Georgia First Bank Breaks Ground in Toombs County
Georgia First Bank officially began their latest expansion on Tuesday, March 5, as the bank broke ground for its new location in Vidalia.
“This is a really big thing – it’s a really good day for us,” Georgia First Bank President and CEO Maury Beasley emphasized to the groundbreaking attendees. “We are so excited to be here and to be in Vidalia. Thank you for your kindness that you’ve given to each one of us.”
The bank, which was formerly based in Soperton, has been in business for over 120 years, and gained its new name when its initial two branches – the Bank of Soperton and Million Pines Community Bank – rebranded into a single identity. After the rebranding, the bank opened a loan production office in Vidalia in 2015, and has since sought to continue their growth continued from page
into the community. 'The Vidalia community has long supported Georgia First Bank and the time has come that we have a full-service bank in this community that meets the needs of our customer base,” Beasley remarked. 'Our investment in Vidalia reflects our deep commitment to serving and growing within the community. This new building will not only provide a space for innovative banking services but also serve as a resource for community development and financial education.'
This new facility will be a fully functioning bank located at 112 Charles Andrew Drive, and is planned to be around 4,524 square feet. The bank will feature advanced automated teller machines, a convenient drive thru, and a spacious lobby and office area for one-on-one customer interaction. “From its architecture to its ambiance, the building is intentionally crafted to radiate warmth and welcome, so that our customers feel invited to visit and at ease the moment they step through our doors,” he added.
This new location is near the sites of the future Warmouth Sands Golf Course and U.S. Highway 1 bypass, which Vidalia Mayor Doug Roper said makes the area perfect for new developments. “This is a great, great location – a lot of change is going to be going on. We wish you nothing but the best,” he told the bank officials. “I feel like you guys are at the forefront of a lot of development in this direction.”
Toombs County Commissioner Wendell Dixon also spoke to the bank officials on behalf of Toombs County. “I’m proud to see this project coming. I’ve always enjoyed everyone at the bank, and I’m excited to see them take this new journey,” he commented.
Beasley shared his gratitude to the men for their cooperation and support throughout the building and development process. “They have been amazing, and we are so appreciative of them,” he said. “We are excited to work with you guys – you are the epitome of working together.”
He continued addressing the crowd, “I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for making this possible. Also, thanks to the Garbutt [Construction] team – I’m excited to see what you guys do.” Beasley continued thanking people, including his staff and advisory council. “You guys are awesome – you’re incredibly supportive,” he added.
Now that the ground has officially been broken, construction will begin on the new facility, which is expected to be completed later this year.
A GOAL ACHIEVED – Georgia First Bank President & CEO Maury Beasley told the Groundbreaking attendees that the expansion of the business into this new location achieves a goal which the bank has sought since first coming into Vidalia in 2015.Photo by Makaylee Randolph
