SPOTLIGHT
The word of the year for 2020 was “pivot” and Georgia’s community bankers certainly did just that showcasing flexibility, technology, and personal touch, all while safely serving their customers. “In my opinion, 2020 will also be remembered as the year of the community banker. During a national time of need, community bankers from across the country answered the call to help inject job saving capital into the small businesses they served,” said John McNair, President
“In my opinion, 2020 will also be remembered as the year of the community banker.” — John McNair & CEO, Community Bankers Association of Georgia.” Georgia’s community banks led the way making over 93,000 PPP loans which, in turn, saved the jobs of 1 million fellow Georgian’s. Small business owners, politicians and the media alike watched in awe as the nation’s community bankers literally worked night and day for weeks on end to save jobs, livelihoods, and the economy. I am proud to say that your CBA team answered the call as well and worked around the clock to help navigate the PPP process.”
in 2021 and beyond,” explained Greg Proffitt, President, Newton Federal Bank, Covington. “Maximizing the bank’s net interest margin (NIM) will be a focal point and will be challenging if the interest rate environment remains similar to what we have experienced in 2020. Lastly, I would say that we will continue to try to find ways to generate more non-interest income since our NIM will be squeezed.”
Greg Proffitt President
Independent Banker’s annual Community Bank CEO Outlook survey asked bank executives how they plan to move their institutions forward this year. The results of this year’s survey show a different set of challenges—and opportunities—for community bank leaders. What will be your community bank’s greatest business challenge in 2021?
CBA asked several of our bankers and partner firms what they plan to do differently in 2021 as a result of what they learned last year. Many CBA members shared that the bank was well positioned for the pandemic. “For 2021, we will continue to focus on deepening our relationships with our customers and our communities that we serve. Building loyalty with our customers can be challenging so defining and demonstrating our value proposition will be critical. We will also continue to look for ways to make it easier for people to do business with us. Technology will play a role there for sure. Having options to meet more of our customers banking needs without having to be face-to-face will be a must have J an u ar y/ Fe b r u ar y 2 0 2 1 | G e or g i a C om m un i ti es F i rs t | 7
