The First Bancshares, Inc. and Heritage Southeast Bancorporation, Inc. Announce Proposed Merger Transaction 

Dear Grant Applicants and Heritage Community Foundation Supporters:

Please find enclosed a press release regarding the upcoming sale of “Heritage Southeast Bank” to “The First Bank”. The First Bank supports community development.

Our plan is to relaunch the Foundation in January of 2023.  We are taking the remainder of 2022 to generate funds for awarding grants. During this process, we will not be awarding grants or having events.  Our website is currently being revised to provide information as we navigate the transition. Ultimately, Heritage Community Foundation will become the Foundation of The First Bank.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions and thank you for the work you do in our communities.  I will gladly schedule a meeting with you as well to discuss the vision and potential future support.

Sincerely,
Rod Chavez
Vice President | Charitable Foundation & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
[email protected]
678.284.3414  Direct


 The First Bancshares, Inc. and Heritage Southeast Bancorporation, Inc. Announce Proposed Merger Transaction 

HATTIESBURG, Miss. and ATLANTA, Ga. July 27, 2022 – The First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FBMS) (“First Bancshares” or “the Company”), parent company of The First Bank (“The First”) and Heritage Southeast Bancorporation, Inc. (OTCQX: HSBI) (“HSBI”), parent company of Heritage Southeast Bank, announced today execution of a definitive merger agreement, pursuant to which the Company has agreed to acquire HSBI. Upon the completion of the acquisition, Heritage Southeast Bank will merge with and into The First Bank. The proposed transactions will deepen The First’s presence in Georgia and Florida, including providing The First with entry points into the Atlanta, Savannah, and Jacksonville markets. 

Heritage Southeast Bank operates 23 branches across Georgia and northeast Florida. As of June 30, 2022, Heritage Southeast Bank had total assets of approximately $1.7 billion, total loans of $1.1 billion, and total deposits of approximately $1.5 billion. 

Upon completion of the transaction, the combined company is expected to have approximately $8 billion in assets, $7 billion in deposits, $5 billion in loans, and over 100 branches across five states in the Southeast. 

M. Ray “Hoppy” Cole, Jr., President and CEO of The First Bancshares, Inc. said, “The announcement today of our proposed merger with HSBI and the upcoming closing of our merger with Beach Bank represent continued execution on our strategic plan of creating a high performing community bank in the Southeast. Individually, each transaction is extremely attractive and enhances our organizations’ franchise value. Collectively, they are transformative for our company providing meaningful market share in some of the most dynamic, fastest growing markets in the South.” 

“Heritage Southeast Bank is a true community bank with an experienced, well respected team of local bankers invested in the communities they serve. Culturally we are aligned and focused on growing our company by providing excellent service and building long term relationships with our clients.” 

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the team at Heritage Southeast Bank as we continue to create value for our stakeholders.” 

Leonard A. Moreland, Chief Executive Officer of HSBI, added “We are proud to join The First, which has a similar culture and approach to business as Heritage Southeast Bank. This partnership will add to the momentum that both banks are already experiencing in Georgia and Florida. As a group of lifelong community bankers, the Heritage Southeast Bank team is looking forward to continuing to provide outstanding service to our loyal customers, to be an employer of choice, and to expand our product offerings in support of our communities.” 

Subject to the terms of the definitive merger agreement, HSBI shareholders will receive 0.965 shares of First Bancshares common stock for each share of HSBI common stock upon the closing of the transaction. The exchange ratio for the transaction is fixed, which means that the transaction value will fluctuate as a result of changes in the First Bancshares stock price. All outstanding options to acquire shares of HSBI common stock will be cashed out at the closing of the 2 

transaction. Based on the closing price of First Bancshares common stock of $29.68 as of July 26, 2022, the transaction is valued at approximately $207 million or $28.64 per share. 

The definitive merger agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of each of HSBI and the Company, and the transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022 or first quarter of 2023, following receipt of approvals from regulatory authorities, the approval of HSBI’s shareholders, the approval of the Company’s shareholders, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Certain shareholders of HSBI who are expected to own more than 4.9% of First Bancshares common stock following the completion of the merger have also agreed to be subject to a restriction on the sale of their First Bancshares shares for 90 days following the completion of the transaction. 

