Oconee State Bank has a long history of providing first class service to its community. In this week’s edition of Beyond the Cupola we uncover some of the unique moments that made OSB into what it is today. 

1958- Frank Stancil and “Rabbit” Hardigree recognized the need for a bank in Oconee County and formed a Steering Committee.

1960- Oconee State Bank opened its doors, dedicating itself to provide first class banking solutions for the people of Oconee County.

The bank had three employees: Guy Borden, Rosella Hansford, and C.G. “Bo” Hardigree Jr. The original location had no restrooms, which meant employees and customers had to walk next door to the courthouse. The three took turns manning the counter to keep the bank open.

1962- OSB adopts the motto “The Bank of Friendly Service”

The bank’s biggest strength was its familiarity with its customers and its focus on serving the community. Guy Borden, a cashier at the bank, coined the term that went on to become the motto.

1970- OSB relocates to the new Main office. The building cost $125,000.

1973- OSB grew to 12 employees.

The bank only had 3 phone lines. When customers called asking for someone the employee would holler out into the lobby ” This call is for you ____.” This system lasted for 10 years.

1976- OSB opened its Home Mortgage Loan Department.

1977- OSB helped build a computer center in Gainesville to improve overnight book keeping services.

Before computers, everything was done by hand. At the end of the day all employees would pitch in to file the checks that had been processed that day. “That is when we caught up on all the real news in the community.”

1978 – Total Assets surpass $16.4 million.

The bank had a tradition of having a steak dinner for all of the employees every time the bank grew by a million dollars. This tradition was eventually abandoned due to the fact that the bank was growing by several million each year.

1983 – OSB build’s its Bogart branch at a cost of $600,000.

1984 – The Junior Board of Directors was established.

1986 – OSB installs its in-house computer system.

1987 – OSB installs our first ATM

1988 – Expansion by leasing two condo units on Durham Street for operational and educational offices.

1990 – 1995 – OSB hit a tremendous growth spurt in all areas of the bank, including shareholders, total assets, earnings, performance, employees and technology.

1995 – OSB grew to 61 employees.

This growth was fueled by a series of innovations. OSB introduced its first ATM 8 years earlier. Email was beginning to be used along with “word processing.”

2008 – Mobile banking was first introduced.

2013 – OSB established a social media presence by joining Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

2016 – President and CEO Amrey Harden retired, Jerry Wages was named interim President & CEO, and Neil Stevens took the role permanently later that same year.

2017 – OSB expanded by opening a loan production office in Gwinnett, as well as establishing both Small Business Administration (SBA) and Mortgage Divisions.

2018 – OSB opened a loan production office in Athens, and the Gwinnett location moved and expanded into a full service Retail Financial Center.

2020 – Oconee State Bank will celebrate 60 years of exceptional service.