Community National Bank

Dayton, TN Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors for 2009

2009-05-27T15:20:00.004-05:00

That's me sitting in the middle. They're a great bunch to work with! I'm the president of the group again this year.

2009 Dayton, TN Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year

2009-05-27T15:15:00.003-05:00

This is me giving the Ambassador of the Year Award to Diane Emens in March. The black suit really slims me down compared to last year's picture.

"That Looks Like A Nice Little Bank"

2009-05-22T12:44:00.002-05:00

That's the reason somebody told me recently why they decided to bank at Community National Bank. Our little town in Tennessee is no doubt "overbanked", as I heard last night at my son's soccer game. Everyone has many choices about where they want to bank. If you live in a large metropolitan area, it's all about convenience (Which bank is on my way home? Which bank is closest to my work or home?).

But if you live in a smaller community your options are mostly smaller banks . . . and you still have a lot of options. So in rural areas it really comes down to do I like the people at my bank; have I known someone at my bank for a long time; do I have a friend or family member that works there. Community banks all have different feels and personalities. If someone was rude to you once, you may never enter that bank again. My point is people have reasons why they bank where they bank. Sometimes it's a long sordid ordeal how they ended up banking at a certain place.

Why do you bank where you bank? Everyone has a story to tell.

We Have Our Own Golf Tournament Now!

2009-04-22T09:00:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it! As part of combining with our sister bank, we now have our very own golf tournament called the Jane Abercrombie Memorial Golf Tournament. It's this Saturday, April 25th, at 9:00 am at the La Fayette Municipal Golf Course in La Fayette, GA, just a little ways down into Georgia.

Jane Abercrombie was a beloved employee who worked at our Rossville Branch who died at an early age from cancer. The golf tournament benefits the Catoosa and Walker County American Cancer Society and Four Points Ministry, which helps in domestic violence situations. So your participation goes to benefit some very worthy causes.

The cost is $400.00 for a team of four. We have a $10,000.00 Hole-In-One Prize! Contact Rodney Long at (706) 861-8888 if you can participate. We would love to see some of our Tennessee customers from a little bit further north come down to play.

So come on out to your bank's golf tournament (now that we have one!) and say, "Hi". I'll be there! Not golfing, of course, I'll save that story for another post, but make sure and look me up, and let me know you read about it here.

Banking Made Easier

2009-04-22T08:25:00.003-05:00

That is our new slogan! And while it's still All About You at Community National Bank, we wanted something new as we expanded into Georgia. We know "banking" and the economy can be complicated and burdensome, and everyone keeps getting busier and busier, so we have dedicated ourselves to making your life, as our customer, less complicated.

If your banking experience is not as easy as it possibly could be, please let me know. We do care and are concerned about you. We understand these times everyone is going through are difficult and we want dealing with your finances at Community National Bank to be one less thing to worry about.

So I hope when you think of Community National Bank, the word "easier" will come to mind.

More Is Better!

2009-04-15T09:36:00.002-05:00

CNB now has more locations to serve you. In March we combined with our sister bank down in Georgia, so now we have three branches in northeast GA. That also means three more ATM's for you on the south side of Chattanooga. Where are these new locations? Glad you asked: First is the Rossville Branch all the way down Rossville Blvd. to the end (it's on the left). Flintstone, GA has a branch. If you're in Flintstone, you can see the branch. And the Ringgold Branch is on Battlefield Blvd. accessible from I-75.

So if you're out and about in north Georgia, stop by and say "Hi" to our friendly employees. Seek us out. Look us up. Think of it like an Easter Egg Hunt.

Does your Bank have Remote Deposit?

2008-04-18T10:28:00.002-05:00

If you bank at Community National Bank the answer is "Yes".

What is Remote Deposit? I'm glad you asked. Remote Deposit allows a business to deposit checks into their banking account without ever leaving their office. Remote Deposit uses a small scanner hooked into your computer with internet access to change your customer's check into an image which is deposited into your account.

Obviously this technology doesn't work with cash, but it can make deposits into multiple accounts using the same scanner. The website and scanner are very easy to use. You receive an email shortly after each deposit confirming that it was received.

So if you're a business that receives lots of checks, but sometimes is too busy to make it to the bank every day, Remote Deposit may be the solution for you. Ask your friendly Customer Service Rep today at any of our convenient locations.

