May, 2015
Private Bank of Buckhead and Decatur, PrivatePlus Mortgage  
First Class Service. First Name Basis
Good growth
Time for an HR pro
Karen E. Neely, SHRM-CP, has joined the bank as Senior Vice President and Human Resources Director. She is the bank's first full-time HR professional; since our inception in late 2006, we have grown from nine employees to more than 80.

Karen Neely
Neely
"Karen brings extensive HR experience in community banking and mortgage lending to the role, so she is truly hitting the ground running," says Terry Freeman, the bank's Chief Operating Officer and CFO, "and that's especially important during a period of unprecedented growth."

She previously worked as a human resources consultant, and as head of HR at Habersham Bancorp and a mortgage company. "I love being an HR professional, and especially enjoy watching bank and mortgage associates grow in their profession while meeting the needs of their clients," Karen says. "It's gratifying to see my fellow team members provide excellent client service and to in some small way be part of their winning formula. Paramount to that, I believe, is approaching every day with a positive attitude."

Away from the bank she volunteers with the Georgia Air and Army National Guard, having served the Family Readiness Group as Treasurer, is a field representative for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and is an area director and board member with the Indian Hills Civic Association and serves as a Stephen Minister at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church.

Karen is a self-professed college football fanatic ("Go Dawgs!"), a classic car enthusiast, and enjoys attending PGA golf tournaments, reading, hiking and traveling. She and her husband - who have five young adult children between them - reside in Marietta.

If you know of a great banker or mortgage pro, refer them to Karen: 404-264-7984 or via email. Welcome, Karen!
We're listening 
Your bank, your voice...        
We're listening Our clients know that, since the inception of the bank, we have not charged ATM fees and we refund the fees charged by the folks on the other end of the transaction at automatic tellers. We're not allowed to call this "free," but the upshot is that you don't pay to access your Private Bank of Buckhead and Private Bank of Decatur accounts at any ATM.

What you may not know is that idea came from potential clients when we were shaping the bank. So, we talk a lot about listening and it is indeed part of our culture; we've been practicing active listening since...well, since before there was a Private Bank of Buckhead, Private Bank of Decatur or PrivatePlus Mortgage.

We're continually innovating to serve you better and we're not just doing it with you in mind - we're doing it with your input.

Thanks for your support - and your ideas,
Charlie Crawford, President, CEO and ChairmanCharlie's Signature
Charlie Crawford
President, CEO & Chairman
Private Bank of Buckhead
404-264-7960
Email


PrivatePlus Mortgage  
You say it best

Brook (Benton), you helped my husband and I make the right decision and gave great advice. We now have a 15-year mortgage and pay additional every month. Thank you for all you do. 
Julie Kirkman


Brandy SmithBrandy (Smith), On behalf of my entire family, THANK YOU for all your help - from day one 'til closing day and I'm sure beyond. I have never experienced such exceptional customer service, you made me feel like...a VIP! You've always been reassuring during the entire process - you explained everything very well and most of all (you are) very responsive. I will definitely recommend you to family & friends and we will absolutely do business with you again and again.
Sam & Pierre Floro


Bistra Krumova I just wanted (to provide) my positive feedback about Bistra Krumova. It was a pleasure working with her; she worked very hard though the process regardless of day or time, and till the last moment tried (to achieve) the best deal for me. Will be glad work with her again and refer anyone I come across. Thanks.
Naresh Harisingh



Great job!


Private Bank of Decatur 
Invested in our community
On May 27 volunteers from Private Bank of Decatur and Private Bank of Buckhead gave several hours of time volunteering at the Woodlands Garden. We trimmed, weeded, dug, repotted, hauled, spread mulch...you name it.

Woodlands Garden The seven-acre Gardens close to the corner of Scott Blvd. and Clairemont Ave. was donated to the City of Decatur by Dr. Chester Morse so future generations could experience and enjoy their wooded estate. The Decatur Preservation Alliance originally took possession of this facility and opened it on the weekends. The gardens are now open daily from sunrise to sunset.

A master plan fosters the Garden and Master Gardeners regularly meet with students and teach them about native plans and gardening. The educational programs are expanding because nearby Fernbank is closing its woods to the public for renovations and, when they reopen, will have a scaled down school program.

Last year the Decatur Development Authority purchased the property that is adjacent to the gardens, and Private Bank of Decatur was proud to finance that acquisition. The Gardens are in the midst of a capital campaign to enable it to purchase the DDA property. The City of Decatur was instrumental in putting the DDA transition plan in place, as this urban gem is important to the City and its residents.
 
Our team-building day was another way we give back to the community we serve and it was fun. The endeavor was also part of our "50 for 50," in which bank associates are donating 50 hours of community service to honor Judy Turner's recent 50th anniversary of working in banking.

PrivatePlus Mortgage
Innovation and a 'wow' experience...
PrivatePlus Mortgage has added Shane Cavins as Chief Efficiency Officer and Mikki Harris-Douglas as a Loan Processor.

Cavins
Cavins
Shane brings 20 years of experience in banking and lending to the position, which is a new role for the organization. "Shane's unique blend of innovative insight and executive, technical, administrative and hands-on experience make him ideally suited to help us do what we do even better," says Dan Smith, President of PrivatePlus.

