GCFM: Spring 2025 by Community Bankers Association of Georgia

LEADING WITH PURPOSE:

Governor Brian Kemp on Family, Leadership and Community Banking

Is your community bank thriving?

Meet Scott.

Scott works hand-in-hand with community banks in the Southeast to find ICBA member benefits that help them achieve their bank’s goals.

When he’s not exploring new ways to connect with bankers, he’s spending time in the great outdoors, hiking, camping, and adventuring.

Let Scott help you explore all the many options ICBA has to offer your community bank. Learn more at icba.org/membership

FEATURES

3. FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK: Moving the Dial

4. FLOURISH: Amplifying the Community Bank Difference

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

CBA STAFF

John McNair President & CEO john@cbaofga.com

5. FEATURE: Leading with Purpose: Governor Kemp on Family, Leadership, and Community Banking

9. 2025 Upcoming Advocacy and Networking Events including Topgolf, CBA Day at the Braves, Town Hall Talks, 50/50 Raffle, and Clay Shoots

10. ICBA Capital Summit SPOTLIGHTS

13. CBA Committees Provide Leadership, Insight, and Member Benefits

15. CONNECT Convention Preview with Agenda, Details, Exhibitors, and Sponsors

21. Beyond the Bank - South Georgia Banking Company, Tifton

23. Celebrating Five Years at CBA of Georgia: A Journey of Education and Innovation

25. Navigating the Future of Compliance: The 1st Annual CBA Compliance Summit on Jekyll Island

29. CBA Human Resources and Talent Development League Kicks Off 2025 Programming!

33. 2025 Professional Development Programming Schedule

MEMBER SERVICES

37. Powering Up Your Debit Card Program Profitability

39. Concepts and Facts: ChatGPT Gets it Mostly Right on Yield Curve Shapes

43. Innovating Community Banking: Trends Reshaping the Customer Experience

47. Meet the CBA 2025 Preferred Service Providers

Lori Godfrey Chief Operating Officer lori@cbaofga.com

Lindsay Greene Director of Development lindsay@cbaofga.com

Ellen Shea, CMP Director of Association Services ellen@cbaofga.com

Gwen Lanaghan Accounting Manager gwen@cbaofga.com

Becky Soto Professional Development Manager becky@cbaofga.com

Connie Shepard Member Engagement connie@cbaofga.com

Moving the Dial

In 2018, CBA had just over $9,000 in its advocacy account. The association was not a force in the state house and had very little connection with our federal delegation. Unhappy with the status quo, the CBA Board of Directors made the commitment to move the dial and mandated a new direction. Today, with the amazing commitment of CBA’s member banks and partner firms, CBA is now the recognized voice for community banking in the state and amongst our federal representatives and regulatory agencies. A major contributing factor in this transformation has been the relationship CBA has established with Georgia’s popular and successful two-term Governor, Brian Kemp. For this, our legislative edition of Georgia’s Communities First, we are excited to share our recent one-on-one interview with Gov. Kemp.

CBA’s relationship with Gov. Kemp started even before he was elected. In contrast to others at the time, CBA supported candidate Kemp in the primary process. His background with community banks resonated with our membership then and still does today. This very topic was discussed as part of our interview. Once elected, his understanding of the challenges faced by community banks was on display immediately. For years, community banks wanted to use the reciprocal deposit networks to secure municipal deposits. Unfortunately, the big banks and their advocates resisted this effort because the large banks had collateral pledging advantages over community banks and could effectively shut community banks out. In 2019, CBA

John McNair President & CEO Community Bankers Association of Georgia

took on the fight and with the help of now Gov. Kemp and his team, passed SB157 out of both chambers during the session. Further showing his support, Gov. Kemp came to CBA’s offices to sign the bill into law. Today, over $1 billion of municipal deposits have been placed into the networks creating significant liquidity for community banks to make local loans.

The significance of passing SB157 and securing the support of Gov. Kemp let all know that CBA was firmly behind Georgia’s community banking industry and would fight to advocate for their interests—against all others if needed. Soon thereafter, other legislators in the state house began to understand the differences between CBA and others and would reach out to us directly to seek our input on a variety of issues. The same happened on a federal level with the Georgia delegation and the various regulatory agencies. As stated earlier, the dial has been moved, and CBA IS the voice of community banking in Georgia.

In closing, on behalf of CBA, I want to thank Governor Kemp for taking the time to sit down with us for the interview. We conducted the interview in the last week of February, which is an extremely busy time during the legislative session. He was most gracious, genuine, and expansive with his responses. Additionally, my sincere thanks to his remarkable team for making it all happen.

Rebeca Romero Rainey President & CEO ICBA

Flourish: Amplifying the Community Bank Difference

“In today’s environment, we must both acknowledge competitive headwinds and know that we have tailwinds to drive us forward when it comes to what we do at a local level.”

ICBA’s 2025 Community Bank CEO Outlook Survey revealed that 77% of community bank executives believe their greatest business opportunity this year will be differentiating their community bank from other financial services firms. Demonstrating our unique value proposition is a growing priority for two key reasons.

The first reason is today’s competitive landscape. We are living in an environment where everyone wants to be a bank, but they aren’t operating by the same rules, which is driving a need to differentiate what we do and who we are as community bankers. It’s our job to help our customers recognize the community bank difference, both to strengthen our relationships with them and protect them from potential pitfalls with other providers.

The second reason is the growing demand for community connection. There’s a rising awareness of “bank local” and what that means, but we must continue emphasizing the message that we are different from the nonbank providers that are calling themselves banks, credit unions that are tax advantaged, and megabanks that treat their customers like numbers. We need to reiterate the positive impact we have on our customers and communities.

We must both acknowledge competitive headwinds and know that we have tailwinds to drive us forward when it comes to what we do at a local level. The good we do for our communities can’t be overstated.

But it’s not just our customers and potential customers we need to reach with this messaging. Rulemakers and regulation writers must understand our uniqueness. They need to know that we offer a completely different risk paradigm, keep capital in our communities (their districts), and drive the local economy—and that requires our voices to tell those stories.

Storytelling, marketing, differentiation: Conceptually, they all make sense, but with each comes a question of, “Now what?” The answer falls in how we apply our stories to cut through the noise of today’s financial services landscape and resonate with our audiences.

That’s why ICBA has launched our ICBA Marketing Resource Center. From search engine optimization tips and ready-togo segments to produce materials that can be customized for your institution, the resources we’ve provided not only offer information on marketing concepts but deliver the tools to highlight what’s unique about our industry and your bank. And the work continues: We are committed to making this center evergreen, providing new resources as opportunities arise.

