COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Bank recognizes award recipients

From left are: Jeff Austin III, Margie Allen and Larry Reed.

During the February board meeting, Vice Chairman Jeff Austin III announced the 2006 Community Involvement Award recipients.

In keeping with the bank's commitment to their employees and the community, Austin Bank recognized Vickie Lotito of Jacksonville and Margie Allen of Emory for service to their local community through participation with civic and nonprofit organizations.

"We are proud to honor these two women for their service to these organizations within their community," said Austin Bank President/CEO John P. Williams. "Vickie and Margie work tirelessly as volunteers in organizations they whole-heartedly support. They exemplify the Austin Bank values that make us what we are and set examples for all of us."

Austin Bank annually recognizes employees and officers for their service to civic and non-profit organizations by giving Community Involvement Awards.

The Community Involvement recipients each receive $500 with an additional $500 donated to the organization they serve.

"Through the volunteer work of our employees and Austin Bank's donations, we can contribute to the community's wellbeing and development," said Austin, vice chairman of the board. "We are dedicated to giving back to the communities that we serve."

From left are: Jeff Austin III, Vickie Lotito and Cynthia Kline. Bank recognizes

Margie Allen, retail office manager of the Austin Bank Emory office, was recognized for her work at Lake Fork Baptist Church in Emory.

As an active member of the church, Allen volunteers as a church pianist and sings for regular church functions as well as funerals and weddings.

She also organizes the Church's Christmas Cantata every year and assists with Sunday school activities. In addition to her dedication to Lake Fork Baptist, Allen enthusiastically promotes the Emory High School football activities and other local athletic groups.

Allen has been with Austin Bank since October 2003.

Vickie Lotito, a loan assistant in Jacksonville, was recognized for her participation in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

Vickie is a leader and organizer for the Austin Bank Jacksonville team that participates in the Cherokee County Relay for Life. She also participates in other Relay for Life events in neighboring cities and promotes cancer awareness programs.

A resident of Jacksonville, Lotito has worked with Austin Bank since November 1999.

She provides loan assistance to customers and loan officers at the Jacksonville downtown bank location.