KeyWorth Bank is a two and one-quarter year old community bank headquartered in Johns Creek, Georgia. The bank recently opened its third full-service financial center at 6515 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth, Georgia. "We are pleased to be able to offer our customer focused style of banking to the businesses and individuals of Gwinnett County. Our new location is in the heart of business activity, directly across from the Gwinnett Arena and Chamber of Commerce," said Jim Pope, KeyWorth Bank President and CEO.
KeyWorth Bank began operations in the fall of 2007 with an initial location in Alpharetta. The bank opened its headquarters location on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek in mid-2008. Both locations are in North Fulton County. The opening of the new office on Sugarloaf Parkway adds Gwinnett County to its service area. "Our objective is to serve the banking needs of small to mid size businesses and individual banking customers across the northern arch of Metro Atlanta," stated Pope.
KeyWorth has grown to over $200 million in total assets despite the challenges presented by the weak economy. The bank was initially capitalized with $36 million and possesses healthy capital ratios. KeyWorth has experienced strong deposit growth. Much of this growth is attributed to an attractive money market account offering customers a high yield combined with easy access to funds. Neil Stevens, the bank's Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, stated, "KeyWorth is also active in lending to qualified candidates." Many banks across the area are finding it hard to lend due to being saddled with significant amounts of non-performing loans – many related to the residential construction and development business.
One area where KeyWorth Bank places a great deal of focus is medical banking. The bank offers deposit and investment services along with loans and merchant account services to dental and physician practices. KeyWorth extends credit for medical practice acquisition and expansion, construction of new facilities, commercial mortgages and equipment purchases.
"The bank exhibits several key strengths," commented Stevens. "All decisions are made locally; we are safe, secure and well capitalized. The bank has experienced bankers and money to lend." "Superior customer service is not just talked about but demonstrated everyday in our associate actions. All customers receive a call on their birthday. Top notch customer service is essential to gaining and retaining clients in this competitive banking environment," stated President Pope.
KeyWorth offers its business and individual clients on-line banking, including bill pay service. All KeyWorth Bank deposit account holders received no ATM fees for use at any bank Automated Teller Machines. Business customers can take advantage of new technology at KeyWorth Bank by using its Remote Deposit Capture product, allowing a business to make bank deposits right from their office. Wanda Weegar, KeyWorth Bank's Sugarloaf Financial Center Manager, said, "this service enables KeyWorth Bank to greatly extend the geographic area we serve."
KeyWorth Bank's executives acknowledge 2010 will be a challenging year for most businesses but believe the bank is well positioned for continued growth. According to a survey conducted by Digital Insight, Calabasas, California – "consumers and business owners are starting to see a little light at the end of the tunnel, but are counting on their banks to help them through." *KeyWorth stands ready to offer its services.
*NOTE: As published in the December 2009 issue of Community Banker Magazine.
KeyWorth Bank Executive Officers and Directors:
- James F. Pope, President & CEO, Director
- Paul J. Kirtley, EVP, Chief Financial Officer
- Neil Stevens, EVP, Chief Lending Officer
- Butch Floyd, Chairman, Mail Sort, Inc.
- Ray Bachman, BIS Benefits, Inc.
- Rob Binion, Lavista Associates, Inc.
- Peyton Day, Day Holdings, LLC.
- Glenn Davenport, Private Investor
- Pat Henry, Private Real Estate Investor
- Charles Machemehl, III, Orthodontist
- Russell Reece, Jackson Reece & Scott, P.C.
- Richard Thompson, Sage Partners, LLC.
- Bill Stark, Bill Stark Properties, Inc.