Our unique value proposition makes us second to none, and with our collective efforts, we will drive home that message and the community bank difference.

Leading with Purpose: Governor Kemp on Family, Leadership, and Community Banking

The first edition of CBA’s publication, “Georgia’s Community First,” every year is our “Legislative” edition. This year, we interviewed Gov. Brian Kemp on February 26th, a very busy time in the legislative cycle. The governor and his team were extremely gracious with the time that was allotted to us, and we enjoyed our visit immensely. Gov. Kemp has been a great friend of CBA and community banking, and we appreciate all he has done to guide our state during some very challenging times. We hope you enjoy the conversation.

John McNair, CBA: I arrived in GA to take over leadership of the CBA in October of 2018, and you were elected governor the next month. I have noticed the importance of your family in all that you do. The First Lady is almost always by your side and your daughters are close as well. Can you talk about the importance of family in your life and how important it is and has been to have them all so involved as you have dealt with the opportunities and challenges these past six-plus years?

Governor Kemp: We did this as a team, when I decided to run. Having run statewide a couple of times before, some successful and some not, I knew the due diligence I needed to go through. The girls had gotten older and so when I started thinking about running for governor, I talked to them about it. Any negative thing you’ve ever had happen is going to come out. They were a big part of that and had veto power over me doing that or not. I told them if we are all in, we are all in, and no matter how bad it gets, we’re never going to turn back. They were all in, so they have been a big help on the campaign. The girls were at an age when they could work the crowd on bus tours, hand out stickers, help take pictures, and were a big part of it. It’s been kind of the same way governing. They have all been very involved in things that we’ve had interest in and certainly Marty has too. It’s good and I think it represents really the values of our state. We’re a family-oriented state, and that’s good in my opinion. They have been a great help and have been a morale booster, too, on tough days. There are times when, besides the dogs, it’s Marty and the girls!

Lori Godfrey, CBA: I recall at a few of our events over the years, you mentioned how community banks helped you get started in business. Could you share that story with us today?

Governor Kemp: I’m a big fan of local banks, communitybased banks; I’ve done my share of banking with big banks, but for a guy that had a small company, I always really needed a banker who believed in me, not just in my financials.

When I first got started, I was working for a reputable guy and knew their banker and their banker took a little bit of a risk on me and that’s what community bankers do. They’re engrained in the community, they know their people, they know the families, they get to know people that may be working for their customers that then go out on their own and start a business. And that’s really who these community banks are invested in. Being a founding director of one of those banks, I did the same thing. It’s doing business with people that I knew and trusted, regardless of their financial situation.

I had a guy that’s banked me for a long time who’s about to retire and he’s one of the best bankers I’ve ever dealt with. He’s just there when you need him and tries to help you, not trying to throw up roadblocks but asking how do we get this done. He helped me on a deal to refinance on something

during the recession in ’08 and ’09. It was a tough time and not the greatest loan in the world but a good one. Sometimes at a big bank it’s hard to have those kinds of relationships. They serve in a lot of other ways, but I’m a big believer in that I think in our state, especially in these rural communities, the community bankers are the ones that are really helping build the community. That’s what we did at our local bank. We just wanted to be an asset to the local community, support the small business people there, and it worked out great.

John McNair, CBA: I need to ask about Covid and thank goodness it is in the rear-view mirror; however, at the time, you were front and center nationally because of your action to allow businesses to open. I was in the car driving and remember a press conference when you were asked whether you were concerned about the politics of your decision, and you stated emphatically, “I don’t give a damn about politics, I care about lives and livelihoods.” As a Pres/CEO myself, I was immensely impressed by the decisiveness and leadership you showed. Can you talk about that period?

Governor Kemp: I remember that day well. I was very frustrated with the media, because, as many good things as we were doing, they would always focus on the negative. Everyone was mad during Covid. I had political leaders on both sides of the aisles who were mad at me, and it was just a tough time. That’s really when you need people who are not worried about politics – they are just doing the right thing. You really trust them, and that’s partly from my experience as a small businessperson and nearly going

bankrupt two or three different times - knowing how people were feeling in our state at the time and there had also been through some tough experiences in government when I was Secretary of State.

[continued]

This was one of those times where you’ve just got to be a leader and do the right thing or do what you think is the right thing and plow ahead. That’s why I said, I don’t give a damn about politics. We were focused on lives and livelihood and got criticized heavily for a lot of decisions I made especially when opening the economy back up but felt like our people were about to revolt against the government. I did not feel like they were going to continue to sit in their basement and lose everything they had. I wouldn’t ask them to do that. I wouldn’t have done that myself; I’d have been out there fighting for my survival and my family and trying to provide for them. I listened to the people and doing what I thought was right and really gave them the opportunity to make a choice. Do I want to open back up? Do I want to go back to work? It ended up being the right decision and I was the first one to make it and took a lot of grief for it. I still think today it was the right thing to do.

Lori Godfrey, CBA: Considering your time as governor, what are you most proud of and what do you still hope to accomplish in the remainder of your term?

Governor Kemp: Getting re-elected! (smiling) You know, it’s been interesting. We’ve been so fortunate because we really did every single thing that I told people I would do. That’s probably my biggest accomplishment. I mean we have had a lot of great things that we’ve done, whether it’s tax cuts, or health care policy, getting school choice done, a lot of really tough legislative battles and another one right now, Tort Reform. But I really think probably

that if I wanted to leave a mark, it would be: “he just did what he said he was going to do.” Because I think there are so many people who are frustrated, you had all these politicians that would say one thing and do another or do nothing at all and I think people were really just looking for leaders that would just do what you say you’re going to do. I campaigned on this so, I’m just fulfilling my promises.

I kept my word and did what I said I was going to do. Going into my second term, I think the agenda we had too was more of an agenda for everybody coming out of Covid. I think the vast majority of people supported getting our kids back in school, ending the insanity of defunding the police and keeping our community safe and going after violent criminals, gangs, and drug cartels and just making sure that people have a good paying job where they can deal with 40-year high inflation and doing the tax rebates and suspending the gas tax. People knew that we were fighting to help them fight through 40-yearhigh inflation, keep their community safe, and simply get their kids back in the classroom.

