News, Blog & Press Releases – All in one spot

The Power of Local: Why Small Businesses Thrive with Community Banks

In the vast landscape of banking options, small businesses often find themselves contemplating what bank they should partner with. There is a compelling case to be made for the advantages of partnering with a local community bank, here are a few reasons. Personalized Service: Community banks are renowned for their personalized, hands-on approach to customer service. Unlike larger banks, where businesses may feel like just another account number, community banks, like ours, take the...



Cyber Security - Shopping Online

What you should know about safe online shopping during the busiest holiday season. Here's some top tips to help you on cybersecurity: 1. Choose Reputable Websites: Start by shopping on well-known and reputable websites. Stick to established online retailers and avoid unfamiliar platforms that might not have robust security measures in place. Look for HTTPS in the website address, indicating a secure connection. 2. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, web...



Strip Malls Thrive in the Age of Remote Work

In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, strip malls are emerging as unexpected winners, with their value rising in response to the changing dynamics of remote work. As the traditional office environment undergoes a transformation, strip malls are seizing the opportunity to become versatile, convenient hubs for the evolving needs of the workforce. Adapting to the New Normal The recent surge in remote work has prompted a reevaluation of urban landscapes. People are no longer...



Certificate of Deposit (CD) - Growth You Can Plan On

As a financially savvy individual, you're probably always looking to grow your money in the most effective way possible. One option that you may want to consider is placing your money into a Certificate of Deposit (CD) to take advantage of higher Annual Percentage Yield (APY) rates. This may be especially appealing if you're looking for a low-risk investment option. So, what exactly is a CD? Essentially, a CD is a deposit account that provides a fixed interest rate in exchange for a set term...



Commercial and SBA Lending

As a community bank in Georgia, we understand the importance of strong relationships with local businesses. Our Commercial and SBA Lending department is dedicated to working with businesses of all sizes to help them achieve their financial goals. At our community bank, we offer a variety of lending options to meet the unique needs of each business we serve. From term loans to lines of credit and SBA loans, our team has the expertise to help your business thrive. One of the key benefits of...



Banking Beyond Transactions

As a local community bank in Georgia, we specialize in providing personalized financial services to local businesses in the community. While we do offer commercial, SBA and residential construction loans, our commitment to our clients goes beyond just providing financial aid. We genuinely care about our clients and strive to establish a long-term relationship with them. Our mission is to be a bank that caters to our community and local businesses by providing excellent service beyond just...



Why Choose a Community Bank for Your Next Commercial Loan

As a business owner, finding the right financing solutions to help your business grow can be a daunting task. When it comes to commercial lending, turning to your local community bank can be the answer you’ve been looking for. Community banks are local, independent financial institutions that focus on serving the needs of their community. Unlike larger banks, they have more flexibility and are able to work with businesses on a more personal level. This means community banks are able to...



Why Small Businesses should Partner with Community Banks

June 15, 2020 Behind every small business is a story; it starts with a personal dream and a goal for the future. Starting a business means combining a great idea with ambition and patience. Along with this passion, there are many factors to consider when starting a project. With concerns such as attracting customers, finding suitable employees, and understanding city regulations, small business owners have their plates full. And this doesn’t even begin to cover the financial...



Five Ways Tax Reform Will Boost the Hotel Industry

5 ways tax reform will boost the hotel industry March 23, 2018 After months of speculation, tax reform is a done deal. The final tax bill reduces corporate tax rates, modifies or eliminates a variety of itemized deductions, changes the taxation of foreign income, and limits the number of tax brackets. If the stock market is any indication, these changes will be a boon for businesses. The stock market surged to record highs last week, with business leaders expressing optimism over tax...



Do Check-Cashing Services Provide a Banking Alternative?

May 4, 2019 A couple of weeks ago, Business Insider published an amazing article by Alex Morrell on check cashing that I think is well worth everyone’s time to read: An Ivy League professor who spent four months working in a South Bronx check-cashing store says we’re getting it all wrong. The article focuses on the research of University of Pennsylvania professor Lisa Servon, who spent several months working as a cashier at a check-cashing service in order to actually understand...