PPP loans Archives - Business RadioX ®

Melodie Carlson, Sunrise Banks

February 21, 2022 by John Ray

Minneapolis St. Paul Business Radio

Melodie Carlson, Sunrise Banks

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Melodie Carlson, Sunrise Banks (Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio, Episode 33)

Melodie Carlson, Chief Operating Officer for Sunrise Banks, reflected with host John Ray on the company’s human resources philosophies and practices, and how they have aided in the growth and development of the company. Melodie talked about flexibility in dealing with employees, how Sunrise managed the shift to remote work during the pandemic, employee communication, trusting employees and avoiding micro-management, her advice for work-from-home teams, and much more. Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio is produced virtually by the Minneapolis St. Paul studio of Business RadioX®.

Sunrise Banks

Sunrise Banks is a community bank headquartered in St. Paul, Minn. The bank offers traditional banking services while also partnering with fintechs to expand its reach nationally and across the globe. Sunrise is a certified B Corporation, a Community Development Financial Institution and a member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook

Melodie Carlson, COO, Sunrise Banks

Melodie Carlson is Sunrise Banks’ Chief Operating Officer. Melodie’s role has evolved during her tenure at Sunrise and she has led many teams during her time with the bank. She currently leads the deposit operations, executive admin, facilities, fintech client relationships, fintech operations, human resources, internal audit, and retail banking departments.

Prior to joining Sunrise in 2015, Melodie spent 14 years at Target Corporation taking on additional responsibilities and leading teams in the internal audit, accounts payable, and payroll departments.

She started her career in public accounting at what is now called CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), where she audited financial institutions and employee benefit plans.

Questions and Topics Discussed in this Episode

How to communicate with employees while working from home.
3 Steps to a Happy and Productive WFH Team
The benefit of one-on-one meetings with staff.
How to keep employees productive without micromanaging.
PPP loans and the mission of Sunrise Banks

Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio is hosted by John Ray and produced virtually from the Minneapolis St. Paul studio of Business RadioX® . You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

What You Need to Know About the Paycheck Protection Program and Employee Retention Credits, with Justin Elanjian, Aprio, LLP

March 16, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

What You Need to Know About the Paycheck Protection Program and Employee Retention Credits, with Justin Elanjian, Aprio, LLP

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What You Need to Know About the Paycheck Protection Program and Employee Retention Credits, with Justin Elanjian, Aprio, LLP (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 339)

Aprio Partner Justin Elanjian joined John Ray to discuss the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Employee Retention Credit (ERC), why many businesses don’t know they’re eligible for ERC, and how business owners can maximize the benefits of these complicated programs. “North Fulton Business Radio” is produced virtually from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Aprio, LLP

Aprio is a premier full-service, CPA-led business advisory firm that advises clients and associates on how to achieve what’s next.

Aprio’s associates work as integrated teams across advisory, assurance, tax, outsourced accounting solutions and private client services, bringing the best thinking and personal commitment to each client. Across practices, Aprio brings together proven expertise, deep understanding, and strategic foresight for industries including Manufacturing and Distribution; Non-Profit and Education; Professional Services; Real Estate and Construction; Retail, Franchise and Hospitality; and Technology and Blockchain.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Aprio has grown to over 700+ team members. To serve clients wherever life or business may take them, Aprio’s teams speak more than 30 languages and work with clients in over 50 countries.

Company Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Justin Elanjian, CPA, Partner-in-Charge, PPP & ERC Services, Aprio, LLP

Justin Elanjian, CPA, is the Partner-in-Charge of Aprio’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) & Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Services. As a national PPP expert, prominent speaker and strategic business advisor, Justin helps both lenders and borrowers navigate the complexities of the PPP.

He helps his clients realize benefits from other stimulus package programs, such as the ERC, and is committed to strengthening his clients’ balance sheets and helping them achieve what’s next.