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc, A Stifel Company, served as financial advisor to First Bancshares and rendered a fairness opinion to its board of directors. Alston & Bird LLP served as legal counsel to First Bancshares. D.A. Davidson & Co. also served as a financial advisor to First Bancshares and rendered a fairness opinion to its board of directors. Piper Sandler & Co. served as financial advisor and Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP served as legal counsel HSBI. 

Investor Presentation and Conference Call 

A slide presentation providing additional information regarding the Company’s proposed acquisition of HSBI is available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website. 

The Company will host a conference call for analysts and investors to discuss the Company’s financial results and the proposed acquisition of HSBI at 1:00 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Investors and analysts may participate by clicking on the Participant Conference Link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI3b2b627ac8b444d4aa67f6094dbeb0c4. 

An audio archive of the conference call along with the transcript will be available after the call and placed in the Investor Relations section of our website. 

About The First Bancshares, Inc. 

The First Bancshares, Inc., headquartered in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is the parent company of The First Bank. Founded in 1996, The First Bank has operations in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. The Company’s stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol FBMS. Additional information is available on the Company’s website: www.thefirstbank.com. 

About Heritage Southeast Bancorporation, Inc. and Heritage Southeast Bank 

Heritage Southeast Bancorporation, Inc. serves as the holding company for Heritage Southeast Bank, which is headquartered in Jonesboro, GA and operates under the names “Heritage Bank,” “The Heritage Bank,” and “Providence Bank” in its various markets. With approximately $1.7 billion in assets, the bank provides a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products through its 23 locations. For additional information, visit the HSBI website (myhsbi.com). 

Additional Information about the Merger and Where to Find It 

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The Company will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form S-4 for the proposed merger, containing a joint proxy statement of HSBI and the Company and a prospectus of the Company. The Company will also file other documents with the SEC with respect to the proposed merger, pursuant to SEC reporting requirements. A definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to shareholders of HSBI and the Company. Investors and security holders of the Company and HSBI are urged to read the entire joint proxy

statement/prospectus and other documents that will be filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information about the Company, HSBI, and the proposed merger transactions. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement and the joint proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by the Company through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by the Company will be available free of charge on the Company’s internet website or by contacting the Company. 

The Company and HSBI, and their respective directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees, may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of the Company is set forth in its proxy statement for its 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, filed with the SEC on April 6, 2022, and its Current Reports on Form 8-K. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. 

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information. 

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In general, forward-looking statements usually use words such as “may,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “continue” and “potential” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, including statements related to the expected timing of the closing of the proposed transactions between the Company and HSBI (the “Merger”), the expected returns and other benefits of the Merger to shareholders, expected improvement in operating efficiency resulting from the Merger, estimated expense reductions resulting from the transactions and the timing of achievement of such reductions, the impact on and timing of the recovery of the impact on tangible book value, and the effect of the Merger on the Company’s capital ratios. Forward-looking statements represent management’s beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. 

Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that change over time and could cause actual results or financial condition to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. With respect to the Merger, factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to (1) the risk that the cost savings and any revenue synergies from the Merger may not be realized or take longer than anticipated to be realized, (2) disruption from the Merger with customers, suppliers, employee or other business partners relationships, (3) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the definitive agreement in respect of the Merger, (4) the risk of successful integration of HSBI into the Company, (5) the failure to obtain the necessary approval by the shareholders of HSBI or the Company, (6) the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the Merger, (7) the ability by the Company to obtain required governmental approvals of the Merger, (8) reputational risk and the reaction of each of the companies’ customers, suppliers, employees or other business partners to the Merger, (9) the failure of the closing conditions in the definitive agreements in respect of the Merger to be satisfied, or any unexpected delay in closing of the Merger, (10) the risk that the integration of the operations of HSBI into the operations of the Company will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected, (11) the possibility that the Merger may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events, (12) the dilution caused by the Company’s issuance of additional shares of its common stock in the Merger, and (13) general competitive, economic, political and market conditions. Additional factors which could affect the forward looking statements can be found in the cautionary language included under the headings “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and other documents subsequently filed by the Company with the SEC. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. 4 

Neither the Company nor HSBI undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For any forward-looking statements made in this communication, any exhibits hereto or any related documents, the Company and HSBI claim protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 

The First Bancshares, Inc. M. Ray “Hoppy” Cole, Jr. Chief Executive Officer Dee Dee Lowery Chief Financial Officer (601) 268-8998 

Heritage Southeast Bancorporation, Inc. 