Also – standing up for the law and the constitution. History will be the judge of all that, but I think looking back, most people will be glad that we had leaders where checks and balances worked, and you had people that were standing up and doing the right thing even when people weren’t watching or even when it was politically tough.

[continued]

John McNair, CBA: Governor Kemp, you have been generous with your time and do you have any advice for or requests of Georgia’s community bankers?

Governor Kemp: Keep lending and lower the rates! (smiling) In these times, it’s so important, especially in rural parts of our state that have been affected by storms like Hurricane Helene and Debbie and others. It’s really tough times out there, and this is the time where you really need good bankers to work with people in the community to try to figure out how you can help them be viable in the future. That’s what we’re working on in the state government – both the speaker, lieutenant governor, and I have talked about making it a priority to help those affected by Hurricane Helene and other storms and helping them get their lives and their businesses back together and supporting them to get on sure footing. Community banks play a big role in local communities when you think about our ag economy and our farmers and its tough out there right now. The bankers have a tough job – they’ve got to protect the bank; they also have to try and help the community and so we just hope that you guys will stand with us when you can on keeping our state the best in the country to live, work and raise our families.

2025 ADVOCACY EVENTS

Join the fun at CBA’s TopGolf Showdowns –where friendly competition meets great networking, all while supporting CBA’s Advocacy Fund!

It’s the perfect laidback way for partner firms to connect with bankers or for bankers to treat their customers to a great time.

Swing, socialize, and make an impact!

CBA has rented out the entire Hank Aaron Terrace for our bank members and their families.

We encourage all of our CBA family to come and bring your family to attend this special event. From the tellers, to the loan operators, to the Chairman of the Board and your families are all encouraged to join us. Thanks to our sponsors: Captive Solutions &

Town Hall Talks

Date to be Announced Soon!

Thanks to our sponsors:

Town Hall Talks are a multi-location grassroots alternative to a Day at the Dome for you to meet your legislators in person.

We are proud to be partnering with NFIB to host these town-hall-style events, where attendees will have the opportunity to engage with their legislators in a Q&A session and hear their perspectives on legislative issues that impact community banks.

Attendees will be presented with CBA & NFIB updates, programs, insights from the 2025 legislative session, and most importantly, meet and greet legislators. Bankers, we encourage you to invite any small business clients to join and attend these Town Halls with you.

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2025 Advocacy Events

50/50 Raffle

Support CBA Grassroots Advocacy! Help Us Raise Awareness and Funds for Community Banking!

Join us in supporting the vital work of our association by purchasing a $10 ticket for a chance to win our 50/50 raffle! You can also team up with a co-worker or friend to increase your odds of winning.

Proceeds from the raffle go directly to funding advocacy efforts, including lobbying and educating legislators to make informed decisions that benefit the community banking industry. Your participation will help ensure our voice is heard.

RAFFLE DETAILS:

Ticket Price: 1 ticket for $10 or 6 tickets for $50

Sponsor :

Drawing Date: Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Advocacy event during CBA’s Annual Convention, CONNECT!

Ticket Deadline: Last day to purchase tickets is Friday, September 12 to be eligible. Goal: $5,000 in ticket sales before payout!

Presenting

Fall Clay Shoots

Charlie Curry – September 25, 2025 Chuck Harwell – October 30, 2025

CBA Committees Provide Leadership, Insight, and Member Benefits

CBA’s dynamic committees play a crucial role in shaping the future of Georgia’s community banking industry. These committees provide leadership, foster collaboration, and enhance member benefits—ensuring CBA continues to serve as a valuable resource for its members.

We invite you to meet our dedicated committee chairs— leaders who are committed to driving innovation and

Meet the committee chairs!

ADVOCACY COMMITTEE & BYLAWS COMMITTEE

KELLY STONE

Community Bank of Georgia, Baxley Chair

FINANCE & AUDIT COMMITTEE

SHANNON HENRY Bank of Dade, Trenton Chair

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

DEESHA HAGWOOD right Oconee State Bank, Watkinsville

SARAH BETH

MCMILLAN left Century Bank & Trust, Milledgeville Co-Chairs

strengthening community banking. Their time and expertise make a lasting impact, and we appreciate their dedication to the industry.

Interested in connecting with peers across the state and contributing to CBA’s mission? Consider joining a committee! Contact CBA to learn more about getting involved.

BYLAWS COMMITTEE & CONVENTION COMMITTEE

MIKE SALE

The Commercial Bank, Crawford Chair

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

LINDA SMITH

Embassy National Bank, Lawrenceville Chair

INNOVATION COMMITTEE

CHRISTIAN RUPPE right Colony Bank, Atlanta

CHRIS STANLEY left Georgia Banking Company, Atlanta Co-Chairs

MEMBER SERVICES COMMITTEE

MANI SWARNAM Georgia Banking Company, Atlanta Chair

LEAD DIVISION BOARD

JONATHAN POPE Exchange Bank, Milledgeville Chair

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

NANCY JERNIGAN

First Port City Bank, Bainbridge Chair

Convention Preview

Ready to elevate your role in the community banking arena?

Join CBA of Georgia for CONNECT, where innovation meets opportunity.

This isn’t just another conference — it’s THE premier gathering for community bankers in Georgia. Get inspired by industry-leading speakers, dive deep into expert education, and unlock unmatched networking opportunities.

With a dynamic mix of CEOs, CFOs, Associate Members and Preferred Service Providers, CONNECT is the perfect stage to share ideas, spark fresh conversations, and explore cutting-edge solutions. You’ll be part of the largest community banking expo in the state. This is your chance to accelerate your success.

So turn on your A game, amp up your ambition and accelerate your success. Come to CONNECT—for yourself, your community bank and your customers!

Agenda

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm CBA Board Meeting

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Convention Registration Desk Open

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Exhibitor Set-Up

5:30 pm - 6:15 pm Sponsorship Reception (invitation only)

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm CBA Board Leadership Dinner (invitation only)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

7:30 am - 8:00 am Breakfast (Hot)

8:00 am - 8:15 am Welcome Kickoff

Kick off the CBA convention in style with the dynamic Pat Dix as our emcee! With his engaging presence and infectious energy, Pat will set the stage for an exciting, inspiring, and unforgettable few days. Don’t miss this electrifying start to an incredible convention experience!

CONVENTION

8:15 am - 9:15 am Opening Session with Billy Boughey “Journey to Success!”

An engaging conversation about the important “signs” we encounter on the path to success. Billy will explore eight key signs — like Yield, Detour, and Stop — and how they relate to leadership and personal growth. By understanding and applying these signals, we can navigate challenges, make better decisions, and stay on course. This is one of his most requested talks.