Justin also leads a team of more than 50 professionals who share his passion for helping businesses maximize their liquidity by leveraging the benefits of these COVID legislative programs.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

About Aprio and Justin Elanjian
How Aprio pivoted during COVID to offer relief-based services such as the Paycheck Protection Program and Employee Retention Credit
How to plan for 2021 Paycheck Protection Program & Employee Retention Credit benefits
How to leverage the Employee Retention Credit pre-and post- PPP Loan Forgiveness
How to know when your business needs the help of an advisor

North Fulton Business Radio” is hosted by John Ray and produced virtually from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

PPP Second Round with Alan Najjar, Jon Daly, and Joseph Shuford

January 27, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

PPP Second Round with Alan Najjar, Jon Daly, and Joseph Shuford

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PPP Second Round with Alan Najjar, Jon Daly, and Joseph Shuford (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 56)

Alan Najjar, Chair of GNFCC’s Economic Task Force for Cash Flow & Liquidity, hosts a roundtable of SBA loan experts, with Jon Daly, Renasant Bank, and Joseph Shuford, Synovus Financial, joining the show. They discussed questions on PPP second round, how guidance rules differ from first round PPP, forgiveness questions on PPP loans, and much more. “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Alan Najjar, Director of Business Development, Smith & Howard

Alan Najjar has overseen the business development efforts of Smith & Howard since 2011. He started his career in banking after graduating from the University of Georgia. A veteran of the Atlanta banking and business community, Alan has held executive level leadership positions at SunTrust Bank and other Georgia financial institutions. Prior to joining Smith & Howard, he was the EVP and Chief Operating Officer of an Atlanta-based financial services company.

Alan is the former Chair of the Board of Directors for The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and is a trustee emeritus for Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation and Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. He is active in numerous civic, social, and academic organizations. Alan and his wife, Donna, are long-time residents of Gwinnett County, and when away from the office, Alan most enjoys sunrises on the lake and time with his family.

Jon Daly, Director of SBA Lending and EVP, Renasant Bank

Jon Daly is Executive Vice President, Director of SBA Lending, for Renasant Bank. Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 200 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Joseph Shuford, Synovus Financial Corp.

Joseph Shuford is the Director of Government Guaranteed Lending for Synovus. Synovus Financial Corp. is a financial services company based in Columbus, Georgia, with approximately $51 billion in assets. Synovus provides commercial and retail banking, investment, and mortgage services through 300 branches in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee. Synovus Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Synovus, has been recognized as one of the country’s “Most Reputable Banks” by American Banker and the Reputation Institute. Synovus is on the web at synovus.com, and on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Topics Discussed in this Show Include:

PPP Second Round (Paycheck Protection Program)
Guidance rules in PPP Second Round vs. First Round
How application acceptance by banks differs from first round PPP
Forgiveness process for first round PPP loans
KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations and dealing with PPP fraud
Major criteria differences between Simplified, EZ, and Standard applications

About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”

**Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC**

“The GNFCC 400 Insider” is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) and is hosted by Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC. The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

The GNFCC promotes the interests of our members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events such as this North Fulton Mayors Appreciation Lunch, follow this link.

For the complete show archive of “The GNFCC 400 Insider,” go to GNFCC400Insider.com. “The GNFCC 400 Insider” is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Ken Davis, Renasant Bank

July 8, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Ken Davis, Renasant Bank

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Ken Davis, Renasant Bank (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 254)

During the PPP loan application crush, Renasant Bank took a community approach, accepting and approving loan applications from both current customers and non-customers alike. By serving their community in a crisis, Ken Davis and his team endeared themselves to scores of business owners. Ken joined the show to discuss this work and how it reflects Renasant’s long-held philosophy of service. The host of “North Fulton Business Radio” is John Ray, and the show is produced virtually by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Ken Davis, Renasant Bank, North Georgia Region Community & Business Banking President

