Ground was broken this past Thursday, February 1, 2024, for the new Reidsville Bank building, a part of the GB Bank Group, which also includes Glennville Bank, Ludowici Bank, Tippins Bank, and Statesboro Bank. A large crowd gathered for the ceremony, and they were warmly welcomed by Will Sheffield, President/CEO of GB Bank Group and Glennville Bank.
In 2010, when the current Reidsville Bank office was opened, GB Bank Group purchased the out-parcel in front of Food Lion for future expansion.
"The citizens of Reidsville, Collins, Cobbtown, and Manassas have been very good to our organization for many years. As a result of this support, we are now able to expand and improve our presence in the Tattnall County/Reidsville market 14 years after opening our current office in Reidsville. We sincerely appreciate you, and we look forward to serving you from our new facility, which is projected to be completed within the next 12 months," said Sheffield.
The new bank building was designed by Frank DeArchagelo of DPR Architecture in Statesboro. The building will contain 3,200 plus square feet with a similar exterior design to the offices in Glennville, Ludowici, and Statesboro. Wayne Sharp of WES Construction of Reidsville will be providing the construction. During the construction process, Reidsville Bank will continue to fully operate out of the current shopping center location.
Sheffield introduced the Board of Directors, who approved this project on behalf of the Bank and its shareholders as follows: Chairman Nick Tatum; Ronnie Barnhill; Eddie Bradley; Bill Durrence, Jr.; Wendy Durrence; Mike Mulligan; Craig Nobles; Charlton Rogers; Drew Thomas; Donna Tootle; and Ricky Wilson.
He also acknowledged the GB Bank's Advisory Board of Directors: Carroll Anderson, Ed Bradley, Andy Durrence, Kenneth Durrence, Luke Durrence, Rob Durrence, John Lee, Becky Livingston, Steve Rogers, and Gary Smith.
Sheffield recognized two recently deceased Directors, Jimmy McCurdy and Terry Waters.
"Jimmy McCurdy was the Chairman of our Building and Grounds Committee for many years, and he was directly involved in all of our construction projects during the last 20 years. Unfortunately, he died in July of 2022, and this will be our first project without his guidance. His valuable expertise and guidance are missed," said Sheffield.
"Terry Waters, another valued Board member, died this past November 2023. He was a 1959 graduate of Reidsville High School and was very involved in the opening of the current Reidsville office in 2010, relating to Reidsville as his market. He would be delighted to know that we have officially started this project, and Terry and his business acumen are missed, also," added Sheffield, with a moment of silence in memory of both of these.
Sheffield introduced several former employees who were instrumental in the supervision of the official opening of the Reidsville Bank location, Louise Dasher and Robbiette Kicklighter. John Cheney later came on board and managed the new office.
"We are grateful to these three for starting this process of reaching out into the community and stabilizing our presence," he said.
"In 2020, Christy McCall was hired as Reidsville Bank manager, and she has continued to grow and flourish our local footprint. She is joined here today by her staff: Danielle Brown, Celeste Cervantes, Jasmine Gonzales, Andrea Heckel, and Lisa Powell," said Sheffield.
Christy McCall commented that she looked forward to the new facility that will assist in better serving their customers in the north Tattnall area.
Others who were introduced and thanked for their expertise and support were Market Leaders: Marky Waters (Tippins/Claxton), John Lane (Statesboro), and Garrett Smith (Ludowici); SVP Mark Thompson; VP Connie Rogers; Controller Kelly Durrence; AVP Angela Durrence; Zach Horn, IT Admin; and Andrew Lynn, Assistant IT Admin, who both assisted with the preparation of this event.
In closing, Reidsville Mayor Vickie Nail welcomed the new facility to Reidsville and extended her gratitude for the services Reidsville Bank provides for the Reidsville citizens.
A benediction was given by Pastor Marc Foster of Tattnall Community Church.
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