ABOUT BILLY: Billy is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, Founder of Elevate Experiences, and a former professional baseball player. He has led events for top organizations like Delta, Disney, FIFA, and Coca-Cola, and works with teams to enhance culture and leadership. As the author of Culture Reconstructed and Start from Scratch, Billy empowers leaders to build impactful businesses. His engaging keynote presentations inspire teams to elevate performance, strengthen leadership, and drive lasting success within organizations.

9:15 am - 9:30 am Stretch Break

9:30 am - 10:15 am General Session – Coming Soon

10:15 am - 11:00 am Exhibit Break Time

11:10 am - 11:50 am General Session – Coming Soon

11:50 am - 12:00 pm CBA Business Meeting and Announcements

CBA Chair Frank Griffin and CBA CEO John McNair

Afternoon and Evening on Your Own

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

7:30 am - 8:00 am Breakfast (Hot)

8:00 am - 8:05 am Advocacy Day Kickoff

Get ready for an inspiring and high-energy Advocacy Day featuring our own dynamic Chief Operating Officer and Lobbyist, Lori Godfrey, as our emcee! She will set the stage for impactful conversations, powerful insights, and a call to action that drives real change at the Gold Dome and on Capital Hill. Don’t miss this day to connect, engage, and be part of something bigger!

8:05 am - 9:00 am Regulatory Panel: Navigating the Evolving Landscape

Stay ahead of the curve with this year’s insightful Regulatory Panel, where industry experts and policymakers discuss the latest updates, challenges, and trends shaping the regulatory environment. This engaging session will cover key compliance issues, emerging policies, and best practices to help your banks adapt and thrive.

Expect thought-provoking discussions and a chance to ask pressing questions as our panelists share their expertise. Whether you’re navigating new regulations or preparing for future shifts, this session will provide the clarity and strategies you need to stay compliant and competitive.

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9:00 am - 9:10 am Stretch Break

9:10 am - 9:40 am Legislative Panel: Policy Trends & Industry Impact

Join this year’s Regulatory Panel, where industry experts and policymakers explore the latest updates, challenges, and trends shaping the regulatory landscape. This session will cover key compliance issues, emerging policies, and best practices to help your bank remain agile and competitive.

Gain insights, engage in discussions, and get answers to your most pressing questions, as our panelists share their expertise. Stay ahead of regulatory changes with strategies designed to ensure compliance and success.

9:40 am - 10:30 am Exhibit Break Time

10:35 am – 11:30 am The Latest on the Political Landscape with Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson

Are you hungry for Georgia politics? WABE’s Political Breakfast podcast team – Democrat Consultant Tharon Johson and Republican Consultant Brian Robinson – will provide a lively discussion into Georgia politics as our competitive state enters a consequential election year.

11:30 am - 12:05 pm General Session – Coming Soon

Afternoon on Your Own

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Advocacy Celebration/Silent Auction

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

7:30 am - 8:00 am Breakfast (Hot)

8:00 am - 8:05 am Saturday Kickoff

Pat is back as our emcee for the day as he brings everyone together one last time until 2026.

8:05 am - 8:35 am Morning Boost with ICBA

Rise and shine with our Morning Boost with ICBA — the perfect way to energize your day! Join us for a session filled with fresh insights, engaging conversations, and the latest in ICBA updates — all designed to fuel your success. We are thrilled to have Quentin Leighty, ICBA Treasurer, who will share some coffee and hopefully spill some tea on all things ICBA. So start your morning with inspiration and momentum and power up your day with ICBA!

8:35 am - 9:35 am General Session – Coming Soon

9:35 am - 9:45 am Stretch Break

9:45 am - 10:45 am General Session – Coming Soon

10:45 am - 10:55 am Stretch Break [continued]

10:55 am - 11:55 am Closing Session with Don Yaeger - “What Makes the Great Ones Great!”

As a sportswriter and author of more than two dozen books, Don has had a front row seat with some of the greatest winners in athletics, including Walter Payton, Jimmy Connors, Michael Jordan, John Wooden, Pat Riley, and Dale Brown. They are all legends in their own right, but does anyone believe the athletes mentioned above are really the GREATEST athletes of their time, physically? Remember, Jordan wasn’t even the first pick in the draft. Payton had to go to a small Black college because bigger schools didn’t want to risk a scholarship on him. Each became a champion through strength and skills that had nothing to do with physical prowess.

Using rich personal accounts gathered from more than twenty-five years of interviews with many of today’s sports legends and business leaders, Don has distilled Sixteen Consistent Characteristics of Greatness. Don shares some of these characteristics with audiences, in an easy, engaging style, which helps participants realize that they, too, can achieve a higher level of personal success.

ABOUT DON: An award-winning keynote speaker, 11-time New York Times bestselling author, and host of the top-rated Corporate Competitor Podcast, Don Yaeger is one of America’s most compelling thought leaders. A former Sports Illustrated Associate Editor, he shares powerful lessons on achieving greatness from his firsthand experiences with legendary sports and business figures.

Sought after by companies and organizations, Don coaches leaders on building a culture of greatness using insights from his extensive study of elite teams. Renowned thought leaders like John Maxwell and Simon Sinek have called him the best storyteller they’ve worked with. His expertise has earned him invitations to major talk shows, from Oprah to Good Morning America.

His Corporate Competitor Podcast, launched in 2020, quickly gained recognition, ranking among Spotify’s top 5% most followed and shared podcasts worldwide. Don has interviewed top executives, including former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the CEOs of Disney, Delta Airlines, and Chick-fil-A.

A Hawaii native and Ball State University Hall of Fame inductee, Don now lives in Tallahassee, Florida, with his wife, Jeanette, and their two children.

11:55 am - 12:00 pm Closing Announcements

Afternoon on Your Own

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Afternoon Event

6:00 pm - 6:45 pm Reception

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Chairman’s Dinner

8:30 pm - 9:30 pm Entertainment – Coming Soon

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Departure

Details

HOTEL AND LODGING:

Ritz Carlton Amelia Island

4750 Amelia Island Pkwy Amelia Island, FL 32034

ROOM RATES:

Single / Double Occupancy: $359.00

Resort Fee: $40.00 daily

Rates are exclusive of a 12% tax per night.

72 Hour Cancellation policy.

NEW IN 2025: HOW DO I BOOK MY ROOM?

