Tracy Mallary earns Realtor designation

            A local Realtor was recently awarded the Realtor Institute (GRI) designation by the Georgia and National Association of Realtors. 

            Tracy Mallary of Tom Clune Realty joins other top producers in the residential real estate industry who hold the GRI designation across the nation.

            Mallary, a member of the Statesboro Board of Realtors completed the 90-hour curriculum required to achieve the prestigious designation by attending an intensive series of instructions covering a variety of subjects including contract law, professional standards, sales and marketing, finance, and risk reduction.

            With this designation and through increased awareness of current topics important to the real estate professional, such as legal issue, Mallary can better serve prospective clients and customers.

            The Realtor Institute is designed to educate practitioners about local, state and national real estate practices that affect them,their clients and customers. The Georgia Institute is taught by leading real estate professionals from around the country.

            For more information about the GRI designation, contact the Georgia Association of Realtors at (770) 451-1831.

Boro’s Ethridge named to UGA council

            The University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network recently appointed Carolyn Ethridge of Statesboro to their statewide Advisory Council. Ms. Ethridge is vice president of Farmers & Merchants Bank in Statesboro. Her experience will be valuable to the business assistance organization in ensuring that services and operations are both productive and efficient. The Advisory Council met recently at the State Capitol where Governor Perdue presented the group with a Commendation recognizing the 30th Anniversary of the SBDC Program in Georgia.

            The Georgia SBDC Network is a public service unit of The University of Georgia and a business assistance provider for the U.S. Small Business Administration. Through a network of 18 offices strategically located throughout the state, a wide range of educational opportunities are provided for small business owners, potential entrepreneurs, and community leadership organizations. These educational opportunities are delivered through direct business consulting, business training classes, and applied research studies. Specialized services for minority businesses and those interested in international trade are also available.

            The Advisory Council is made up of individuals from around the state who represent small businesses or who have an interest in the problems faced by small businesses. The Advisory Council provides important feedback on programs and services provided to the business community of Georgia, as well as providing fresh perspectives and new ideas.

Jamey Durrence joins Claxton Bank as VP

            Jamey Durrence has joined The Claxton Bank as a vice president, commercial lender and chief business development officer, according to an announcement by executive vice president and CEO C. Wayne Collins.

     Durrence previously served as vice president and branch manager of First Citizens Bank in Hinesville. Prior to joining First Citizens in 2000, he served as a loan officer and branch manager of Farmers and Merchants Bank in Statesboro.

    "Jamey is a great addition to our staff," commented Collins. "He has a strong background in banking plus he has been very active in his church and civic activities over the years.

     "We were fortunate to find a lender with his experience who is so well-known in Evans and Tattnall counties. We are confident Jamey will be a tremendous asset in both lending and business development," concluded Collins.

     Durrence graduated from Pinewood Christian Academy and later earned a BBA degree in Finance and Banking from Georgia Southern University. He is a graduate of the Community Bankers Association’s Consumer Lending School as well as the Commercial Lending School. In addition, he has satisfied requirements for the CBA’s Region 9 Economic & Leadership Development program.

     Past President of the Rotary Club of Glennville, Durrence is a member of Harmony United Methodist Church. He and his wife, Amber, have two children, MiKaley and Banks. His family resides in Mendes.

     The Claxton Bank is a full service community bank with four offices in Evans County and a loan production office in Glennville. Founded in 1941, the bank has assets of approximately $112 million.