Shameless Self-Advertisement #2

2008-04-04T07:39:00.003-05:00

AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR Vaughn Berger, president of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors for 2008-09, received the award for Ambassador of the Year Thursday. Above, 2007-08 Ambassador President Marlene Fouts presents the plaque to Berger. Photo by John Carpenter.

Shameless Sef-Advertisement #1

2008-04-04T07:21:00.004-05:00

CHAMBER AMBASSADORS Dayton Chamber Ambassadors for 2008-09 (left to right): Front Row- Nadia Hicks, President Vaughn Berger and Marlene Fouts; Back Row- Anneke Wilkey, Diane Emens, Steve Brown and Administrative Assistant Cynthia Rodriguez. Not pictured: Billy Lovett, Christine Ralph, Dianne Tumlin, Stephanie Gates, Amy Masterson and Jan Motes. Photo by John Carpenter.

What Does "Recession" Mean?

2008-03-19T13:23:00.004-05:00

These days all you hear about on the radio or read about in the newspaper are the interest rates, the housing market, the Federal Reserve or the "recession."And its not only in the media, bring the subject up at any gathering and people will pile on that subject like there's no tomorrow.

So what is a "recession"? Basically its "less". Less than last year, less than the last five years. We're producing less, we're making less. Not everyone is earning less, but some people are. It starts with the builders and manufacturers, and works through the system until lots of people are making less. And even if you don't end up making less, all this talk about a recession may make you tighten up on your spending, which in turn just keeps feeding the recession.

The real question is are we in a recession? I would say, (The views expressed here are the views of the individual author and his views alone. Community National Bank does not express an opinion regarding the author's views. The views expressed may or may not coincide with Community National Bank's view of the economy. The following should not be viewed as economic advice to anyone reading this, or Ben Bernanke, or the Federal Reserve.)"Yes." Others may disagree, but based on my definition above, I think the media has talked us into a recession.

Some good things that come out of a recession are that people tighten up on their spending. During a recession people save money! During a recession people pay off debt! So its not the end of the world, and I realize there are plenty of builders and laborers without work right now, and that is unfortunate. But we live in a country where people have come to expect "more" every year and in every way. People want more, and more, and more. And that is just not how an economy works. There will be ups and there will be downs.

I hope this brief explanantion helps. Perhaps you can form your own opinion on whether we are in a recession or not. Hopefully you'll understand what everybody else is talking about at your next gathering.

Everyone Synchronize Your Pedometers!

2007-10-11T07:37:00.000-05:00

This week at CNB all of the employees are getting ready for our Weight and Walk program. You get so many points for pounds lost as well as steps walked. We've split up into teams with each branch being a team and the main office in Dayton has four teams in it. Of course, President Barnett has stacked his team as usual.

This is a great time to show your appreciation for your favorite CNB employees by bringing in cakes, cookies, doughnuts . . . circus peanuts, anything. Just as long as the people on my team don't eat it. And, yes, I'm watching you. You know who you are. I've got some thin people on my team, so this isn't going to be easy.

While I won't be posting individual's weights on this site (unless this contest gets really ugly), I will post the winners of the contest. The contest goes through December 7th, so bring in the most fattening treats you can think of starting Monday, October 15th. Personally, I'm saving my famous Moose Tracks Fruit Cake as a last minute trap for the opposition. Make sure and ask which team is winning when you come by.

Welcome Bryan College 2007 Freshmen!

2007-09-13T06:46:00.000-05:00

Oh, Fall School Semester . . . how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I wanted to give a shout out to all the new Bryan College freshmen customers! I got a chance to meet most of you at orientation a few weeks back. Congratulations on being the largest freshmen class in the history of the college. I think you made a great decision, and I'm not even an alumnus.

And now that you're "out on your own", its a great time to become your own person and build up your own CREDIT HISTORY. Yes, those words deserve to be bolded with all caps because they will become big words in your life. You might ask, "Why do I need a credit history?" Because you will probably want to make some larger purchases when you get out of college: Like a car with working A/C, or a refrigerator, or a bed, or most importantly, an HD TV. And if you don't want to have to drag along Mommy and Daddy to cosign for it, you need, say it with me . . . Credit History.

