By this time next year, bank patrons may have two more options of locally owned banks in Coweta and Fayette counties.

In Newnan, officials announced late last week the creation of the Newnan-Coweta Community Bank. Bucky Kimsey is set to be the president, while Jim Mottola will be chairman of the board of directors.

Bank organizers are planning to build the main branch near Interstate 85, but have other branches throughout the community. Some of the organizers involved in this new venture include Joe Crain Jr. and Theo Mann.

Currently, Farmers and Merchants Bank is the lone locally owned bank in the county.

In Peachtree City, local businessmen and bankers have vowed to bring community banking back to Georgia. The Bank of Georgia would be located in Peachtree City and led by proposed CEO and president Pat Shepherd.

Shepherd, along with other proposed managers Rick Duncan and Mickey Godwin, previously worked for Fayette County Bank before it was recently acquired by Birmingham-based Regions Financial Corporation.

Other organizers of the bank include:

· Arlie Auckerman, highway construction contractor.

· Steve Black, real estate developer.

· Dale Geeslin, CPA.

· Robert Hancock Jr., attorney.

· Mike Rossetti, homebuilder.

· Donnie Russell, manufactured housing.

· Tom Sellmer, real estate investor.

· Rick Stanziale, specialized paint coatings.

· Jim Webb Jr., attorney.