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PAGE 3A December 2025
New Community Bank Opens Folks in Northeast Alabama now have a new community bank, as Solutions Plus Bank opened for business on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
Solutions Plus Bank, which is located on Highway 75, in Albertville, recently announced the successful completion of its capital raise and approval from the FDIC and the Alabama State Banking Department. The Bank secured over $26 million in funding, which is a landmark achievement that sets a new precedent for banking in Marshall County. The capital raise marks the largest de novo bank funding effort ever undertaken in Marshall County, far surpassing the typical $10 million capital benchmark for new banks. The last de novo bank to open in the county was Vantage Bank in 2006, making Solutions Plus Bank the first new entrant in nearly two decades. "This is more than a capital raise — it’s a community rallying behind a shared vision,” said Thomas Carroll, CEO of Solutions Plus Bank. "We’re honored by the trust our investors have placed in us, and we’re ready to deliver a banking experience that’s modern, responsive, and deeply rooted in the values of Marshall County.” The bank, which also has plans to open a location in downtown Guntersville soon, is ushering in a new era of community-focused financial services. "We’re building a bank that puts people first — where relationships matter and decisions are made locally,” added Susan Armstrong, Chief Operating Officer. "Our team is passionate about creating a culture of service and innovation from day one.” "Raising over $26 million is a testament to the strength of our business model and the confidence of our stakeholders,” said Myra Pierce, Chief Financial Officer. "It gives us the financial foundation to grow responsibly and serve our communities with excellence.”
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger Employees at Solutions Plus Bank show off the bank's FDIC certificate during opening day on Thursday, December 4, 2025. The bank is located at 700 Al Hwy 75 North in Albertville.
"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of banking in our region,” added Cade Smith, Executive Vice President. "We’re excited to open our doors and start making a difference — one customer, one relationship at a time.” Solutions Plus Bank offers a full suite of personal and business banking services, with a strong emphasis on local decision-making, relationship banking, and modern digital tools. The bank’s leadership team brings 100+ years of experience in financial services and a deep commitment to the communities it serves. In addition to the leadership team, the initial staff consists of the following: George
Gadsden State Community College and Jacksonville State University have strengthened their long-standing partnership by signing a new agreement designed to help more Gadsden State graduates continue their education at Jax State. The signing took place in the Executive Conference Room in Angle Hall at Jacksonville State, where Gadsden State President Alan Smith and Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., formalized the updated memorandum of understanding. The agreement supports the Alabama Commission on Higher Education’s (ACHE) Pathways to Progress Initiative, a statewide effort aimed at increasing the number of associate degree holders who go on to earn bachelor’s degrees. Through the partnership, qualified Gadsden State graduates will receive guidance on transfer admissions, financial support available through the initiative, and the next steps needed to pursue a four- year degree at Jax State. President Smith said he supported the initiative as soon as it reached his desk, noting that many students begin their academic journey at Gadsden State before advancing toward a bachelor’s degree. President Killingsworth said the partnership reflects the two institutions’ shared responsibility to provide students with clear, attainable educational pathways. “We’re excited about this opportunity to help more students move forward,” he said. GSCC and Jax State Strengthen Transfer Pathways for Students Grand opening celebrations for both locations are in the works to welcome customers and introduce the bank’s offerings. Although the Albertville location has opened, Solutions Plus Bank has not yet announced an opening date for Guntersville or the Grand Opening Celebrations dates. For more information call 256-849-0077, visit www.solutionsplusbank.com or follow Solutions Plus Bank on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Shipman – Deposits Operations Manager, Clara Guinn – Compliance Officer, Zan Luther – Loan Operations, Jamie Stisher – Loan Operations, Kevin Do – Information Technology, Verenise Hernandez – Solutions Banker, and Kimberly Hillis – Solutions Banker.
Two Million Books Mailed Through Imagination Library
The State of Alabama has reached a major early- literacy milestone. According to a news release from the Governor's office, this month the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will surpass two million books mailed to children across the state since its statewide rollout. “Alabama is putting our children first. Our parents are our first teachers, and by supporting early learning at home, we are helping families build strong foundations long before a child ever enters the classroom,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. “I am proud that every young learner in all 67 counties has the opportunity to participate. We will continue making early literacy a priority – with two million books now in the hands of Alabama children and more to come.” This milestone reflects a multi-year effort led by Governor Ivey to expand early-literacy access for every Alabama family. In January 2023, during her inaugural address for her second full term as governor of Alabama, Ivey first announced her intention to partner with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, noting that “we must encourage our children to open books during their earliest developmental stages.” By August 2023, Alabama officially launched the statewide expansion, beginning enrollment and working toward the governor’s goal of ensuring that “every child in all 67 counties” could participate.
In her 2025 state of the state address, Governor Ivey announced that the program had reached full availability in every county. Now, in December 2025, Alabama will celebrate the delivery of two million books to children from birth to age five – a milestone that demonstrates the governor’s commitment to ensuring children are opening books during their earliest developmental stages. Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Secretary Ami Brooks highlighted the milestone as a reflection of statewide collaboration. “Reaching two million books in just over two years demonstrates the dedication of our state leaders, communities, partners and families. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is helping families foster a love of reading,” said Secretary Brooks. Since expanding the program to every county, Alabama has ensured that all eligible children can receive a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book delivered directly to their home each month. Enrollment now includes more than 106,000 children statewide. This program is also available to children in foster care, ensuring that some of Alabama’s most vulnerable young learners have equal access to early-literacy support. Parents may enroll their child by visiting ImaginationLibrary.com, where they can start receiving monthly books at no cost.
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