Business View Magazine | Volume 8, Issue 9

149 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 8, ISSUE 9 paper. For over 10 years, they have encouraged customers to have electronic bank statements versus printed. They have become paperless when opening new deposit accounts and have paperless board of directors’ reports. The bank also has a goal to be paperless on the lending side by 2022. Recycling is encouraged through out the company and break rooms have a water cooler at each branch – no plastic bottles. Beeley adds, “We have LED lights in our buildings to be more energy efficient. We are also investigating the possibility of adding an electric charging station to the parking lot of our Albany location. Currently, there are no electric charging stations within 60 miles of our service area.” Understanding that the long-term success of a community bank requires a thorough knowledge of the marketplaces it serves is integral for establishing realistic marketing objectives that are also pragmatic and cost effective. Beeley elaborates, “As a community bank located in mostly rural markets, we intuitively understand the markets we serve. In other words, we genuinely know our customers, they are our friends and neighbors!” One of the many ways that Georgia Community Bank supports their local citizens is by giving special time off to employees that want to better their community with charitable involvement. “We strive to be seen in the markets we serve,” says Beeley. “We serve all the customers of our community from those needing a small loan during Christmas, to large farm operating lines, to locally owned and operated businesses, and everyone in between. Because we are a community bank without layers of “corporate red tape”, we are able to make decisions quickly and service our customers in a timely fashion.” Looking ahead, GBC will continue exploring ways to reduce overhead expenses and reduce staff expenses through utilizing technology – expanding the use of cash recyclers and interactive bank kiosks. Beeley adds, “We will FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY MJCPA.COM GEORGI A COMMUNI TY BANK Correspondent Banking FNBB is a trusted partner focused on serving the needs of community financial institutions throughout the Southeast. Our business is providing the products and services they need to stay competitive in their markets and make a positive impact on their bottom line. • Audit Services • Capital Markets Services • Compliance Services • Correspondent Operations Services • De Novo Services • Insurance Services • International Services • Lending Services • Loan Review Learn more & experience: SERVICE BEYOND COMPARISON 800.318.6272 bankers-bank.com We provide community financial institutions: