Independent Banker - November 2023 - 70

CONNECTIONS TRAILBLAZER
" We want people to understand the
difference that their deposit dollars and
lending relationship have on us, and
how we're putting those assets back
into the community. "
-DONNA S. LOTT, MOULTRIE BANK & TRUST
plus separate spaces where lending
and account specialists can meet
with customers. It will also have
drive-thru lanes, a night depository
box and safety deposit boxes.
The community bank has been
profitable since January, placing
it firmly ahead of its pro forma
projections. It also has benefited
its community, which was sorely
missing a " down home " institution.
For example, Lott says any positive
deposit growth translates into
more agricultural, commercial
and personal loans for the
to 90 days to complete, delaying
buyers' and sellers' ability to get
in on the " hot " national real estate
market. " People were trying to
buy land and houses, and deals
were falling by the wayside, " Lott
explains. " If a customer couldn't
get a fast answer on a loan,
somebody else would snatch up
the land or property. "
Hitting its competitive stride
When Moultrie Bank & Trust
opened its doors in May 2022, the
prime interest rate was hovering
at about 3.25%. At press time, it
was 8.5%. The jump has affected
all types of lending, and it's forced
the community bank's competitors
to vehemently defend their
market shares.
" Our competitors have given a
lot of low rates and locked people
into some two- to three-year deals
to kind of head us off, " says Lott.
As is the case with community
banks generally, Moultrie
Bank and Trust can call on its
relationship-based business model
to attract and retain customers.
Its team has been able to serve
customers-both new and existing-
whose notes and loans have either
matured or started ballooning. It
also has a loan committee that can
issue decisions within 24 hours of
reviewing the customer's financials.
" Within a few days, we can
put together a package and give
customers an answer one way or the
other, " says Lott. " That's something
the customers have been really
appreciative of, and it's also helped
us form more deposit relationships
with them. "
Spreading the word
Today, Moultrie Bank & Trust
has 13 employees who work from
a 2,500-square-foot temporary
location in a strip mall. The bank's
permanent home-which will be
completed by the end of 2023-will
include the traditional teller setup
70 // ICBA Independent Banker // November 2023
surrounding region.
" The deposits aren't used to fund
loans in metro Atlanta, another
state or several states away.
We're looking after the priorities
here, growing our economy here
and taking care of our own, "
Lott explains. The community bank
is also adhering to all financial
regulations and making wise
financial decisions, such as good
credit underwriting.
Bedding in
This year, Lott says the bank is
also focusing on building brand
awareness and helping everyone
understand what Moultrie Bank
& Trust focuses on and how it's
committed to the communities that
it serves.
" We want people to understand
the difference that their deposit
dollars and lending relationship
have on us and how we're
putting those assets back into
the community, " says Lott. " That
includes supporting civic or
community events, creating local
employment opportunities or just
impressing upon them the fact
that their deposits are used to fund
loans right here. " 
Bridget McCrea is a writer in Florida.
Independent Banker - November 2023

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