Now the whole idea behind Credit History is to start small and build up to something bigger. You might ask, "How do I start building Credit History?" I'm glad you asked! Some of the simplest ways to start building Credit History are 1) Open a checking account and start paying any bills you have out of it. 2) Start a savings account and put money into it. 3) Get a credit card which you can make small purchases with and pay back each month. Now, coincidentally, Community National Bank can help you out with all these methods of building your own personal Credit History.

So jump out there new freshman and start not only doing your own laundry, but also planning for your financial future! Because no matter what they say, Mommy and Daddy really do want to stop sending you money at some point in your life.

Check Reordering

2007-08-30T06:36:00.000-05:00

Hey out there all you faithful CNB readers! Without whom my life would get really boring. This week we have a letter from . . . well, actually he or she wanted to remain anonymous. We accept those kinds of letters. Its kind of like Sound Off in our local paper, but less vicious.

Anonymous wants to know why we have a link on our website to a check reordering service that doesn't work. Well Anony (Can I call you Anony?) the answer is, basically, that it does work IF you've ordered checks in the past 12 months. After 12 months the check ordering service, not CNB, doesn't remember you anymore. You can call Customer Service at (423) 775-2381 and they will help you reorder checks and get you back up and running on the online reordering service.

Now we here at Community National Bank remember you forever. Believe me! I've had occasion to go through some very old records here this week, and we will love you for all time.

So until next time, True Believers, keep bringing us more of your business. We'd love to help you!

I'm Still Here!

2007-03-26T12:37:00.000-05:00

Well as you can see from my post dates, its been a while. I've been really busy. We had the financial auditors and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency here at the same time during January. More recently, I just got back from a class in New Orleans talking about cash coming into the bank and cash going out of the bank. Just like your personal checkbook, I have to make sure we have enough customers making deposits to fund the customers who want loans. This is a little bit more of an involved task than your personal checkbook though.

I also am going through the Rhea County Leadership Program. (Great program if you ever get the chance!) And last Monday I got to sit next to Representative Jim Cobb (Hi Jim!) on the floor of the State House of Representatives during their session. I considered it a great privilege and greater learning opportunity. I also got my picture taken with the governor.

Finally I want to say "Thank you" to Mr. Johnson for his kind comments on the blog. During February I had the opportunity to substitute teach Accounting at Bryan College for a week. You never know where I might pop up in Tennessee.

VISA Gift Cards - Good Wherever VISA is Accepted!

2006-11-10T16:32:00.000-05:00

We just got a new product that is awesome! VISA GIFT CARDS!! Why didn't somebody think of this before. You have it loaded up just like any other gift card, except its good anywhere VISA is accepted. Which is pretty much everywhere!

These would be great for the holidays! We already have a line waiting for us to start selling these next Wednesday. Customers are telling us that they're doing ALL of their Christmas shopping here this year.

These would be great to send along with your child on a trip. We had a customer call this morning and ask if we had anything to send with his child on a band trip, besides cash or traveller's checks.

These would be great for budgeting purposes. (I know, I know . . . I'm an accountant) If you had something special that you wanted to buy or do, and you couldn't allow yourself to go over budget. Voila!

And the best part of these cards is the price: ONLY $3.00! Locally we've seen similar products selling from $4.95 to 10% of the amount on the card.

Save yourself the hassle of Christmas shopping this year and head to Community National Bank.

Bryan College ATM Installation Completed

2006-10-04T13:27:00.000-05:00

Previously I told you about attempting to get a new ATM installed at Bryan College. I was able to complete this task Thursday, Sept. 21st. We ended up installing a new outlet and phone line. The machine was delivered the day before without cash.

Teresa Fuller, a Customer Service Rep at our Spring City office, and I spent the day up at Bryan College the first day the machine was active. I had a sign made up and some shirts printed for the occasion, and Teresa and I signed up accounts. Teresa was better than a Girl Scout mother in front of Walmart. No students got by without Teresa asking for their business.

The ATM is in the most travelled hallway at Bryan College (on the way to the Dining Hall). We have the best location on campus. We also wanted to get Dr. Stephen Livesay, the college president, to do the first ATM transaction and we had the newspaper there to photograph the occasion. Dayton, TN is a small enough town that an ATM opening could make it into the paper. We just had one hitch, the money courier wouldn't tell us when they were going to be there for security reasons. While not knowing when cash was going to be there made it more difficult to line up everyone's schedules who needed to be in the picture, I understood the reasoning on the courier's part. In the end they arrived during the schedule window we had and everything went according to plan.

