Page 42 - Demo

Giving back makes our entire community stronger.
At Colony Bank, we understand the importance
of an active community and that it starts with the Chamber. They are the voice for all businesses. As a Chamber member, we work with them to meet the needs of our community and help the economy grow. When that happens, we all win. — Eddie Smith
of an active community and that it starts with the Chamber. They are the voice for all businesses. As a Chamber member, we work with them to meet the needs of our community and
help the economy grow. When that happens, we all win.”
With more than 31 years of banking experience in South Georgia,
Smith recognizes the importance of businesses working together to promote the region.
“Sponsoring the business expo was an opportunity for Colony Bank
to give back,” Smith said. “The ultimate goal of the business expo
is to let the consumers know what small businesses are out there. We understand that small businesses are driving this economy.”
An independent, community-driven, and locally operated company, Colony Bank has been serving the nancial needs of families and businesses in Central and South Georgia for more than 100 years.
Smith explained that many of Colony Bank’s customers are small
businesses, and as a community bank they have a responsibility to help
its customers through sponsoring Chamber events.
“We deal a lot with small businesses, those that are family owned,” Smith said. “We are here to help them grow, through loans and other services, and to also help promote their business.”
Smith said the business expo allowed Colony Bank to promote their customers, as well as other businesses in the community.
“The expo is an opportunity for networking, and we hope that every business that participated picked up some business,” Smith said. “Colony Bank is here to help businesses, whether you need a loan or through a variety of nancial services. The more businesses thrive, the better
it is for all of us. The goal is to build more businesses and make the ones here expand.”
Colony Bank recently increased their Chamber participation to the Chairman Circle level, and Smith encourages businesses to become active members
of the Chamber and bene t from events like the business expo.
“I have always supported the Chamber and its work. I be
lieve you get out of the Chamber what you put in it,” Smith said.
“There are a lot of direct and indirect bene ts to being a member and participating. What we are trying to do is keep all businesses strong in this community.”
Business of the Month
After sponsoring the Chamber’s annual awards dinner last year, Terry Bennett, Valdosta market president with Renasant Bank, wanted to nd a way to continue recognizing small businesses in Lowndes County.
“We enjoyed sponsoring last year’s Chamber annual dinner but had
a con ict with the date this year,” Bennett said. “I wanted to do something where we could recognize small businesses throughout the year.”
Through collaboration with Renasant Bank, the Chamber launched the Small Business of the Month program.
42 SG MAGAZINE | SPRING 2017