Zachary, LA – The Bank of Zachary has promoted two of its banking officers, President Preston L. Kennedy announced today. Assistant Vice President Kimberly McDonald, formerly the Branch Manager of the Central City office, is now in charge of Electronic Banking. Andrea White, who previously served as the Assistant Branch Manager, is now Manager of the Central City office.
Mrs. McDonald began her association with the Bank of Zachary while still in high school. After working in the insurance industry and for a local credit union, she rejoined the Bank of Zachary in 2008 as the Central City manager. She was promoted to Assistant Vice President in 2011.
Mrs. White came to the Bank of Zachary as assistant branch manager of the Central City office in April 2011. She had previous experience with a regional bank.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicating an above-average and possibly extremely active hurricane season in 2013, which began June 1 and runs through November 30. While natural disasters can strike at any time, it is important for consumers to actively plan ahead, particularly with their finances. With that in mind, the Bank of Zachary offers the following tips and advice to help customers financially prepare for natural disasters before they strike.
“Louisiana citizens know that hurricanes can be devestating, so it is important for everyone to be prepared,” said Preston L. Kennedy, president and CEO of Bank of Zachary. “Your family’s safety is the most important priority, but knowing your banking and financial information is safe can give you additional peace of mind. By having a financial preparedness plan, you’ll protect yourself and your loved ones from experiencing difficulties associated with your missing or damaged financial documents.”
The following advice will help you prepare your finances before an emergency occurs:
• Keep marriage and family records, adoption papers, property deeds, birth certificates, wills, insurance policies, passports, Social Security cards, immunization records, credit card account numbers, car titles or lease contracts, bank and investment account numbers and three years of tax returns in a bank safe-deposit box. Put each of these documents in a sealed plastic bag to keep out moisture.
• Make and safeguard additional official copies of critical documents such as birth certificates, adoption papers, marriage certificates and the deed to your home for safekeeping and notify a trustee, close relative or attorney where your important financial information is located.
• Keep names and contact numbers for executors, trustees and guardians in a safe place, either in your safe deposit box or with a close relative.
• Take an inventory and keep a list of household valuables. Taking photographs of these items can help as well.
• Start and regularly contribute to an emergency fund that can cover at least three to four months of expenses. This fund should be separate from your savings or investment account.
• Include extra cash in your home emergency kit, which should include a three-day supply of water and food, a first aid kit, a can opener, flashlights, a radio and extra batteries.
• Identify the records that you keep only on your computer. They may not be available if electrical power fails, so make a printout and safeguard them or back them up to an external device or Web storage facility which is safekept offsite.
• The Web can supplement or back up paper copies. Scanned or other electronic documents can be attached to emails and stored in your email account or with secure online back-up services.
• If you feel flood insurance may be necessary to protect your home, start shopping around now. It is too late to purchase flood insurance when a storm is imminent. Contact your insurance agent or visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov for more information.
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Zachary, LA – Russell Bankston has stepped down from his position as Chairman of the Board of Bank of Zachary and its holding company Zachary Bancshares, Inc., a position he has held for the past seventeen years. Rodney S. (Sam) Johnson was elected Chairman at a meeting of the Board of Directors held April 18.
A retired attorney and former City Judge, Mr. Bankston was first elected to the Bank of Zachary Board of Directors in January, 1971. He succeeded Leonard Aguillard as Chairman in April, 1996. Mr. Bankston will remain as a member of the Board, and serve as Vice Chairman.
Mr. Johnson, a Zachary-based State Farm agent, was first elected to the Board in October, 1991. He has served as Vice Chairman since 1996.
“Our bank is fortunate to have community leaders like Russell and Sam as members of our Board,” said Bank of Zachary President Preston L. Kennedy. “They are fully committed to our mission of meeting the financial needs of our community”.