Ken Davis has 30+ years of experience in the finance and banking industry. After graduation from college and serving six years in the U.S. Army, Ken returned to his hometown of Atlanta to begin his banking career. Prior to joining Renasant Bank, Ken served as an executive banker at other regional banks with responsibility to increase both commercial and consumer loan and deposit share in North Metro Atlanta. Davis earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wake Forest University and is a graduate of the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

Active in the community, Ken is a member of the Rotary Club of Roswell and serves as President of Roswell Economic Development & Tourism, Inc. In addition, he currently serves on the Board of Directors for the North Fulton Community Charities and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. He has served as past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of Leadership Gwinnett.

He has served on the boards of Georgia Ensemble Theatre, North Metro Miracle League, March of Dimes of North Fulton, the Ed Isakson Alpharetta YMCA and the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Ken and his wife, Miriam, have three grown daughters and two grandchildren.

Renasant Bank

Thirty years before Elvis Presley’s birth put Tupelo, Mississippi, on the map, a group of prominent businessmen from Lee County joined together to form The Peoples Bank & Trust Company, which would one day become Renasant Bank. Through perseverance, leadership, and commitment to their communities, Renasant Bank has withstood the Bankers’ Panic of 1907, the 1929 National Bank Holiday” along with many economic cycles. In 2010 and 2011, Renasant acquired Crescent Bank and Trust of Jasper and American Bank and Trust of Roswell through FDIC banking transactions. This gave Renasant 13 locations in the North Georgia and suburban Atlanta markets. In 2016, Renasant acquired KeyWorth Bank and in 2018 Renasant acquired Brand Bank.

Today, Renasant Bank has 30 branches in North Georgia and more than $3 Billion in assets. Renasant operates more than 200 locations in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida and has approximately $13.9 Billion in assets. Their vision is to be the financial services advisor and provider of choice in each community they serve.

Point of Contact for Ken Davis

Company website

Questions/Topics Discussed in this Show

Overview of Renasant Bank and its Georgia operations
Ken’s role as President of North Georgia
PPP loan program and Renasant’s community banking philosophy in that program
Across the company, Renasant funded 10,5000 PPP loan apps totaling $1.3 billion (as of June 22)
This amount represents roughly 10% of the assets of the entire company.
PPP loan forgiveness
The community banking approach taken by this large regional bank
Ken’s advice for business owners now

North Fulton Business Radio” is produced virtually from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 200 banking, lending, wealth management and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

“Managing People in a Crisis,” An Interview with Chris Mixon, Synovus Bank

July 2, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

"Managing People in a Crisis," An Interview with Chris Mixon, Synovus Bank

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“Managing People in a Crisis,” An Interview with Chris Mixon, Synovus Bank (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 251)

As a pandemic hit, Chris Mixon’s loan operations team suddenly was scattered and working remotely, followed quickly by literally thousands of PPP loans which had to be processed. The inspiring response of Chris and his team to these challenges is the subject of this edition of “North Fulton Business Radio” with host John Ray. “North Fulton Business Radio” is produced virtually by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Chris Mixon, Sr. Director of Loan Operations, Synovus Bank

Chris Mixon is a career banker who has worked in a variety of different roles. Most recently, Chris was the Market Executive for Synovus in Northeast Atlanta but in 2019 accepted a role as the Senior Director of Loan Operations for the company.

He has temporarily retired from coaching youth football, but has recently obtained his level 3 certification as a Girls US Lacrosse coach. Chris lives in Alpharetta with his family and is involved in GNFCC, North Point Community Church, and the Alpharetta Lacrosse Feeder Programs.