Leonard A. Moreland 
Chief Executive Officer 
Philip F. Resch 
Chief Financial Officer 
(770) 824-9934 




Heritage Community Foundation Presents a $5,000 Grant to United Food Force

Jonesboro, Ga. (November 7, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a $5,000 grant to Rhonda Miller, the President & CEO of United Food Force on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. The grant purchased a 53-foot trailer used for storing and transporting food and household supplies for those in need in our community.

United Food Force’s mission is to fight hunger through united efforts and partnerships. The non-profit organization distributes a million pounds of food per month to local groups and agencies. These resources are used to support the many churches and non-profit organizations that have ministries focused on meeting the needs of individuals and families struggling with hunger in our area.

“United Food Force is doing tremendous work and they make a real difference in our community,” said Jenny Smith, Board Member and Treasurer of the Heritage Community Foundation. “We are so pleased to continue our partnership with them and support their efforts to combat hunger in our area. This grant for the purchase of a semi-trailer will help them better meet the needs in our region.”

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.


Heritage Community Foundation Presents a $2,830 Grant to the Fayette Senior Services Life Enrichment Center

Jonesboro, Ga. (October 23, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant for $2,830 to Nancy Meaders, President and CEO of the Fayette Senior Services Center on Monday, October 23, 2017. This grant provides funding to support the organization’s support for senior citizens in Fayette County through their food services department and their educational outreach programs.

The Fayette Senior Services Life Enrichment Center offers a broad scope of life-enhancing services to Fayette County residents’ age 50 and better. The services include Meals on Wheels, transportation services, homemaker services, in-home respite services, personal-care and care management services and variety of education and wellness activities.

“We are pleased to partner with the Fayette Senior Services Center organization so they can continue their important work in Fayette County,” said Mark Dose, Executive Director of the Heritage Community Foundation. “This is a special organization for our Foundation because the very first grant we provided in 2015 was to this group to help them purchase a van. They continue to offer meaningful services to the seniors in the area and these funds will help them purchase a LCD Projector and also support their food services department.”

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.


Heritage Community Foundation Presents a $2,500 Grant to Connecting Henry to Support the SWAG Program

Jonesboro, Ga. (October 11, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant for $2,500 to Susan Crumbley, Executive Director of Connecting Henry on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. This grant provides funding to support the organization’s program focused on assisting at-risk young adults with the skills and academic resources necessary to be successful in the workforce.

Connecting Henry’s “SWAG” (Students Working to Achieve Greatness) program serves Henry County residents aged 16-24 with free personalized GED classes and program services. Last year, the program helped 44 young adults earn their GED.

“This important program provides High School drop-outs the opportunity to further their education in a supportive environment,” said Mark Dose, Executive Director of the Heritage Community Foundation. “These young adults compete this program better prepared to succeed in the workforce because of the focus on job readiness, personal financial literacy, leadership and entrepreneurial development. These program components are all in addition to the GED preparation classes. We are pleased and proud to continue our partnership with Connecting Henry.”

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.


Heritage Community Foundation Presents a $1,400 Grant to Crosswalk Ministries USA

Jonesboro, Ga. (September 27, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a $1,400 grant to Crosswalk Ministries USA on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at the Heritage Bank branch on Eagles Landing Parkway. The grant will be used to fund needed photography equipment and art supplies for the organization’s successful “ARTreach 180” program.

Crosswalk Ministries USA is a non-profit group that works to reduce juvenile crime and address the underlying causes of teen criminal behavior by providing Christ-centered preventative and aftercare programs for at-risk teenagers.

“Crosswalk Ministries USA works hard to make a positive difference in the lives of at-risk teenagers,” said Mark Dose, Executive Director of the Heritage Community Foundation. “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Crosswalk USA so they can expand the impact and influence of the important work they do.”

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.


Heritage Community Foundation Presents a $3,500 Grant to The Raise Me Up Foundation

Jonesboro, Ga. (September 27, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a $3,500 grant to Priti Griffin, the Executive Director for the Raise Me Up Foundation on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at the Heritage Bank branch on Eagles Landing Parkway. The grant will be used to support the organization’s education program designed to help adults recognize the signs of and impact of child sexual abuse and human trafficking. In addition, the grant will provide funds to provide local educators with supplemental supplies for their classrooms.

