The Georgia Bankers Association had another successful, productive year of serving its members, said GBA Chairman Stan Kryder during his state of the association address this week at the GBA Annual Meeting. That's primarily due to the strong support from its membership and an improved vibe all around. "There is simply a lot more positive energy in our business these days. One of the neat things about being Chairman of the Georgia Bankers Association this year was that I got to spend a lot of time with you. … As bankers, we are more confident. There's a renewed sense of pride I have in my work and industry, and I sense that's become common among you, as well." GBA highlights for the year were:

• Community of Bankers: Continued membership support from 234 member banks, 203 Associate Members, and 84 Bank Counsel Section members, with more than 200 volunteer leaders serving on committees and boards.

• Advocacy: GBA monitored 70 pieces of banking-related legislation during the 2014 Georgia General Assembly session, with two priority bills signed by the Governor.

• Education: Thousands of bankers were served during the year through GBA meetings, conferences, seminars, schools, Peer Groups, Roundtables and online offerings. GBA's CEO, CFO, Leadership and Senior Lending Officer roundtables are at capacity. Leadership GBA is strong.

• Services: The Association continues to offer the finest services and products that help banks and bankers' families.

Kryder closed by paying tribute to the hard work of all bankers as community servants. "We, the people of GBA, put everything we have into serving our customers, our communities and each other as professionals. We're passionate about it. We're good at it. And through my experiences with you during my year of service as your GBA Chairman, I'm more convinced than ever that the people of Georgia are extremely well served by the people who are Georgia's bankers," he said.