Business View Magazine | August 2020

124 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE AUGUST 2020 (PPP) that the SBA (Small Business Administration) rolled out and our ability to navigate, be nimble, and be responsive to customer needs. I think that’s something that shows you the value of a community bank,” he asserts. Indeed, Athens and Oconee-area businesses have received over $50 million in PPP loans from Oconee State Bank - for some, a vital tool for remaining open and solvent. While in the forefront of helping its community partners, Stevens maintains that the bank is always prudent about its loan portfolio. “I think the type of lending that we’ve done gives us a great deal of protection,” he remarks. “We are intentional in not assuming undue risk in our loan portfolio and consider safety and soundness as one of our core pillars.” Going forward, Stevens maintains that unlike many smaller community banks that often get taken over by large, national chains, Oconee State Bank has no plans to market itself for sale. “We would like to grow profitably and continue to earn the right to remain independent by creating more K RIS T RAINOR , CPA P ARTNER E : KT RAINOR @ MJCPA . COM MJCPA.COM 200 Galleria Pkwy SE | Suite 1700 Atlanta, GA | 800-277-0080 A SSURANCE | T AX | A DVISORY Together we can Do Anything ! Maximize the Interest! Sales, Installation, and Service of ATMs, ITMs, Cash Recylers, Security Systems, Cameras, Access Control, and All Your Bank Equipment Needs (770) 751-1412 Serving all of Georgia and surrounding areas WWW.SOUTHERNBANKEQUIPMENT.COM Southern Bank Equipment & ATMs is privileged to partner with Oconee State Bank as they continue to provide remarkable customer service to their community.