Commercial Bank and Synovus will celebrate a century of service in southwest Georgia through a series of events in Thomasville this year.

Commercial Bank was founded in Metcalfe, Georgia, on July 22, 1916, with $25,000 in capital. The bank moved 10 miles north to Thomasville in 1924, when drought and the boll weevil decimated cotton production and the community’s agricultural economy. Commercial Bank was the only bank in Thomasville to survive 1933, the peak year of the Great Depression, earning a national reputation as a leading progressive financial institution. CB&T BancShares, now known as Synovus, acquired Commercial Bank in 1977. 

“Thomasville is a special place, and everyone at Commercial Bank is grateful for the opportunity to serve this community every day,” said Ty Turner, Commercial Bank president and CEO. “100 years is a significant milestone for any business, and we look forward to many more years of service as southwest Georgia’s bank of here.”

Anniversary celebration events include:

Historical documents display: Records, photographs, and other materials of historical value to Thomas County and the banking industry will be on display through July 22 in the lobby of the Commercial Bank headquarters at 101 South Crawford Street. Members of the public are invited to view the exhibit and to contribute relevant archival materials for consideration. 

Ribbon cutting: Commercial Bank executive management will have a ribbon cutting at the bank’s South Crawford Street headquarters July 22 at 9:30 — marking 100 years since Commercial Bank opened its doors for the first time.  

School art contest: In October, students from Thomasville City School, Thomas County School, and Brookwood School will have the opportunity to commemorate Commercial Bank’s centennial anniversary through a fine arts contest. 

Commemorative tree planting: A southern live oak, the famously long-lived and durable tree and the official state tree of Georgia, will be planted in the fall on the lawn of the bank’s South Crawford Street headquarters. 

Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival:  Commercial Bank will sponsor the annual Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival, held in November. Additional information on the festival is available at https://www.everfest.com/e/plantation-wildlife-arts-festival-thomasville-ga

Banners commemorating the 100th anniversary will be on display at all three Commercial Bank branches, along with a sign near Thomasville High School during the month of July.