"Teamwork…together we can achieve the
extraordinary! That simple but powerful phrase sums
up the GBT results for the year 2007. We are
excited for and proud of the total G-B-T – Great
Banking Team. The team, led by the directors,
officers, employees and supported by you, the
customers, did achieve extraordinary operating
results in 2007. In reviewing the year 2007, we are
most pleased to announce the record-breaking profit
achieved. The Bank achieved a net earnings level of
$1.7 million, which represents a 52% increase in
overall profitability from the prior year. This
extraordinary year also produced several other
records in return on average assets, return on
stockholder’s equity and dividend payout, all
exceeding previous year highs.
The two Bienville Parish locations continue to be
great leaders of the GBT system, producing 65% of
the Bank’s net profit. The main office location in
Gibsland, while serving as the main operational
center of the Bank, is also the leader in loans and
the largest single branch contributor to overall
bank profitability. The Arcadia branch had an
outstanding year in loan growth, as well as becoming
the branch with the largest deposit base in the
system.
The Athens branch continues to operate very
impressively in Claiborne Parish, contributing
greatly to overall bank profitability by being a
leader in the GBT system for best return on average
assets.
The three Webster Parish branches all contributed
significantly to the overall bank operations. The
Homer Road location is now the second leading branch
for loans and deposits. The Wal-Mart branch
provides valuable customer service in retail
environment, and offers full service Saturday
banking. Sibley, the newest location in Webster, is
developing into a successful location servicing the
needs of that crossroad community. The GBT Mortgage
Division continues to provide a much needed service
to bank customers in the form of long-term fixed
rate mortgages.
The development of further services for GBT
Financial Services, Inc. continued in 2007. The
company has grown into two divisions. The first
division is GBT Investment Professionals, designed
to deliver financial planning, investment products,
and retirement services. The second division is GBT
Insurance Agency, designed to deliver a very
competitive property and casualty insurance platform
supported by a full-time licensed agent.
The commitment to the success of GBT remains strong,
based on the results of 2007. Management believes
more is possible for 2008. The directors, officers,
and employees are committed to serving our customers
and the communities in which we do business. None
of this would be possible without the support and
encouragement of you, the customers, as together we
are G-B-T, a Great Banking Team!"
J.R.
Johnson
Thomas L. Martin
Chairman of the Board &
CEO
President
