Delta Business Journal

12/05/2025

12/04/2025

12/02/2025

Bank of Commerce Participates in 15th Annual “A Banker in Every Classroom”

(GREENWOOD, MS – DECEMBER 2, 2025) – Bank of Commerce took part in the 15th annual “A Banker in Every Classroom” by presenting financial literacy lessons at schools across Mississippi.

Bank of Commerce bankers shared lessons about saving, budgeting, and understanding the value of money with students of various ages and grade levels throughout the state. The team engaged students in interactive discussions designed to help them make smart financial decisions early in life.
Participating bankers and schools included:

• Starkville High School (Starkville, MS): Darren Milner, Johnny Ray, Marc Wood, and Asia Swift
• Columbus High School (Columbus, MS): Mark Crigler, Russell Young, Ben Upton, and Tisha Conner
• Amanda Elzy High School (Greenwood, MS): Amanda Wiltshire and Tim Stanciel
• Betty Mae Jack Middle School (Morton, MS): Tina Adcox and Issac Cannon
• Lafayette Lower Elementary School (Oxford, MS): Justin Ramsey
• New Hope High School (Columbus, MS) – Matt Brown, Ben Upton, and Mark Crigler.

“A Banker in Every Classroom” brings together Mississippi bankers and teachers at the local level to promote financial literacy for K–12 students. Bankers present personal finance lessons to students in both public and private school classrooms throughout Mississippi. This successful statewide program has reached over 200,000 Mississippi K–12 students and gives bankers the opportunity to help students get started with the basics of financial literacy while doing what they do best: build relationships in their communities.

“Bank of Commerce is a proud supporter of financial literacy in our communities, and we appreciate any opportunity we get to be in the classroom or interacting with students. We look forward to this program with the Mississippi Bankers Association every year for the chance to empower students with the essential skills needed to make sound financial decisions,” said Timothy Stanciel, Senior Vice President and CRA Officer of Bank of Commerce. “Helping provide students with the building blocks of a strong personal financial education is a testament to our investment in the communities we serve.”

Gov. Tate Reeves proclaimed November 3–7, 2025, “A Banker in Every Classroom Week” to help encourage bankers and teachers to work together to promote financial education to Mississippi students.

“Bankers are integral to our communities, proven time and again especially these last few years, and we are proud of their efforts this week, and throughout the year, in educating their local young people,” said Gordon Fellows, president and CEO of the Mississippi Bankers Association. “We know bankers around the state love this service and they know that early introduction and continued exposure to financial education can yield lifelong benefits for everyone. This program also serves as a great introduction to banking as a career possibility for these students.”

For more information about “A Banker in Every Classroom,” visit https://msbankers.com/MBA/MBA/ Events/A-Banker-in-Every-Classroom.aspx.

11/20/2025

Extension Matters Volume 11 Number 3 Never Stop Learning Adron Belk, Leflore County corn producer Delta producer partners with Extension to make data-driven production decisionsStory by Leah Bowers | Photos by Kevin HudsonWhen producer Adron Belk of Leflore County receives the data on what’s happe...

11/19/2025

11/18/2025

Vicksburg will be home to power generation with construction of the Vicksburg Advanced Power Station, replacing an older unit with newer, efficient resources.

11/17/2025

11/13/2025

We believe in our healthcare workforce! Delta Compass is providing $30,000 to improve incumbent worker and credentialing at Delta Health System-The Medical Center.

“Delta Health System is honored to receive this grant from Delta Compass in support of our Delta Healthcare Inclusion Program,” said Iris Stacker, Chief Executive Officer. “This funding will strengthen our workforce by retaining valued employees and advancing the education and leadership skills of our team members. Investing in our people ensures the continued delivery of high-quality, compassionate care to the communities we serve.”

Accelerate MS Mississippi Development Authority Mississippi Business Alliance Delta Business Journal Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Delta Regional Authority Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC) Foundation for the Mid South

11/13/2025

Planters Bank is pleased to announce the hiring of John Stewart as Vice President & Commercial Relationship Manager in Indianola. With over 30 years of experience in the agribusiness and finance sectors, John is set to strengthen the bank's commitment to servicing its commercial clients.

In his most recent role at Buffalo Roam Outfitters, John oversaw operational management and played a crucial role in driving sales growth. His previous positions at Express Grain Terminals, Delta Oil Mill, and PYCO equipped him with a deep understanding of client relationship management and strategic business development.

John holds a Master of Business Administration from Delta State University and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Agribusiness and Banking/Finance from Mississippi State University. His extensive educational background and leadership experience align with Planters Bank’s mission to provide exceptional service to its clients.

Beyond his professional achievements, John is actively engaged in community service, serving in leadership roles at First Presbyterian Church, the Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation, and the Greenwood Kiwanis Club. He is married to the former Mary Neff Newsom from Greenville, and they have one son, John Day.

"We are excited to welcome John to our team,” said Ryan Strawbridge, Regional President for the Delta at Planters Bank. “John’s roots run deep in the Delta and we believe his career background and commitment to client success will be a great fit as we continue to support the needs of commercial businesses in the Mississippi Delta.”

John is eager to contribute to Planters Bank, working to enhance client relationships and support local businesses.

11/10/2025

Thank you to all of our guests and staff for all of your support throughout the years. We're proud of the work we've done, and the incredible memories we've made!