Once you have completed the registration process, you will receive a confirmation email that will include your hotel booking link to reserve your hotel room. Rooms can only be reserved online with the special booking link. The hotel will not take reservations over the phone. If you have not received your confirmation email within 24 hours of registration, please contact Ellen Shea at ellen@cbaofga.com. As long as you are registered to attend the convention, CBA will resend a confirmation to the e-mail address you provided during registration process. Rooms are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. The CBA cut off to reserve your room is by Friday, August 8, 2025.

Thank You to Our Exhibitors

Abram Armored

BHG

Beyond the Bank –South Georgia Banking Company, Tifton

From 5Ks to Half Marathons: How South Georgia Banking Company’s Running Culture Fuels Growth and Community

For years, South Georgia Banking Company, Tifton, has encouraged employees to hit the pavement by covering entry fees for local 1-mile and 5K races. What started as a company-sponsored wellness initiative has turned into a personal and professional journey for three team members who have since progressed to running 10Ks and half marathons. Along the way, they’ve built not only endurance but also lasting friendships, resilience, and a stronger sense of community.

What first inspired you to participate in the local 1-mile or 5K events sponsored by the bank?

Kayla: I grew up running, but life got busy. When the bank offered to sponsor employees in races, that was the perfect time to get back into it. I started training with my dad and have been running ever since.

Ashley: Kayla motivated me to participate in the 5K events, and, when we heard that the bank was a sponsor, we thought it was a great way to promote community involvement as employees.

Samantha: My colleagues inspired me. After hearing about workouts and afternoon runs, I decided it was a good opportunity to get to know my coworkers.

How did you progress from running smaller local races to tackling 10Ks and half marathons? When did you decide to do these together?

Ashley: After completing several 5Ks together, we gained the confidence to challenge ourselves and run longer

distances, which led us to exploring 10Ks. Training with friends makes the experience much more enjoyable and keeps us motivated as a group.

Samantha: Having the bank’s support along with helping the local community was a no-brainer to keep moving forward. Being new to banking, I wanted to be more involved in the community, and this was a great way to start.

What has been the most rewarding part of your running journey so far?

Kayla: Running is such a mental sport; your brain gives up before your body does. You must TELL yourself you CAN, even when everything is telling you that you cannot.

Ashley: The sense of accomplishment I feel after completing a race!

Samantha: The most rewarding part of running has been crossing that finish line, no matter what, and knowing all the time spent training has paid off. It is an immense sense of accomplishment!

How has running influenced your mindset or approach to tackling difficult tasks, either personally or professionally?

Ashley: Running teaches discipline, endurance, and goal setting, which parallels the skills I use in my role at the bank. It has motivated me to keep pushing forward in tough situations.

Meet Ashley Castillo, Head Teller, Cordele, Samantha Chavez, Universal banker, Tifton, and Kayla Yawn, Retail Administrative Assistant, Administration Office, Tifton.

Ashley Castillo Samantha Chavez Kayla Yawn

How has the bank’s support of these community races impacted your motivation or connection to your colleagues?

Kayla: We constantly support and encourage other colleagues to reach their goals. The bank’s support in these events has given others the opportunity to see how invested in the surrounding communities SGBC truly is.

Samantha: We have developed a strong connection to one another. Being in different towns, we participate in races around south Georgia. Most of the races are planned around local agriculture, and we see lots of local vendors. It’s a good way to support the community.

How do the values you’ve learned through running mirror the principles of community banking?

Samantha: South Georgia Banking Company has focused on how we grow. Commitment to execution is one of the many core values the bank has given us, and this has helped me push through. It is interesting to see so many similar practices in running and banking.

Do you have any advice for others interested in starting to run or participate in community events?

Kayla: Start small! One mile at a time. Just like everything in life, you must start with one step. Before you know it,

one step becomes one mile, one mile becomes two, and then you’re accomplishing things you never knew you could.

What’s your next race? Next goal? Either in running or at the bank?

Kayla: My second half marathon is coming up and I plan to run six more in 2025. Next year, looking at running a full!

Ashley: My first half marathon was in March and hoping to do a couple more in 2025.

Samantha: I’m still signing up for races, but I also want to focus on helping our local community. Getting to know what makes our community so special, and how to better help them when it comes to banking needs. Coworkers turned into friendships has been the biggest blessing SGBC has brought, and to think it began with running!

Do you or another community banker have a cool hobby? Email Lindsay Greene for a chance to be featured in a future issue.

Celebrating Five Years at CBA of Georgia: A Journey of Education and Innovation

It’s hard to believe that last month marked my five-year anniversary with the Community Bankers Association (CBA) of Georgia! Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with countless community bankers who are truly making a difference in Georgia. Along the way, I’ve gained valuable insights, and one thing that stands out the most is how rapidly our industry is evolving.

As I plan our programs for this year and beyond, two key themes have emerged: Educate & Innovate. To thrive in this dynamic environment, we must embrace open minds and stay focused on new ways to learn, grow, and adapt. Our success depends on remaining in good standing with our teammates, the community, and our regulators—both state and federal.

Becky Soto, Professional Development Manager

I’m excited to share insights from our March Compliance Summit, where we explored how Artificial Intelligence is shaping compliance. Also, make sure to mark your calendars for our key events: HR Conference in May, LEAD On in June, CONNECT in September, and the Cyber Risk Summit in October – where innovation will undoubtedly be at the forefront of the conversation.

Here’s to another year of learning, adapting, and pushing the boundaries of innovation and education in Community Banking! GET READY!

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Navigating the Future of Compliance: The 1st Annual CBA Compliance Summit on Jekyll Island

The first-ever CBA Compliance Summit, held from March 3-5, 2025, on the scenic (somewhat windy in March) shores of Jekyll Island, Georgia, proved to be a pivotal gathering for professionals in the banking and financial services industries. The summit brought together experts, leaders, and innovators to engage in insightful discussions on key areas of compliance, including lending, deposit, and compliance management.

Leah Hamilton, Director of Education Services & Compliance Advisor JR with Sentry Advisors, served as the lead presenter and facilitator, guiding attendees through a comprehensive program designed to tackle the most pressing challenges facing the industry today. Hamilton, known for her expertise in regulatory frameworks, led dynamic discussions and workshops that empowered participants to strengthen their compliance strategies in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Throughout the event, sessions delved deep into the complexities of lending and deposit compliance, focusing on the latest regulatory updates, risk mitigation techniques, and best practices for maintaining compliance in an

increasingly complex environment. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions on compliance management, exploring frameworks and tools for improving internal processes and managing regulatory risks more effectively.

