News & Alerts

Benjamin Sheppard McLeod Jr. and David McCrory bring financial, engineering, and entrepreneurial leadership to the board. Middle Georgia— July 2026 — Planters First Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Benjamin Sheppard McLeod Jr. and David McCrory to its Board of Directors, reinforcing the bank's commitment to local leadership and exceptional service across Middle Georgia. Founded in 1896, Planters First Bank is a Georgia-based community bank with approximately $485...

Planters First Bank is proud to announce its participation in the Armed Forces Financial Network (AFFN®), expanding convenient access to banking services for military members, veterans, and their families worldwide. As a proud member of the Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA), Planters First Bank remains committed to supporting those who serve our country by providing reliable financial services wherever military life may lead. Planters First Bank customers, whether stationed...

As our nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary, we reflect on the values that have shaped our country for generations: resilience, hard work, community, and opportunity. These ideals continue to define not only America’s story but also the communities we proudly serve every day. At Planters First Bank, we understand that lasting institutions are built on trust. For 130 years, we have had the privilege of serving Middle Georgia families, businesses, and...

After more than 230 years in circulation, the penny is beginning its slow goodbye. In 2025, the U.S. Treasury announced plans to stop producing new pennies, citing the rising cost—nearly four cents—to produce and distribute each coin. As a result, the United States Mint will officially cease penny production in 2026. What does this mean for you? While no new pennies will be made, those already in circulation will remain legal tender and can still be used for purchases. Because...

Planters First Bank and ICBA Celebrate Community Banking Month in April In honor of Community Banking Month, Planters First Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) are highlighting the vital role community banks play in strengthening local economies, supporting small businesses, and helping families achieve long-term financial success. “Community banks cater to the financing needs of their customers as part of their business philosophy, creating meaningful and...

Planters First Bank is a proud participant in America Saves Week, an annual national campaign that encourages and empowers individuals, families, employers, and communities to check-in on their finances. The campaign focuses on several important topics that make up your financial landscape with a realistic economic approach, including saving for emergencies and unexpected expenses, leveraging automatic savings, retirement, and reducing debt; as well as more niche topics like talking to your...

Eli Tinsley, President/CEO, Planters First Bank, Cordele, was elected to the Board of Directors of Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA) representing the Southern Division. Nominations for the 2025-26 CBA Board of Directors were announced and approved at CBA’s Annual Convention held September 10 – 14, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, FL. His term began September 11, 2025. “The CBA Board of Directors consists of true community bankers. As leaders of their respective...

Planters First Bank is pleased to share that Brandi S. Daniels has relocated from our Perry Banking Center and has been appointed as the new Branch Manager for our Warner Robins Banking Center, while continuing her role as Business Development Officer, VP. A Warner Robins native, Brandi brings not only extensive banking experience but also a proven record of leadership, service, and community impact. She has served as Co-Chair of the Perry Youth Leadership program, contributed her...

Planters First Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Davis Potts. Previously serving as Branch Manager and TRID/Consumer Lender at the Warner Robins Banking Center, Davis will now bring his expertise to the Perry Banking Center as a Commercial Lender. A graduate of Georgia Southern University with a BBA in Accounting, Davis is continuing to invest in his professional growth as a second-year student at the University of Georgia’s Banking School, where he is on track to graduate in...

Text messaging has become one of the fastest, most convenient ways to communicate—and unfortunately, it has also become a favorite tool for scammers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2023, consumers suffered over $437 million in losses due to SMS/text scams, an increase from $330 million in 2022. The median loss per victim was around $1,100, indicating a steady rise each year. Scams involving banks and financial institutions continue to be among the most...

Planters First Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Britt as our new Risk Officer and Senior Vice President, based at our Perry Banking Center. Michelle brings over 28 years of extensive experience in banking and finance, with deep expertise in audit, compliance, confidentiality, and the management of complex responsibilities with precision and efficiency. Prior to joining Planters First Bank, Michelle served as Vice President of Compliance at SunMark Community Bank. In...

Planters First Bank Announces Promotion of Shane Bell and Kent Jordan to Market Presidents Middle Georgia—Planters First Bank is pleased to announce the promotions of Shane Bell to Market President for Crisp and Dooly Counties and Kent Jordan to Market President for Warner Robins. These leadership appointments underscore the bank’s commitment to strengthening its presence and continuing its tradition of exceptional service in the communities it serves. Shane Bell – Market...