Second Quarter 2015 eNewsletter

 
 
Trusted Advisors   
By John Coffin, EVP, Corporate & Private Banking
 
John Coffin 
EVP, Corporate & Private Banking
Your company is thriving, but you have a critical issue - who do you turn to? Do you have someone that you trust for advice? With business challenges and decisions becoming increasingly complex, it is important to have one or more trusted advisors who will share a different perspective with you.

If you don't already have a group of advisors, where do you find one? There are plenty of resources out there, from establishments that organize peer groups, to other business owners and entrepreneurs who will connect you with advisors they know. Remember, business is not limited to the office, so keep your mind and eyes open to those around you, as you may even find an advisor in your neighborhood.

When you are searching for a trusted advisor, it is important to keep in mind that you are looking for someone who will help you and your business grow. A valuable advisor will:
  • Have a vested interest in your well-being. Your trusted advisor wants to help you grow your business. This person works with you to help you, not to advance their own agenda. Look for someone who will go above and beyond for you because they believe in your vision and in what you are trying to achieve.
     
  • Provide advice that is tailored to your needs. They understand that business is never "one-size-fits-all". Every company faces its own challenges, and each may need a different solution for a similar challenge. A quality trusted advisor will think about your unique situation and provide feedback and advice based on the direction your company is going. You may not always like the advice that you receive, but your advisor exists to guide you to growth, not to tell you what you want to hear.
     
  • Admit that they do not have all of the answers. A wise advisor knows when they have reached the limits of their knowledge and experience. They know when to stop and say, "I don't have an answer for you, but I know someone who might." Your advisor should know their scope of expertise, and will not guess at the best course of action to take.

Having a strong team of advisors can be invaluable to the growth of your business. Find a person or a group of people that you trust and can easily work with. Once you find your advisor, be receptive to their advice and suggestions. The problems you face today may be the problems they overcame yesterday.  

Client Photo:
Sheltering Arms


Pictured:
Blythe Robinson (right), President & CEO, Sheltering Arms; Ashley Carson (left), SVP of Corporate Banking, Atlantic Capital Bank.

Founded in 1888 in Atlanta, Sheltering Arms is one of Georgia's largest early childhood education nonprofit organizations and one of its most respected. This nonprofit organization works with children and families of the community. Sheltering Arms implements the Creative Curriculum to deliver its students with developmentally-appropriate, customized learning programs to set a strong learning foundation and address learning and reading disabilities from the start. Sheltering Arms is proud to work with many community partners and to be a part of the Educare network - a national network of the high quality early learning centers.

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Early Education and Family Centers at
shelteringarmsforkids .com.

Listen to
Founders Club Radio


Check out Founders Club Radio, sponsored by Atlantic Capital Bank and hosted by ACB's own John Coffin. Founders Club airs live every Wednesday at 10am, and features interviews with CEOs, Presidents, and Founders of companies in the Southeast. Learn more at atlanticcapitalbank .com
/founders-club-radio.

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Economic Review and Outlook - June 2015
By Doug Williams, President & CEO
 

Doug Williams
Doug Williams
President & CEO
With news of GDP contraction in the first quarter, economists, investors, and business owners are becoming skeptical about the course of the economy and timing of a prospective increase in short-term interest rates. First-quarter GDP, initially reported to have grown 0.2%, was revised on May 29th to have contracted 0.7% with severe winter weather and a west coast port strike to blame. Other analysts cite flaws in seasonal adjustments to government economic data. In any case, the first quarter economy was disappointing.

Most observers and prognosticators of economic performance still expect substantial progress over the balance of the year. The pace of job creation is steadily improving, wages and salaries are growing again, housing market indicators are strengthening, and inventory levels and durable goods orders are likely to build. However, economic weakness abroad and soft export orders will limit GDP expansion for the year to between 2-2.5%.

While markets have discounted prospects of an increase in short-term interest rates this year, public statements by Federal Reserve officials indicate the Federal Open Market Committee expects to begin the process of normalizing monetary policy with an initial increase in the federal funds rate later this year. Such an increase is anticipated to be modest, subsequent increases will be gradual, and rates are expected to remain below historic norms for the foreseeable future.

Stronger economic performance in the US compared to other countries, soft demand for oil from OPEC, and capital flows to US Treasuries should keep the dollar strong and long-term rates low. On balance, conditions remain favorable for borrowing and investing for future business growth.
 


Atlantic Capital Bank

3280 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1600
Atlanta, GA 30305

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