MERGER UPDATE:
Two Respected Banks, One Beloved Community, Countless Shared Values
As you may have heard, Peach State Bank is being acquired by our neighbor, United Community. Together, we’ll be able to offer customers new locations and an expanded array of services. The merger was finalized on August 1st, marking an exciting milestone in bringing our organizations together. Customers will begin seeing the new brand later this year, while account and systems conversion is planned for early 2027. Until then, customers can continue banking with us as they do today.
“Over the last four or five years, we’ve had several banks approach Peach State about a potential merger,” said Peach State Bank President Ron Quinn, “and this seems like the perfect time. We looked for a bank with a similar culture — one that would be good to our customers, our employees and our stockholders. United Community is the right partner.”
“This is a great cultural fit,” agreed Chairman and CEO of United Community Lynn Harton. “Peach State aligns with us on the customer experience, employee experience and community involvement."
“We see this as a terrific opportunity to grow — and help our community to grow through expanded services and lending limits.” - Lynn Harton
Big Enough & Small Enough
Harton uses the phrase “Big Enough and Small Enough” to describe the strategic rationale behind the merger. “We need to be big enough to serve the customers in our burgeoning community, and small enough that we still feel like a community bank — because that’s what we are,” he said. “We want our customers and employees to know our leadership team, and we want to know them.”
After the merger, the bank will hold approximately 27% of customer deposits in Hall County. Quinn, who will serve as Hall County Chairman of United Community — says he hopes to grow that number to 35% over the next few years. “We’ll also take advantage of some new technology and expanded product and service lines,” Quinn said. “And because United Community stock is publicly traded, our stockholders will own a very liquid stock with a great track record of growth.”
Peach State Bank customers won’t see many changes until the beginning of 2027. We promise to keep you updated, and encourage you to visit ucbi.com/peach-state to see the latest information about the merger.
We're Only Getting Better
The Quinn Corner
By: Ron Quinn | President & CEO
I’ve always been touched by the love and support out there for Peach State Bank. For over two decades, people say we’ve brought back community. We’re known as a place where everybody knows your name with customer service that’s high touch and responsive.
I have news for you. None of that is going away with our pending merger with United Community. I’m not going to use the time-worn cliché that we’ll “still be the same,” because I can honestly say that we’re going to be even better.
To the stockholders who believed in Peach State during our early formation, I offer my congratulations. Recognizing our bank’s success, United paid a premium for Peach State Bancshares at 1.94 times book value – greatly enhancing your original investment.
To our staff, I say, “Thank you. You’re like family to me, and I’ve never worked with a more talented team in banking. United is committed to supporting all employees throughout the transition to ensure our teams feel confident moving forward.
Like I’ve always said, people bank with people, not with banks. And that truism is well-apparent in this new era for Peach State.
Finally, I express my fondest appreciation for our customers and Hall County. I want you to know our decision to join the United Community family was made with everyone in mind. For in United, we have found a partner who shares our culture, our values and focus on community.
Pain-free transition
Meanwhile, we are working harder than ever to ensure a smooth transition without compromising customer convenience. One of the biggest questions I hear is about the fate of our popular MyPeach banking app.
No worries. While you’ll switch to a new online system, we’ll make sure all your bill pays and accounts are migrated over seamlessly.
For business owners, you’ll be pleased with our greater capacity for larger loans and more complex transactions.
We expect the conversion to wrap up by early spring of 2027, when you will begin to see our new signage roll out under the United brand.
Yes, it may be goodbye to the Peach State name. But it’s hello to a bigger and better community bank for Hall County and North Georgia.
Once the Peach State merger is completed, Ron Quinn will serve as Chairman of United Community — Hall County.
Helping Animals & People Live Better Together
In 1913, a Hall County school teacher started what is now the second largest organization of its kind in the state: The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia (HSNEGA). Over more than a century, HSNEGA’s mission has remained unchanged — to help animals and people live better together.
Last year, HSNEGA — a Peach State customer since 2009 — served 24,300 pets, sponsored 1,464 adoptions, placed 810 animals in foster care, helped 3,200 pets in pop-up clinics, and fed all of these dogs and cats 22,000 pounds of donated food.
“We’re now housing about 120 animals ready for adoption,” said HSNEGA Executive Director Sandy Holiday. “Our veterinary teams deliver the highest quality care, our 30+ employees provide the highest standard of living at our shelter, and our volunteers help socialize animals and represent us at community outreach events. We’re all proud to be contributing to best-in-class animal welfare.”
While the society is known for adoption and foster opportunities, it also runs a popular and affordable Healthy Pet Clinic providing low-cost vaccines, spay/neuter services, heartworm prevention and testing. The society also has partnerships with schools for field trips and pet visits. In addition, it runs a No More Litters program that takes in full litters for adoption and spays the dog or cat for free. Its Seniors to Seniors program matches senior cats with homebound seniors to address loneliness and depression.
“We’re always looking for volunteers to help with various projects, and of course we welcome donations,” said Holiday. “Any amount is helpful!”
To donate, volunteer or find out more, visit humanesocietyofnortheastgeorgia.org or contact Sandy Holiday at sholiday@hsnega.org or 770-532-6617.
Customer Focused
Commercial Lending
for 45 Years
Mike Underwood has been a banker since he was just out of college, and after 45 years in the industry, he still loves coming to work. As Peach State Bank’s Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending, Underwood works with customers to provide the loans they need to start, maintain and grow their businesses.
“We provide working capital lines, commercial real estate, vehicle and installment loans, construction and land development loans, and SBA loan assistance,” said Underwood. “Our loans range from start-up capital to tens of millions in commercial funding. Our area is growing, and our customers reflect the variety of businesses here — from assisted living communities to nail salons. We enjoy getting to know them all.” Over the years, he’s learned an essential truth: You have to take care of your customers. “That’s what we do at Peach State,” Underwood said.
“Our customers know we’re available when they need us, and we’ll do the best we can to help.”
When he’s not working, Underwood enjoys being outdoors in the beauty of North Georgia. He’s also involved in South Hall Rotary and Good News at Noon homeless shelter. He and his wife Karen have three adult children and seven grandchildren. Underwood is grateful. “We’re fortunate to call Gainesville home.”
Thinking of Switching Banks? We Make It Easy
Switching banks can be a hassle — but not when you’re switching to a bank that puts you first.
We’ve partnered with Pinwheel to make it easy for new customers to begin banking with us. Our Switch Kit makes it easier for you to move your paycheck and social security direct deposits as well as your bill payments.
For your paychecks, Pinwheel uses exclusive technology to automatically match your direct deposit with your payroll source. No matter your employer or payroll system, there’s a clear, simple path to complete your switch quickly, safely and reliably.
Ready to open an account and start your seamless switch today? Call us at 770-536-1100 or visit our branch locations in Gainesville or Braselton. We’d be happy to welcome you as a new customer, and we promise to make the switch easy for you.
Celebrating Three Decades of Tradition
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Gainesville on August 5th to celebrate the 30th Annual Jack McKibbon BLT Luncheon! We are deeply grateful for 30 years of incredible support, shared moments, and lasting relationships—events like this simply wouldn’t be possible without the heart and dedication of our entire community.