Shane has worked in a broad range of banking and lending roles, and previously served alongside some of the company's associates while at other organizations. "I enjoy the ever-changing nature of the mortgage industry," he says, "and it demands that we constantly monitor our performance in order to constantly improve, anticipating the needs of clients, the market, regulators and business partners so that we maintain our edge and advantage."

Adaptability comes naturally to Shane, whose father was a clergy member, meaning the family moved frequently. In fact, he had lived in four states and 12 houses by the time he was 13. He enjoys time with his three "amazingly perfect, brilliant, beautiful, talented, and gifted kids," and the family's Goldendoodle, Bella. Away from work he also stays busy and in shape through sport-bike riding, dual-sport riding, scuba diving and travel.

Harris-Douglas
Harris-Douglas
"Mikki is consistent in treating teammates and clients with respect and compassion, and that often results in a 'wow' experience for everyone involved in the lending process," says Lia Webster, Chief Operating Officer of PrivatePlus.
 
Away from work, Mikki enjoys reading, singing, outdoor concerts, the beach, quality time with family and friends, and volunteering in her church's nursery. She resides in Duluth with her teenage son and Brandy, a German shepherd mix rescued 14 years ago.

"My parents taught me to always consider what it may be like to walk in the other person's shoes and be grateful for the small things," Mikki says, "and that's still good advice."

Please help us welcome Shane and Mikki.

Business briefs

Vita Sims On the red carpet  

Earlier this month the bank's Vita Sims, along with her husband Lucious, represented the bank at the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation Gala in Chicago, the goal of which was to raise $1 million for the Foundation's mission: To provide outreach to fatherless children and young adults, by promoting educational enrichment, one-on-one mentoring and global service initiatives that will cultivate the next generation of responsible leaders. We're proud to call Steve Harvey a friend and client, and appreciate Vita representing us so well.

'We're bullish on mortgage lending'

The bank's Charlie Crawford recently talked with Independent Banker magazine about the rebound that continues in the Atlanta housing market. Among other things we heard from Charlie, "We are bullish on mortgage lending in Atlanta."

Blue Sky ConcertsMusic in May

 During May, Private Bank of Decatur has been co-sponsoring the Wednesday Blue Sky Concerts on the Square. Concertgoers had an opportunity to hear Kevin Dunbar, Tim O'Donovan, Beulah Boys and Joshua Fletcher. We had team members on hand each of those Wednesdays, like the good folks pictured, from left, Joann Ellis, Rob Beall and Anthony Flack.

  We love seeing our clients...

.Mobile Banking..at the bank or at their home or place of business, but it's great to know that technology means you can bank from anywhere: You know I have never been through the doors at PBB but it is by far the best banking relationship that I have ever had.
Ted Carpenter, AAI CIC
The Insurance Store

Our experts speak

Brook Benton, from our PrivatePlus Mortgage division, talks with a reporter about the reasons you may - or may not - want to consider a 15-year mortgage.

Resource for ID Theft Victims

Identity Theft protection The Federal Trade Commission has launched a new resource for identity theft victims intended to help them recover. The new website provides an interactive checklist that walks people through the recovery process and helps them understand which recovery steps should be taken upon learning of ID theft. It also provides sample letters and other helpful resources. The site offers specialized tips for specific forms of identity theft, including tax-related and medical identity theft. Identity theft has been the top consumer complaint reported to the FTC for 15 years; last year the Commission received more than 330,000 ID theft complaints.

Rotarians Fighting HIV AIDS Our leaders lead

The bank's Brent Adams, center, recently attended the annual board meeting of Rotarians for Fighting AIDS in Washington, DC. Brent serves on RFHA's international board. They are shown relaxing after a day at the board table.

A banking ambassador

Cardile
Cardile
Harry Cardile, a successful real estate investor and entrepreneur, has joined the Board of Advisors for Private Bank of Buckhead. Cardile is Owner & President of Halo Capital, Inc. and Luna Resources, LLC. "Private Bank of Buckhead is of, for and by the community, and our Advisory Board is an extension of that commitment," says Brent Adams, the bank's Executive Vice President and Senior Banking Officer. "Ambassadors like Harry extend and broaden our relationships, helping us to continue to heighten our dedication to first-class service on a first-name basis." Cardile has been associated with principals of the bank from previous institutions and is a longtime client of Private Bank of Buckhead.

Alisha Nasse Dangling for a cause...

May 2 the bank's Alisha Nasse  rappelled off an office tower in Buckhead to raise money in support of The Special Olympics of Georgia. She's part of Team Vertical with Steve Massell, a friend and client, who is pictured here with her, and they are still raising money. We're proud that Alisha - and so many of our associates - put the "community" in community banking!

A legacy of service

After 13 years of dedicated service and leadership at Buckhead Christian Ministry, Executive Director Helen Cunningham is retiring this summer. We want to salute Helen for her service and join BCM trustees in suggesting a donation in her honor to the organization's endowment. We're happy to count Buckhead Christian Ministry as a friend and client - one of many in the not-for-profit community.

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Bank NMLS #758195 | Member FDIC  |   Equal Housing Lender