Guardian Bank was established to serve the citizens and businesses of Valdosta and Lowndes County.  

“That was the mission when we opened in 1997, and it is still the mission today,” said Parrish Clark, Guardian Bank Chief Executive Officer. “There is not one specific person designated in helping small businesses, but rather every Guardian Bank team member is equipped to assist in any way possible. Our Board of Directors represents a cross-section of industry and is comprised of businessmen who own or have owned and operated their own businesses. They understand the banking needs of small business, and we strive to provide the products, professionalism, and service they need each day. Additionally, being a good corporate citizen and serving in the community is at the heart of community banking.”

In partnership with the UGA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Valdosta State University, Guardian Bank will sponsor a Grow Manage Fund seminar on June 24, from 9 a.m. to 4p.m., in the University Center located at 1205 North Patterson Street, Valdosta, Ga.  The seminar is evidence of Guardian Bank’s continued commitment to help local businesses succeed. 

The three part series will examine the dangers businesses might experience with unplanned rapid growth, how to understand the financial aspects of managing growth, and proactive steps to secure outside funding to further achieve successful growth. The Grow Manage Fund course will give business owners the tools needed to grow successfully. 

“The seminar is designed for small businesses that have begun to experience growth.” said Lynn Bennett, Area Director for UGA Small Business Development Center at Valdosta State University. "Often times, business owners sacrifice profitability and cash flow, while focusing on growing sales, which can lead to business failure."   

Guardian Bank and the UGA's SBDC at Valdosta State University have partnered on numerous activities and programs that assist in the development and growth of small businesses. Last year, Guardian Bank hosted seminars focused on social media marketing, customer service training and understanding financial statements.  

“Through their generous sponsorships, Guardian Bank has been instrumental in helping the SBDC equip small business owners with the knowledge needed to grow and expand their businesses; in turn, showcasing Valdosta and the surrounding service area as a better community in which to live,” said Bennett.  “The SBDC and Guardian Bank have a solid-based partnership because we share the same mission to help business owners grow and expand their businesses.” 

In recognition of its extensive commitment to small business development, Parrish Clark, Guardian Bank CEO, received the 2007 U. S. Small Business Administration Financial Services Champion Award. In 2013, Dr. Ronald M. Zaccari, Community and Regional Relations for Guardian Bank, was co-recipient of the U. S. Small Business Administration Financial Services Champion Award. This year, Guardian Bank received the Valued Partnership Award from the Georgia SBDC. 

The majority of loans in Guardian Bank’s portfolio are made to businesses in Lowndes County, including more than $174 million in loans to support business construction, renovations, and capital equipment purchases. 

Guardian Bank and its employees are dedicated to improving the quality of life throughout Lowndes County. Many of Guardian Bank’s employees serve on local non-profit boards, including the Haven, Greater Valdosta United Way, Children’s Advocacy Center, Georgia Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch, and Turner Center for the Arts. 

For additional information regarding the Grow Manage Fund seminar, please contact Valdosta State University’s SBDC at 229-245-3738 or email Cindy Corgan at [email protected].  Registration fee is $149 per person (includes lunch and course materials).

For more information about Guardian Bank, please visit GuardianBankOnline.com or  call the Main Office at (229) 241-9444, or visit one of the branch offices located in Valdosta at 701 Wildwood Plantation Drive, 246 Norman Drive, and 1914 North Ashley Street.