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For Immediate Release

CORDELE, GEORGIA (December 13, 2019) – After 48 years of marking the lives of

bank customers and members of the Planters First Bank (“PFB”) Cordele Branch, Ben

Morris, Senior Vice President of Planters First Bank announced his retirement on

December 13, 2019.

With more than forty years of commercial real estate and retail banking experience,

Morris managed loan portfolios since the bank’s early days as Cordele Banking

Company. Morris has held various positions since beginning his career in 1971, including

Market President and Sr. VP of Ag Lending.

Commenting on the announcement, Eli Tinsley, EVP, said, “Mr. Morris has been an icon

in the banking industry. Imagine the lives he touched in our community for almost a halfcentury

and all at one place of business. What an accomplishment in today’s environment.

He has had a stellar career with countless contributions that have helped Planters First

Bank prosper. Planters First Bank is humbled and thankful for his service.”

“Ben is an exceptional leader who will leave behind a distinguished legacy of professional

achievement and personal integrity,” said Dan Speight, CEO, Planters First Bancorp.

“Over the years, Ben has touched the lives of employees and customers with his passion

for banking, his dedication to serving others, and his gift for mentorship. On behalf of the

employees, directors, and shareholders of the bank, we congratulate Ben for a job well

done and thank him for all his contributions to our company.”

Planters First Bank, President, and CEO, L. Steve Bridges, stated, “I first served with Ben

at Cordele Banking Company starting in 1976. It was a pleasure to work with Ben 40

years ago, and I continue to learn from and appreciate Ben’s leadership at Planters First

Bank. Ben will be greatly missed, but he will never be forgotten.”

Planters First Bank will host a reception in Morris’ honor on January 30, 2020, in the

main lobby of our Cordele Branch located at 1620 East 16th Avenue Cordele, GA, from

4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. As a result of Morris’s retirement, Planters First Bank has designated

Carol Arflin, to lead and assist Morris’ current customers. Morris & Arflin have worked

closely together over the last few months to ensure a seamless transition.

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Contact PFB Toll-Free at (800) 684-8118

Morris is a member and serves as Deacon, Assistant Treasurer, and Sunday School Teacher

at Ebenezer Baptist Church and serves on the Advisory Council of South Georgia Technical

College and the ELS Committee of the Crisp County Extension Service. Following his tenure

at Planters First Bank, Morris plans to enjoy his retirement with family, farming, his cows,

and just enjoying nature.

Reflecting on his retirement announcement, Ben Morris, SVP, said, “I have been blessed to

have a job that I have loved. I will cherish the memories of fellow employees and customers

alike. Helping people has been an honor over my banking career. Thanks to all my customers

for supporting me all these years.”

About Planters First Bank:

Founded in 1896, Planters First Bank, the 8th oldest financial institution in Georgia, is

headquartered in Cordele, Georgia, and operates eight full-service locations throughout

Middle Georgia. Follow us on Twitter @bankPFB and Facebook @PlantersFirstBank.