The Community Bank Podcast

In this episode, Lacey Keller, Marketing Coordinator at First National Bank of Waterloo, shares how her bank built an AI innovation committee, trained employees across departments, and adopted AI tools to improve efficiency and decision-making. She discusses creating custom AI agents that handle everything from content creation and budget dashboards to employee engagement portals and marketing workflows. Click Here to Learn More About The A-List The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

Today we feature another backstage interview from our Deposit Conference. We sit down with Chief Deposit Officer Katie Klug from Bridgewater Bank to talk about her role and the bank's focus on growing deposits. Click Here to Learn More About The A-List The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

In this episode, Chris Nichols sits down with Greg Solomon, Senior Vice President and Director of Information Technology at Bank Independent, to discuss how a $3 billion community bank is moving from AI awareness to AI execution. Greg shares Bank Independent's approach to building AI agents, automating workflows, improving employee productivity, and creating governance structures that allow innovation to happen safely. He also offers practical advice for banks beginning their AI journey and explains why the next wave of AI may fundamentally change how financial institutions operate and serve customers. Click Here to Book a Call and Learn About the ARC Program.     The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

In this episode, we sit down with renowned banking consultant, Jack Hubbard. With more than five decades of banking and consulting experience and over 81,000 bankers trained, Jack shares why the most successful banks move beyond traditional sales cultures and embrace a true performance culture.   Click Here to Book a Call and Learn About the ARC Program.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

Today we feature a backstage interview from our recent Deposit Conference. We sit down with Brian Love from The Travaillian Group to discuss deposits, talent, and the rise of the Chief Deposit Officer.  Click Here to Book a Call and Learn About the ARC Program The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

Today we feature another backstage conversation from our 2026 Elevate Banking Forum. We sit down with Billy Boughey, keynote speaker and Founder of Elevate Experiences.... and the first ever guest on the Community Bank Podcast! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

Today we share a special backstage interview from our 2026 Elevate Banking Forum with Dr. Elliot Eisenberg. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

Today on the show, Caleb unpacks the top 10 mistakes banks make in their marketing and how to avoid them. Click Here to Book a Marketing Strategy Call with Our Team Donald Miller's StoryBrand Framework: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFDJYdMd1wU&t=242s Previous Podcasts on AI and Marketing:  AI Basics for Bankers: https://southstatecorrespondent.com/podcast/ai-basics-for-bankers-with-ben-udell/ Using AI to Personalize Your Bank's Marketing with Karan Bhalla: https://southstatecorrespondent.com/podcast/using-ai-to-personalize-your-banks-marketing-with-karan-bhalla/ The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

In this episode, Bailey Erickson sits down with Scott Latham, CEO of the Alabama Bankers Association. They discuss the issues facing community banks, both nationally, and in the state of Alabama. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

In this episode, Caleb Stevens sits down with Dee Ann Turner, former Chick-fil-A executive, bestselling author, and leadership expert, to discuss the principles behind enduring leadership, remarkable culture, and talent selection.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC