Over the past five or six years, we've been accustomed to reading about banks closing.
While many of those that shut their doors had invested heavily in the real estate market, the leaders of Georgia Commerce Bank took a more conservative approach. Their decision proved to be a sound one; the locally-owned financial institution not only survived but thrived in a tough economic climate.
Today Peachtree Corners is the benefactor. Georgia Commerce Bank, a community bank with branches across the metro area, just recently opened its seventh location taking over the old Wachavia bank building on the corner of Peachtree Parkway and Scientific Drive.
And at the helm of the new branch is Dan Baker, Senior Vice President and Market Executive.
"Georgia Commerce contacted me to ask if I'd be interested in helping them move into Peachtree Corners," Baker said.
A natural fit, Baker, well known in Peachtree Corners banking and business circles, has spent 42 years in the banking business, the last 27 in Peachtree Corners with 1st Security National Bank.
The old Wachovia building, which had sat empty for the past six years or so, has been renovated from top to bottom. It was a lengthy process due to the building moratorium the city imposed last year but the wait has been worth it said Baker.
The new branch, the first in Gwinnett County, opened its doors on Dec. 28, 2012. Georgia Commerce had been operating in temporary headquarters nearby while the renovations were completed.
"We want to become Peachtree Corners' community bank," said Baker who explained the community bank has a wide selection of services to offer for both individual and business needs.
The difference in a community bank, explained Baker, is its commitment to the town in which it serves and in building relationships which is at the heart of its business.
Georgia Commerce Bank offers a host of services such as Internet banking, online bill paying, drive-thru service, ATM/Debit cards and safe deposit boxes.
And it also offers its business customers something called Remote Deposit Service which allows those with commercial accounts the ability to scan checks and deposit slips from their own places of business eliminating a daily trip to the bank.
By the end of the first quarter Baker expects to have the service available for individual accounts as well.
Georgia Commercial Bank also offers mortgage loans, consumer and commercial loans. Visit the Peachtree Corners branch or log on to the bank's website (gacommercebank.com) for a comprehensive list of services.
In business for the past nine years, Georgia Commerce is headed by Chairman and CEO Mark Tipton and Rodney Hall, the financial institution's director, president and chief lending officer. Both live in the Atlanta metro area with their families.
Georgia Commerce Bank is the "best capitalized in the state" and on sound financial footing noted Baker.
The bank's website states that in its third quarter financial report for 2012, the financial institution reported total assets of $644.2 million, total loans of $445.6 million and total deposits of $566.3 million representing growth rates of 5.0%, 7.4% and 7.2% respectively, compared to third quarter 2011.
The Peachtree Corners branch is located at 200 Scientific Drive, telephone 678-589-4201, branch hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, website, www.GaCommerceBank.com
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When was the last time a banker came to your place of business to visit you? Dan does! Stop in and say hello to them, you'll quickly see what I mean.