One of the most engaging topics discussed during the summit was the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in compliance management. With the rapid pace of technological change, AI is beginning to play a pivotal role in transforming how compliance teams monitor, analyze, and manage risk. Experts with Sentry Advisors discussed how AI can enhance the compliance process by automating routine tasks, such as transaction monitoring, reporting, and even document review, allowing compliance officers to focus on higher-level strategy and risk assessment.

AI-powered tools, like predictive analytics, are now capable of identifying patterns and flagging potential issues long before they become regulatory problems. This technology not only helps reduce human error but also speeds up the detection of fraudulent activities, ensuring a more proactive approach to compliance. During a lively discussion, industry

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Navigating the Future of Compliance: The 1st Annual CBA Compliance Summit on Jekyll

Island

leaders emphasized how AI can help compliance teams keep pace with the ever-growing complexity of regulatory requirements while improving overall efficiency.

However, AI’s integration into compliance was also met with thoughtful discussions on its challenges. Concerns around data privacy, algorithmic biases, and the transparency of AI decisions were raised, underscoring the need for robust oversight and careful implementation. Attendees exchanged insights on how to balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring AI tools are used ethically and in line with everevolving regulations.

Beyond the technical sessions, the summit offered ample networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with peers and industry leaders in a relaxed, collaborative environment. Attendees were able to exchange insights and

experiences, fostering new relationships and partnerships that will continue to benefit the industry long after the event’s conclusion.

With a perfect blend of professional development, cuttingedge technology discussions, and leisurely activities, the 1st Annual CBA Compliance Summit set a high bar for future events. As the industry continues to evolve, this summit has proven to be a vital resource for staying ahead of regulatory challenges and building a more resilient, compliant financial future. The integration of AI in compliance is just one example of how the industry is embracing innovation to stay compliant in an increasingly complex world.

Dare to be different.

Embracing uniqueness is at the center of what we do. Just like you, we understand the power of individuality. That’s why we take a personalized approach, getting to know you, your accountholders and your goals. With SHAZAM, expect high-performing solutions, exceptional value and hands-on service empowering you to make a lasting impact on your community today and for years to come.

CBA Human Resources and Talent Development League Kicks Off 2025 Programming!

The kickoff to the CBA HR League took place in Macon on March 7th with an engaging RAP Session. This event brought together professionals to discuss key topics in human resources, foster networking, and share insights on best practices. The session set the stage for a productive season of collaboration and growth within the HR community. The event was kicked off with a knowledge packed presentation on Workers’ Compensation in Georgia. The presentation was offered by Jason Logan, Partner with Constangy, Brooks, Smith, & Prophete, LLP.

Join the Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA) Human Resources League for Professional Growth and Networking

For those working in human resources at community banks, the CBA Human Resources League offers a unique opportunity to enhance your skills, connect with industry peers, and stay ahead of HR trends. Designed for HR professionals and individuals responsible for HR laws, trends, and issues within community banks, this program focuses on fostering high-performing teams and supporting professional development.

Key Program Elements

The CBA Human Resources League is built around four core pillars: Training, Engagement, Appreciation, and Managing —the essential elements for cultivating a high-performing culture. Through ongoing training and development, participants will gain the skills needed to support their bank’s management, refine HR systems, and exchange best practices.

Networking opportunities are a key feature of the program, where members can share ideas and learn from other HR professionals working in similar environments.

Exclusive Benefits

Membership includes access to HR RAP Sessions , which provide a space for networking, sharing, and professional development. One highlight is the HR Conference , to be held on Jekyll Island from May 7-9, 2025. This event will bring together HR professionals from community banks across Georgia for an immersive learning experience.

Additionally, members benefit from the CBA Legal HR Hotline , hosted by the expert team at James, Bates, Brannan, Groover. This resource provides ongoing support, helping HR professionals navigate complex legal issues with confidence.

As a member of the HR League, you’ll also gain access to an electronic community playbook , offering year-round networking opportunities and insights from peers across the industry.

Whether you’re looking to improve your HR systems, enhance your leadership skills, or simply connect with others in the field, the CBA Human Resources League is a valuable resource for any HR professional in the community banking sector.

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“I love my job. I love banking and I love Human Resources. I am proud to be involved with several HR groups, from SHRM Middle Georgia to SHRM Georgia. While I learn a lot from these groups, sometimes I need something a little more specific, and this is where I need help from my fellow HR bankers. Being a part of CBA’s HR & Talent Development League, I have connections to fellow HR bankers throughout Georgia where we share things like job descriptions, policies, and sometimes we just run ideas by each other. This group has been invaluable to me in my HR role at Pineland Bank, and I am glad to be a part of CBA’s HR & Touchdown League!”

- Julia B. Shadwick, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP VP, Director of Human Resources • Pineland Bank

“I started in the HR department of our bank in 2020. While I had a few years of prior banking experience, I was new to HR altogether. Joining the CBA HR League has been an invaluable resource for me throughout my HR learning journey. It’s helped me build a network of HR professionals within the same industry as me. We are able to come together to share knowledge, experience, and continue learning about the everchanging HR world.”

-Candice Meeler, SHRM-CP Senior HR Generalist • Oconee State Bank

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2025 Professional Development Programming Schedule

Bites & Insights

In collaboration with CBA’s esteemed service providers, we invite your bank to participate in our complimentary Virtual Learning Lunch Break. Each 60-minute session is hosted on our user-friendly online platform, offering an opportunity to deepen your understanding of a range of timely and relevant topics. This event is a Complimentary Member Benefit.

Compliance Focused Banker Regulatory Forum

We are raising the bar on CBA’s well-known Banker Regulatory Forum by adding a compliance roundtable. Let’s kick off the day to find out what is on your mind and prepare to establish a dialogue with the state and federal regulatory agencies regarding their policies, procedures, and objectives.

The regulatory agencies panel will cover hot topics and answer questions from the bankers and our program facilitators. We ensure an open dialogue between bankers and regulators throughout the forum. BRF & RAP serves as a clearing house for CBA member concerns.

Countless families in your community count on you. We can help you expand your services to offer them even more. Visit wipfli.com/banks. Perspective changes everything.

