ELLIJAY, Ga., June 25, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Appalachian Bancshares Inc. (Nasdaq:APAB) today announced that its subsidiary, Appalachian Community Bank, has launched service in Dahlonega, Ga., with the opening of a full-service banking center located at 24 Alicia Lane.
The new location offers customers a full array of community banking products and services, including checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, commercial and consumer loans, real estate financing, mortgage lending and other financial products, as well as a 24-hour ATM.
"Establishing a presence in Dahlonega gives us a foothold in another important, fast growing North Georgia community," said Tracy R. Newton, chief executive officer. "Dahlonega fits nicely into our footprint, adjacent to our existing markets in Ellijay, Dawsonville and Blairsville, and is one of the top vacation and second-home destinations in Georgia."
Appalachian Community Bank has appointed Bea Phillips as vice president and branch manager of the Dahlonega banking center. She is responsible for overseeing all banking functions and collective business development efforts in Dahlonega and the surrounding communities in Lumpkin County.
A native of Dahlonega, Phillips is a veteran community banker with more than 35 years of experience. Previously, she was the branch manager for Regions Bank in Dahlonega. Prior to that, Phillips served as compliance officer and a member of the senior management team at First Community Bank of Dawsonville. She also has held positions at Century South Banks, Bank of Dahlonega and the Home Federal Savings and Loan Association.
Phillips is actively involved in the Dahlonega community. She is on the Board of Directors for United Way of Dahlonega, and is a member of the local Rotary Club and Home Builders Association.
"Bea Phillips is a great addition to the Appalachian Community Bank team," said Greg Gordon, regional president for Dawson and Lumpkin counties. "She has the experience and local market knowledge to lead our effort to deliver the best in community banking service while becoming a strong supporter of the Dahlonega community."
About Appalachian Bancshares Inc.
Appalachian Bancshares Inc., based in Ellijay, Ga., is the $827 million-asset bank holding company of Appalachian Community Bank, a state-chartered bank organized under the laws of the State of Georgia, and Appalachian Community Bank, F.S.B., a federally chartered thrift. Through its subsidiaries, Appalachian Bancshares provides a full range of community banking services to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, real estate developers, contractors and farmers. Appalachian Community Bank, which also operates under the trade name of Gilmer County Bank, has full-service banking offices throughout North Georgia in Ellijay, East Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Chatsworth and Dawsonville. Appalachian Community Bank, F.S.B. has full-service banking offices in McCaysville, Ga., Ducktown, Tenn., and Murphy, N.C. The common stock of Appalachian Bancshares is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market, under the symbol APAB. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.apab.com.