Synovus Financial Corp. is a financial services company based in Columbus, Georgia, with approximately $51 billion in assets. Synovus provides commercial and retail banking, investment, and mortgage services through 300 branches in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee. Synovus Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Synovus, has been recognized as one of the country’s “Most Reputable Banks” by American Banker and the Reputation Institute. Synovus is on the web at synovus.com, and on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Questions/Topics Discussed in this Show

What does a director of loan operations do in your bank?
And is that done in North Fulton?
PPP Loan Program: Timing, clients served, dollars loaned
So operationally, what did your team have to do to achieve this?
Who was doing the actual work in the program?
What are you most proud of about Synovus’ PPP campaign?
More on the results of Synovus’s PPP loan activity can be found here.

Steve Rawl and Craig Dowdy, United Community Bank

June 26, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Steve Rawl and Craig Dowdy, United Community Bank

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Steve Rawl and Craig Dowdy, United Community Bank (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 249)

What happens when you’ve just left your megabank employer and a pandemic hits? You get busy serving the market by helping business customers who can’t get timely help from their own bank with PPP loans and you build relationships. At least that’s what Steve Rawl, Craig Dowdy, and their commercial banking colleagues did when they started work at United Community Bank in March. Steve and Craig joined host John Ray to tell their story, and it’s a good one. “North Fulton Business Radio” is produced virtually by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Steve Rawl and Craig Dowdy, United Community Bank

Steve Rawl and Craig Dowdy are senior executives in the Commercial Banking Division of United Community Bank.

Since 1950, United Community Bank has been known for excellent service. They are a service-first organization; it is part of their foundation and is one of their guiding principles. It’s who they are.

Banking is a people business. Their growth has, and will, lie heavily with the strength of the people of their bank.

United is a bank, but they’re more than that. They use attentive service and the right mix of products to bring solutions that don’t just impact the bottom line—they strive to make a meaningful difference. No promises or pledges are necessary, it’s just what they do.

Culture is not just what you say, it’s what you do. It must be authentic and it has to start at the top. Together, they create their culture. As an organization, they believe in the power of coming together for good. Whether that is to help their customers, develop their team or support their community, they believe in coming together for a positive outcome.

Their business is not about money—they understand you can deposit that anywhere. And, it’s also not about service, as every bank can promise to do that better. To them, it’s about knowing what they stand for and living it.

They’re committed to being there, for good. For the good of their customer, for the good of the community, for the good of each other. They are honest. To them that means, they’re consistently genuine, trustworthy and authentic. Customers can count on them to take time to understand their needs and to have their best interest at heart. They never forget that it isn’t about them, it’s about their customers and our community.

To best understand them, it’s often helpful to compare them to what they are not. They are honest, but not harsh. They are clear, but not stiff. They are familiar, but they do not make assumptions. They are positive, but not unrealistic. And, they are proud, but not selfishly so.

In addition to personal consumer banking products, they offer lending for renewable energy, medical, dentistry, franchises, owner-occupied commercial real estate, manufacturing and more. Their goal is to add one new line of business a year. In 2018, they introduced United Community Bank’s Navitas Equipment Financing Division. This subsidiary allows their customers to purchase the essential machinery or tangible assets needed to run their business. Their Commercial Business Solutions lines of business are fully staffed with industry experts who work together with their local community bankers to meet the lending needs of their customers while also originating independently nationwide.

Over the past 30 years, the banking industry has seen an increase in consolidation – around 63% of banks have disappeared. The least happy customers are ones that are digital-only. The happiest customers are ones that use a combination of digital and in-branch services. They are actively investing in assessing and meeting the digital needs of their customers while also prioritizing security. In a world where banking can get complicated, they talk like humans do—they are personable and approachable. They want to make banking and finances easier to understand.

They have been recognized as one of America’s Best Performing Banks by Forbes magazine for seven consecutive years. In 2019, they were ranked one of the Best Banks in the World by Forbes, and #5 in the country. They have a strong presence in the growing perimeter communities of Atlanta and are well positioned in this rapidly growing market. They have added multiple new team members who will lead expansion efforts into the city.

Points of Contact:

Company website

LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-community-bank/

Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/unitedcommunitybank