Century Bank of Georgia listed among Top 20 community banks

Media release: ICBA Independent Banker®, the award-winning magazine of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and the nation's number-one source for community banking news, published its annual list of outstanding community bank performers in its June issue. This year's "ICBA 400" cover story highlights the 20 top community bank performers in two standard banking industry efficiency measures, five bank asset categories and two bank tax-status categories.

Century Bank of Georgia, headquartered in Cartersville with branches in Calhoun and Rockmart, was listed 13^{th in Return on Equity category and 14th in the Return on Assets category, for banks with assets in the $100-250 million in total assets, the asset size with the largest number of community banks. Century is one of only four banks in the state of Georgia in the entire top 400 listing.}

"This recognition is a testament to the diligent efforts of our entire Century Bank team, not just in 2011 but over the past four years, navigating through difficult and trying economic conditions. Our board of directors, staff and management together with the tremendous support of our community, all share in the credit for this achievement", CEO Rick Drews stated. "A strong and stable locally owned bank is vital to the continued success and financial health of our hometown."

This year's ICBA 400 shows that the performance of community banks continues to steadily improve since the Wall Street financial crisis. The magazine's year-end rankings of ICBA members are based on return on average assets and return on average equity as reported in final 2011 FDIC call report data.

"The community banks highlighted in this year's ICBA 400 exemplify the mission of community banking by reinvesting locally in their communities and making them a better place for their customers to live and work each and every day," said Chris Lorence, ICBA executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "We commend the community banks featured on the list for their ongoing dedication to the positive mission of our great industry."

To see the ICBA 400 Top Performers listing, read the article "Mapping the Future" on ICBA Independent Banker's website at www.independentbanker.org.