CORNELIA, Ga. — Customers of Pinnacle Bank in Cornelia will soon see a new name on the building as the bank completes its transition to Vallant Bank.
The change follows the merger of Pinnacle Financial Corporation and Morris State Bancshares, the parent companies of Pinnacle Bank and Morris Bank. The merger was completed earlier this year, creating a combined institution that officials say is now the largest Georgia-based community bank holding company.
Beginning June 15, Pinnacle Bank and Morris Bank locations will officially operate under the Vallant Bank name.
According to company officials, the transition is primarily a rebranding effort for customers. Existing accounts, services and local branch operations are expected to continue without interruption.
The combined institution will have approximately $4 billion in assets and serve customers across 22 Georgia counties. Company leaders have emphasized that Vallant Bank will remain headquartered in Georgia and continue its focus on community banking.
“We are building something stronger together while preserving the local relationships and personalized service our customers value,” bank officials said when announcing the merger.
The name Vallant was selected to represent the combined organization and is derived from the word “valiant,” symbolizing strength, courage and resilience.
Pinnacle Bank has maintained a presence in Northeast Georgia for years, including its Cornelia branch. Customers may begin seeing updated signage, branding and website information as the June 15 transition date approaches.
The bank’s new website address will become vallant.bank.
The merger brings together two long-established Georgia banking institutions. Prior to the merger, Pinnacle Bank operated locations across North Georgia, while Morris Bank served communities in Middle and South Georgia.
Bank officials have stated that customers should continue to use their existing accounts and services during the transition and will be notified directly of any future changes that may affect their banking relationship.
Vallant Bank will officially launch statewide on June 15.
