your company's needs. We are the intelligent alternative for your company's need for bad debt collection, clearing backlogged receivables, improving cash flow and liquidity while enhancing your profitability. Contact Greg Herring at 770-354-5256 or visit their website. |
Here are some of the latest news stories relevant to community banking and the financial services industry:
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!