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2025

Professional Development Schedule

ISO-Information Security RAP

Beyond the Cybersecurity Assessment Tool: Leveraging Security Frameworks to Strengthen your Financial Institution The Community Bankers of Georgia, in collaboration with Hark Advisors, is proud to continue offering Information Security Officer Peer Groups. This program is uniquely designed to cater to both individuals new to the industry and seasoned professionals keen on enhancing their knowledge and sharing resources.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Information Security Officers, IT Professionals new and seasoned, that want to expand their knowledge to support their community bank role.

Popular Programs

2025 Compliance Specialist Certificate — Session 1

HR & Talent Development Conference

29-30

7-9

Commercial Credit Analysis Fundamentals May 19-20

Loan Operations RAP Session May 22

Advanced BSA: AML/CFT School August 18-22

2025 Compliance Specialist Certificate — Session 2 August 26-27

ICBA Education

Add a professional designation to your signature line! Check out ICBA’s Education opportunities and certification programs!

Completing training with your community banker’s association, yes; that’s us, gives you a chance to earn continuing education credits that align with these professional certifications. Make sure to use Georgia’s code when registering for any ICBA program: GA-CBA

Island, FL

Powering Up Your Debit Card Program Profitability

The debit card is a powerful link between your bank and your customers. Customers carry the card your bank issued with them everywhere they go to make purchases on everyday items.

These purchases generate interchange income for the cardissuing banks. But that’s not the whole story. Interchange income and expenses vary depending upon the card networks and payment processors. As debit card usage continues to grow, any improvements in net interchange rates or reductions in processing expenses can result in a better performing, and more profitable, debit card program.

What is interchange?

Interchange is the small percentage of each debit card purchase amount paid to financial institutions by merchants to compensate card-issuing financial institutions for the costs of facilitating transactions.

Interchange rates may be a fixed rate, variable rate or a combination of the two. In some instances, it also includes a cap rate. These rates are based upon a variety of factors such as: the purchase category, the type of transaction

Alex Jernigan Regional Director of Sales – EFT SHAZAM

authorized, the type of card presented, or if the purchase was made online, known as card-not-present.

The Durbin Amendment specifies debit card issuers must enable at least two unaffiliated payment networks for processing electronic debit transactions. This means anytime your cardholder uses their debit card to buy something, the merchant (and its acquirer processor) chooses which network the transaction travels over, typically based on lowest merchant cost. This choice has consequences for community banks as the gross and net interchange rates earned can vary wildly with some networks.

Maximizing net interchange income

All networks couple differently due to acquirer/merchant routing choice favoritism or their desire to help earn top rates for the financial institution. In this example, a cardholder makes a $50 purchase. The fixed fee is $0.15 for both networks and the variable rate is 1.05% for network 1 and 1.00% for network 2. This results in network 1 having a gross interchange $0.025 higher than network 2.

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The next piece of the story is what network fees you’ll be charged. Once we know this, we can figure out your net interchange. Network 1 has an issuer fee of $0.06, while network 2 has an issuer fee of $0.015. Once these fees are taken into consideration, as a financial institution, you would want the transaction to route on network 2, as that network provides you with greater net interchange. Minimizing processing costs and fraud losses Lowering operational costs and reducing fraud losses provides a boost to your debit card program’s bottom line. EFT providers who process your debit card transactions can help lower your operational costs by reducing your issuer switch fees. Some processors who also own their network will also waive the processing fee when a single-message transaction is routed through their network.

Another cost is fraud. On average, banks lose little over $100 per fraud claim with 80% of those losses being related to card-not-present transactions. Investing in fraud tools reduces this expense while increasing customer loyalty as they have more confidence in using their debit cards.

Picking a debit card partner

The payments industry is constantly changing. Which means partnering with a debit network and processor that has your best interest in mind is as important as ever. Let SHAZAM® review your debit card program to ensure your bank is making the most net interchange from each cardholder transaction. If you don’t get a comprehensive evaluation, you may be leaving money on the table.

SHAZAM is CBA’s preferred service provider for debit, ATM network and processing. SHAZAM’s the only nationwide independent, member-owned debit network, processor and core provider supporting community banks. To learn more, contact Alex Jernigan at, jjernig@Shazam.net.

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Throughout our long history, we’ve stayed focused on keeping community banks on the cutting edge. We do this with industry-leading specialists, expertise and offerings – all backed with local banking knowledge. Learn more at travelers.com/business-insurance/financial-institutions

2023

Concepts and Facts: ChatGPT Gets it Mostly Right on Yield Curve Shapes

Jim Reber President & CEO ICBA Securities

Note: In this column, for the first time, your correspondent relied on ChatGPT, the generative artificial intelligence (AI) platform. For the record, I submitted this inquiry: “Write a 700-word essay on how the shape of the Treasury yield curve affects community banks.” The following was generated in, I guess, three seconds, and most of it appears to be correct. I’ve taken the liberty of adding some commentary in red, and there really aren’t many changes. In the future, I will use AI only if I fully disclose its assistance. And you’ll be able to tell because there’re no snark in AI-generated documents.

The Impact of the Treasury Yield Curve on Community Banks

The Treasury yield curve is a critical financial indicator that depicts the relationship between interest rates and the maturity dates of U.S. government debt. Typically, the yield curve slopes upward, reflecting higher yields for longterm securities compared to short-term ones. This essay explores how the shape of the Treasury yield curve affects community banks, focusing on their lending practices, interest rate risk management, and overall financial health.

Understanding the Yield Curve

The yield curve can take on various shapes, primarily categorized as normal, inverted, or flat. A normal yield curve indicates that longer-term bonds have higher yields, suggesting economic growth; an inverted yield curve occurs when short-term yields exceed long-term yields, often seen as a predictor of recession; and a flat yield curve signifies uncertainty in the economy, where there is little difference between short-term and long-term rates. Each of these shapes presents unique challenges and opportunities for community banks.

Lending Practices

Community banks primarily generate revenue through lending, and the yield curve significantly influences their lending practices. In a normal yield curve environment, community banks can borrow at lower short-term interest rates and lend at higher long-term rates, which supports their profitability. For example, if a bank can secure funding at a 1% interest rate for a one-year loan and lend it out at 4% for a 30-year mortgage, the spread — essentially the bank’s profit — is 3%. This difference allows community banks to support local economies, providing loans for homes, businesses, and other community projects. Conversely, when the yield curve flattens or inverts, the profitability of these lending activities diminishes. In an inverted yield curve scenario, community banks may find

themselves in a position where they borrow at higher short-term rates than the rates at which they can lend long-term. This situation compresses margins, potentially leading to a reduction in loan origination and, consequently, a slowdown in economic activity within the communities they serve.