The Raise Me Up Foundation is a new non-profit group in Henry County. Their mission is to provide awareness, education for adults as well as collaborative resources for raising children in a safe and healthy environment.

“We are pleased and proud to support the work of the Raise Me Up Foundation,” said Mark Dose, Executive Director of the Heritage Community Foundation. “This new local non-profit organization is working to improve the lives of children by providing focused resources for parents and educators.”

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.


Heritage Community Foundation Presents a $2,650 Grant to A Friend’s House

Jonesboro, Ga. (September 21, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a $2,650 grant to Nan Jenkins, the Director of Development for A Friends House on Thursday, September 21, 2017. The grant will be used to purchase clothing and supplies for children temporarily placed at the facility.

A Friend’s House operates as a home for children in the custody of the Department of Family and Children Services. The children stay for an unspecified period of time until the best course of action is determined based on a child’s needs. The organization has served over 2,000 children since opening its doors in 1998.

“The Heritage Community Foundation is excited to support the important work of A Friend’s House,” said Mark Dose, Executive Director of the Heritage Community Foundation. “This local non-profit organization continues its tireless efforts to improve the lives of children placed with the agency by actively addressing the child’s physical and emotional needs. They provide a loving, caring and safe home environment for children that are abused, abandoned or neglected.”

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.


Heritage Community Foundation Presents a $2,500 Grant to Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity

Jonesboro, Ga. (August 24, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a $2,500 grant to Brenda Rayburn, the interim CEO of Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity on Thursday, September 7, 2017. The grant will be used to provide financial educational materials for approximately 50 program participants.

“The Heritage Community Foundation is pleased to support the important work of our local Habitat for Humanity organization,” said Mark Dose, Executive Director of the Heritage Community Foundation. “This non-profit organization continues its tireless efforts to improve the lives of individuals and families in our area through their home ownership program and home-repair program. Habitat’s comprehensive approach includes helping home-owners develop habits that promote financial wellness”.

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.


Heritage Community Foundation Presents a $3,000 Grant to BLOOM

Jonesboro, Ga. (September 7, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a $3,000 grant to Becky Davenport, the Executive Director for Bloom Our Youth in Fayetteville, Georgia on Thursday, September 7, 2017. The grant will be used to support their ongoing work with Foster families with the purchase sturdy storage bins for their year-round clothes closet and for the purchase of car seats to loan out to foster families.

“The Heritage Community Foundation is proud to partner with BLOOM and support the important work they do to support children and foster families,” said Mark Dose, Executive Director of the Heritage Community Foundation. “This non-profit organization has an impressive track record of improving the lives of children and supporting foster parents as they navigate the foster care system.”

Bloom Our Youth, Inc., was founded in 1986 and provides safe shelter along with physical, educational and emotional support to children and teenagers who have been the victims of abuse, neglect or other tragic circumstances. BLOOM provides these children an opportunity to achieve their personal best, despite difficult circumstances.

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.


Heritage Community Foundation Presents a $2,000 Grant to the Academy for Advanced Studies

Jonesboro, Ga. (August 18, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a $2,000 grant to John Uesseler, the CEO of the Academy for Advanced Studies / The Henry County College and Career Academy on Friday, August 18, 2017. The grant will be used to purchase specialized equipment and resources for their “Culinary Arts” program.

“The Heritage Community Foundation is pleased and proud to partner with the Academy for Advanced Studies to support their fantastic Culinary Arts program,” said Jenny Smith, Board Member and Past Board Chair of the Heritage Community Foundation. “This focused education program is making a huge difference in the lives of students in our area and it is important for the program leadership to have resources to expand and continually improve their program. We know how important it is for our educators to be innovative and challenge students to achieve more.”

The Academy for Advanced Studies is a charter program of choice, providing innovative and flexible learning options for high school students. The program’s mission is to ensure each student graduates high school with the knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for college and career success. The program offers a variety of “Career Pathway” tracks that include Architecture and Construction, Business Management & Administration, Education & Training, Health Science Careers, Hospitality and Tourism, just to mention a few. The “Culinary Arts” program is in the Hospitality & Tourism pathway and prepares students through knowledge in diet, nutrition, food preparation, cost and budgets and the science of food.

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.