Our Team
Experienced bankers with a passion for the community.
Our History
We are at the heart of the community – Community Service, Investing in our towns.
From Tradition to Innovation…
What began as a dream of some local families to bring banking to their town, continues to this day.
The City of Barwick was incorporated in 1903 following establishment of a Railroad Station. Shortly thereafter the Bank of Barwick opened in 1907 and was owned 50% by local individuals and 50% by the Witham Banking Company of Atlanta. Witham provided advise, check clearing, cash orders and examinations and audits. One of the early bank directors was the wife of a local doctor, she was one of the only female bank directors in the state at that time.
In 1939 the bank became Citizens Banking Company and served the local merchants and farmers. It was operated as an Exchange Bank and charged for deposits and withdrawals. It was owned by C.R. Simmons, Sr., Mrs. W.R. Thrasher and Strozier S. Humphreys. All were local merchants. In 1946 C. R. Simmons, Jr. purchased the interest of Mrs. Thrasher and Mr. Humphreys and he and his father continued to operate the bank until 1967.
In 1967 the bank was purchased 50% by five local businessmen and 50% by a banking family from Moultrie, GA, who had interest in other area community banks. The name was changed to Barwick Banking Company. In the 70’s the bank became 100% locally owned. Fred Jones was appointed President in 1979 and continues to serve on the board of directors today.
During Mr. Jones’s tenure as President he helped usher in a new technological era for the bank, including a computer system and in-house processing.
In December 2019 a group of businessmen from St. Augustine, Florida purchased a majority interest in the bank, while continuing to have local ownership.
This year the bank plans on upgrading it’s operating systems, introducing debit cards, digital banking, and mortgage services, all while keeping people and decisions local.
“For Locals, By Locals means a lot to us as a bank”, says CEO Jim Bange. “We are committed to Barwick and to bringing the latest technology to our customers. We want to be known as a small bank with all the services you can receive at a big bank. Our employees are key to that and will continue to help you every day, right here in Barwick and beyond.”
Our Board
Leaders in the community.
Ken Kresge, Chairman – St. Augustine, FL
Jim Bange, CEO – Flagler Beach, FL
Mac McLeod – St. Augustine, FL
Chad Bowling, President – St. Augustine, FL
Marie Brasington, Cashier – Pavo, GA
Edwin Pope – Barwick, GA
Eugene Butler – Barwick, GA
Bill Gray – Atlanta, GA
Breck Sloan – St. Augustine, FL
Ben Jones – Barwick, GA
Fred Jones – Barwick, GA
Testimonials
A reputation for consistently rising above the occasion.
I have worked with Corey Gibbs for around six years now, and when the pandemic hit, it affected a lot of small businesses. I called Corey, and he and Barwick Banking Company came through with a PPP loan and helped me keep my employees working. In a time when big banks are busy taking care of big businesses, it’s good to know bankers like Corey, and banks like Barwick Banking Company are around to help when you need it most.
The management team at Barwick Banking Company have been impactful partners for me and my businesses for more than 10 years. Their accessibility, flexibility, and command of business objectives have had a positive influence on the businesses and we look forward to a continued successful partnership for years to come. I wouldn’t consider banking with anyone other than the team at Barwick Banking Company.
I have been banking with Marie and Barwick Banking Company for many years. It’s so nice to walk into a bank where everybody knows your name and they can take care of your banking. That’s a big difference between the bigger banks and Barwick Banking Company - The people and personal service.