Bank of Dade Celebrates 70 Years of Strength, Stability, and Serving Local Families
Bank of Dade proudly celebrates its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of trusted service, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals throughout Dade County and the surrounding region.
Founded on February 22, 1955, when local leaders gathered at the Trenton courthouse to establish a hometown bank, Bank of Dade was created with a simple but powerful mission: to serve the financial needs of the community it calls home. That vision became reality when the bank opened its doors on January 12, 1956, restoring local banking to Dade County and setting the stage for generations of service.
Over the past 70 years, Bank of Dade has played a meaningful role in the lives of countless families and individuals, helping customers purchase homes, finance businesses and farms, save for the future, and navigate life’s many financial milestones. From first-time homebuyers to multi-generation families, the bank has been a trusted partner offering guidance, lending solutions, and personalized service rooted in genuine relationships and local understanding.
A defining strength of Bank of Dade has been its extraordinary leadership continuity. In seven decades, the bank has been guided by only five presidents:
- George H. Harrison (1956–1958)
- Edward F. Wilkie (1958–1983)
- William R. Broyles (1983–2005)
- J. Michael Tate (2005–2018)
- Shannon D. Henry (2019–Present)
This rare consistency along with a long-tenured, locally invested board of directors has provided stability, sound decision-making, and a steady vision through changing economic cycles. That stability has allowed Bank of Dade to consistently meet customer needs while maintaining a strong financial foundation.
Today, Bank of Dade combines the capabilities of a modern financial institution with the personal service of a true community bank. Customers enjoy many of the same products, technology, and services offered by larger banks while benefiting from local decision-making, familiar faces, and a hometown touch. Soon, Bank of Dade will proudly stand as the only locally owned bank in Dade County, further strengthening its role as a trusted financial cornerstone of the community.
That commitment to responsible growth and customer-focused banking has earned Bank of Dade recognition over the years, with the bank consistently ranking high in multiple statistical categories at the state, regional, and national levels a reflection of strong financial performance and prudent management.
Bank of Dade also maintains active involvement in the broader banking industry to better serve its customers and community. The bank is a proud member of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia, the Georgia Bankers Association, American Bankers Association, and the Independent Community Bankers of America. Through these affiliations, Bank of Dade stays connected to industry best practices, advocacy efforts, and ongoing education bringing added value back to its local customers.
Community involvement remains central to the Bank of Dade mission. The bank actively supports local schools and is engaged with civic and economic development organizations, including the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) and the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority (NWGJDA). Through these efforts, Bank of Dade continues to invest not only in financial success, but in the long-term vitality of the community it serves.
“Seventy years is an incredible milestone,” said bank leadership. “It represents generations of trust, relationships, and shared success. We are proud of the role Bank of Dade has played in helping families buy homes, build businesses, and achieve financial security and we look forward to continuing that tradition for years to come.”
As Bank of Dade celebrates its 70th anniversary, it does so with pride in its history, gratitude for its customers, and excitement for the future committed to delivering big-bank capabilities with small-town service and helping local families thrive for generations to come.
Summited release