Interest Rate Risk Management

Community banks must also navigate interest rate risk, which is the risk of financial loss due to changes in interest rates. The shape of the yield curve plays a crucial role in how banks manage this risk. In a normal yield curve scenario, banks can match the duration of their assets (loans) with their liabilities (deposits) effectively. For instance, if a community bank has long-term fixed-rate mortgages, it can rely on stable, lower-cost funding from short-term deposits. Wrong! This is the very recipe for exposure to rising rates. This alignment helps mitigate the risk of rising interest rates.

However, during periods of an inverted or flat yield curve, community banks face increased interest rate risk. Not necessarily. The duration mismatch can lead to a situation where liabilities reprice before assets, exposing banks to potential losses. To manage this risk, community banks may engage in interest rate swaps or other hedging strategies, but these can be costly and complex, particularly for smaller institutions with limited resources.

Asset Quality and Loan Demand

The shape of the yield curve also affects asset quality and loan demand, which are critical for community banks’ stability. In a normal yield curve environment, economic growth typically leads to increased demand for loans as businesses and consumers have greater confidence in their financial prospects. Community banks can capitalize on this demand, extending credit while maintaining healthy asset quality.

Is your community bank bond portfolio performing?

Meet Jim.

Jim meets with community bankers across the U.S. to discuss ICBA Securities’ investment products, services, and education through our exclusively endorsed broker, Stifel. Investing through Stifel is a direct investment back into the community banking industry.

When Jim is on the road, he always takes time to enjoy local restaurants and share on social media. As

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However, when the yield curve inverts, it often signals an impending economic slowdown. As businesses and consumers become more cautious, loan demand may decline, and existing borrowers may struggle to meet their obligations, leading to increased default rates. This deterioration in asset quality can significantly impact community banks, which often have concentrated loan portfolios tied to local economies. It’s a bit of a nonsequitur to claim inverted curves cause a decline in credit quality. It’s more like the curve is reacting to that expectation. A rise in non-performing loans can strain capital reserves and lead to regulatory scrutiny.

Conclusion

The shape of the Treasury yield curve is a pivotal factor influencing the operations and financial health of community banks. A normal upward-sloping curve supports profitable lending practices and encourages economic growth, while an inverted or flat curve presents challenges related to interest rate risk, profitability, and

asset quality. Community banks must remain vigilant and adaptable to changes in the yield curve, employing sound risk management strategies and maintaining strong relationships with their local communities. Understanding these dynamics is essential for community banks as they strive to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape and continue to support their local economies.

Jim Reber (jreber@icbasecurities.com) is president and CEO of ICBA Securities, ICBA’s institutional, fixed-income broker-dealer for community banks.

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Innovating Community Banking: Trends Reshaping the Customer Experience

In today’s digital-first banking landscape, physical branches remain crucial for building customer relationships. Industry data from the ABA reveals a significant shift in branch design priorities, with 73% of financial institutions investing in branch modernization initiatives. While digital innovation captures headlines, thoughtfully designed branches continue to play an essential role in fostering trust and loyalty. Leading banks are responding to changing customer expectations by reimagining their spaces — a trend accelerated by recent shifts in consumer banking behavior. Through strategic investments in acoustics, interior design, and technology, banks can transform branches into welcoming spaces that elevate the customer experience.

Engineering Better Acoustics for Enhanced Privacy

Sound management represents a cornerstone of modern branch design. Advanced acoustic solutions, including specialized wall and ceiling panels combined with sound masking technology, create an environment where private conversations stay private. These systems work in harmony to absorb excess noise and provide consistent background sound, ensuring confidential discussions remain discrete even in open-concept spaces. The impact extends beyond privacy. Well-designed acoustics contribute to a noticeably calmer atmosphere that benefits both customers and staff. In an era where banking relationships often involve sensitive discussions, this investment in acoustic comfort demonstrates a bank’s commitment to protecting customer confidentiality while creating a more pleasant environment.

Today’s most effective bank branches incorporate design elements that promote both physical and emotional well-being. Biophilic design principles — incorporating natural light, living plants, and organic materials — create spaces that reduce stress and enhance comfort. This approach transforms branches from transaction-focused environments into welcoming spaces that encourage meaningful conversations and deeper relationships. Strategic interior design choices, from ergonomic furniture to intuitive floor plans, reflect a bank’s commitment to customer comfort. When these elements align with brand identity through consistent visual language and materials, they create a cohesive environment that reinforces trust and professionalism. The result is a space where customers feel valued, and employees can work more effectively.

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Wellness-Focused Interior Design

Brand Builders is

First State Bank - Wrens, GA

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Innovating Community Banking: Trends Reshaping the Customer Experience

Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Engagement

Modern branches can further enhance customer experience through thoughtfully integrated technology. Digital infotainment systems serve multiple purposes: they can educate customers about financial services, showcase community involvement, and highlight the bank’s broader impact. These platforms offer dynamic ways to communicate with customers while they’re in the branch, creating opportunities for deeper engagement. When properly implemented, these systems complement personal service rather than replace it. They can reduce perceived wait times, provide valuable information, and reinforce the bank’s commitment to both technological innovation and community connection.

Building Trust Through Environmental Excellence

Investing in branch design represents more than aesthetic improvement—it’s a strategic decision that can significantly impact customer relationships. Through careful attention to acoustics, wellness-focused design, and integrated technology, banks create environments that enhance privacy, comfort, and engagement.

The most successful branch designs balance innovation with warmth, technology with human touch, and efficiency with comfort. By creating spaces that prioritize customer well-being, banks can build stronger relationships and foster the kind of loyalty that sustains growth in an increasingly digital world.

Joel Thompson Regional Director of Sales Eclipse Brand Builders

Eclipse Brand Builders is an integrated design-build firm based in Alpharetta, Georgia. Our firm’s in-house team of consultants, planners, architects, interior designers and construction professionals serves clients in the retail, financial and professional/office sectors throughout the Southeast. For more information, visit www.eclipsebrandbuilders.com.

Meet the CBA 2025 Preferred Service Providers

Under the leadership of CBA’s Member Services Committee, which is made up of community bankers, CBA identifies companies with high-quality products and services tailored to CBA members. All Preferred Service Providers have earned the approval of the Member Services Committee. We encourage you to explore these trusted partners and discover how they can support your bank’s success.