Two banks merge into one

Bank manager Amy Whitfield cut a ribbon at the celebration today of the merger of Community First Bank and Dogwood State Bank.  The ceremony in front of Community First on the Blue Ridge Boulevard, Walhalla was led by Dari McBride of the Oconee Chamber of Commerce.  The merger has the good wishes of the chamber executive director.  Among those on hand were officers of the North Carolina-based Dogwood State Bank and Gary Thrift and Bill Brown, members of the Community First board of directors.  Dogwood’s CEO Steve Jones told 101.7/WGOG NEWS said it’s good news that Community First employees at 12 locations in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee are staying.  Jones’ colleague, Steven Patch, says the best thing is that for the new bank to do continue to offer the kinds of that have served well in the past.  Look for new signs at the bank locations in October.