Bank of Dade Celebrates 70 Years

Since it first opened its doors on Jan. 12, 1956, Bank of Dade has seen the ways its customers do business change dramatically. Back then, there were no banking apps, no way to call a phone number and check your account balance and no way to send money to a loved one with just the click of a mouse.

While much has changed over the last 70 years, said Bank of Dade President and CEO Shannon Henry, the values of the longtime-Trenton institution have remained steadfast and are testament to the bank’s longevity.

“Celebrating 70 years is more than marking time,” Henry said. “It is honoring the trust, relationships and shared history we’ve built with the people of our community. We reflect with gratitude on the generations of customers, employees and community partners who have placed their trust in Bank of Dade.”

The bank’s genesis came on Feb. 22, 1955 when local leaders met at the Trenton courthouse to form a financial institution to serve the local community. From that meeting came the bank’s name and the bank’s mission: to support local business and the Dade County community as a whole. Just short of a year later and following official formal charter approval, the bank opened on the public square in the heart of downtown Trenton.

Since then, Bank of Dade has maintained active involvement in the broader banking industry. It is a member of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia, the Georgia Bankers Association, American Bankers Association and the Independent Community Bankers of America.

Community involvement remains central to Bank of Dade’s mission, said Vice President Seth Hout. 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).

“It reflects the trust our customers have placed in us and our dedication to delivering exceptional banking with a personal touch,” Hout said.

That trust has remained at the heart of all that Bank of Dade has done for the last seven decades, Henry said. As the bank looks to the future, he said, it’s that trust that will help it continue to serve its customers for decades to come.

“The relationships formed along the way are at the heart of who we are and the true foundation of our success,” Henry said. “We remain committed to serving with integrity, strength and dedication for generations to come.”