So if you're ever in need of cash while on campus at Bryan College, please look for the Community National Bank ATM. We would love to be able to serve you.

Spring City, TN Branch Relocation

2006-09-29T15:18:00.000-05:00

My big news for the week is that we are relocating our branch in Spring City! This is great news for several reasons. The Spring City branch is currently housed in the oldest of our buildings and it would need some renovation if we weren't moving. The Spring City branch used to be Community National Bank's main office so its been around for a while.

Secondly we are moving across the railroad tracks into a brand new shopping center that includes a hotel and restaurant. All of "downtown" Spring City is on the opposite side of the train tracks from the freeway, including our current branch. Sometimes, when trains come through, the road that connects the freeway to downtown gets backed up. Now we will be on the freeway side of the tracks and you won't have to wait for the train to get to our bank. Also this shopping center has the only hotel in Spring City.

So our oldest location will have the newest building. That's great news for CNB! Even though I don't work at that location, I look forward to seeing what that new building will do for our business in Spring City. Talk to you next week!

Busy, busy, busy . . .

2006-09-13T09:26:00.000-05:00

Friday, the 15th, will make 4 months that I have been here at Community National Bank, and my work load is really filling up! It's exciting, because I would rather be busy than bored. So while I was trying to think of what to write this week, my mind went a million different directions because I'm working on so many things now. Here is a potpourri of things I'm involved in:

The ATM at Bryan College is coming along well. It looks like next week will be the week. I have a couple of marketing ideas lined up for that roll-out to get us the kind of publicity we need for this machine and hopefully get us a few new accounts as well.

I'm also involved in doing a marketing blitz to try and get some accounts from some local merging banks. That's exciting because we have a really good idea.

My Admin Assistant is leaving to have a baby and stay at home, so I have new daily responsibilities. That means I have to do something very important for the bank every day between 2:00 and 3:00. Guess I need to start thinking about a backup if I ever want to take a day off.

And the most exciting thing I'm working on is still Top Secret, but it involves expanding our business. I'll share more on that as it becomes public.

So just a quick update this week on a mixture of things I'm working on . . .

Is this thing on? Is anybody out there? If you're reading this I would love to hear from you (even if its just to say "Hi"). A dialogue is more interesting than a monologue. Talk to you later!

What is a Risk Assessment?

2006-09-06T15:29:00.000-05:00

Risk Assessment is the new buzz word for bank examiners and it has been keeping me busy this week. Being a CPA and former auditor, I was familiar with the concept of a risk assessment, but not to the extent currently being called for in banking. Essentially, a risk assessment is a rating of the hazard or peril in a certain area or type of transaction within a business. Every regulation and area in the bank needs a 'risk rating'. This rating is usually hashed out in a meeting of knowledgeable people in the bank. The ratings are usually Low, Medium or High. Areas in a bank that need a risk assessed, for example, are loans and deposits. How much hazard or peril is inherent in a bank's Loan Department? Each bank will be different based on their size, location, and personnel. It looks like I will be busy for quite a while assessing the risk in all of the different areas of our bank.

Installing an ATM at Bryan College

2006-08-30T10:26:00.000-05:00

For the past several weeks I have been spearheading the ATM installation at Bryan College (The local college in Dayton). This has been more challenging than I originally thought. We had to consider security - - make sure nobody could walk off with the machine. We had to consider denominations for the machine - - if we distribute 10's when a non-customer could be charged $3.00 for that transaction. And now I'm working to get a separate phone line put in at the campus, since our new machine probably won't be able to dial a '9' first.

The people at Bryan College have been extremely helpful through this process. And from comments I've gotten from other banks, this may be smoother than usual. We actually may have it set up next week which would be less than a month from the initial conversation, which from what I can discern may be unheard of for ATM installations. I'll keep you posted.

Hi my name is Vaughn

2006-08-25T08:40:00.000-05:00

My name is Vaughn Berger and my family and I recently moved to Dayton, Tennessee and I started working at Community National Bank. While I have had many years of experience in several different industries, I had never had the opportunity to work for a bank before. My goal for this blog is to share my experiences as I learn about how to be a banker. I hope this helps anyone out there who is thinking about going into banking as a career.

At CNB, it's all about YOU...

2006-08-22T10:01:00.000-05:00