Our mission is to simplify how our customers save, spend and borrow money. For over 60 years, CharterBank has done just that resulting in growing partnerships with our customers and communities.
Today, we are excited to announce a new partnership. On April 24, 2018, CharterBank agreed to be acquired by CenterState Bank from Winter Haven Florida. As a second generation founder of CharterBank, this decision did not come about lightly. Every day, we set out to deliver an “Entirely New Banking Experience” for our customers, communities, and friends. Our team of dedicated bankers comes to work every day thinking about how we do that for our customers. As we have been good to our community, so has our community been good to us.
As we evaluated our options for meeting the challenges ahead, it became evident that a partner was needed to help carry the torch. We found that partner in CenterState Bank, the largest community bank in Florida. With this acquisition, CenterState expands their brand of community banking into Georgia and Alabama. We are excited to announce that Lee Washam, currently President of CharterBank, will serve as Regional President for the Georgia and Alabama communities.
As leaders from CenterState and CharterBank have developed professional and personal relationships over the last several months, it has become clear that the two organizations share commitment to a similar set of core values. CenterState has a rich culture based on the following Core Values:
Local Market Driven
Our business is designed to value the unique character of the communities we serve and to encourage decision making by the banker that is closest to the action.
Long-Term Horizon
We approach business decisions with an emphasis on long-term growth, sustainable profits and the career development of our officers and staff. We will not sacrifice credit quality for short-term gain.
World Class Service
We will exceed our clients’ expectations by anticipating their needs and responding with a sense of urgency. Each of us has the freedom, authority, and responsibility to do the right thing for our clients.
Relationship Banking
Our bank is built on life-long friendships. We communicate with candor and transparency. We believe that the relationship is more valuable than the transaction.
Faith & Family
Commitment to our faith and families is fundamental to the overall culture of our institution.
So, what happens now? Simply, nothing changes in the short term. We are operating business as usual. We are still here. We are still your bankers. You will be notified well in advance of any changes to the way your accounts operate. In the meantime, you will continue to have access to all CharterBank branches, ATM’s, online, mobile, and telephone banking services.
For our shareholders, if you have any questions, please call our shareholder number at 1.706.645-3202.
I am extremely grateful for our great customers, communities, and friends. I look forward to seeing these two successful banks come together.
Sincerely yours,
Robert L. Johnson
CharterBank Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of Directors
