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B r a n c h M a n a g e r / V i c e P r e s i d e n t DONNA SANDERS How did your career path lead you to HeritageBank of the South and banking as a career? I began my banking career over 30 years ago at Bank South in Macon. I have worked at 3 local banks in Macon since then. My first job in banking was as a teller and I have worked in just about every department at various banks. I think working in the different departments has helped my banking career, tremendously. What is most rewarding? My passion is loaning money. I enjoy working for smaller banks that make local decisions. And I really enjoy being involved in the success of local businesses and working with local people. What does the future hold for you and HeritageBank of the South? Although, I had been at my previous employer for the last 15 years, I decided this would be a good move for me. At first, I was not familiar with HBOS. After researching the bank and talking with various team members, I knew it was the place for me. HBOS is a very well capitalized community bank that is headquartered in Albany, Ga. The bank is capable of making loans in many different industries, which is well received in the current environment. The most rewarding part of my job is making new friends and developing long lasting relationships with my customers. I hope to be at HBOS for the rest of my career in banking and look forward to growing the bank in the Macon Region. 4961 Forsyth Rd. I Macon, Ga. 31210 dsanders@eheritagebank.com I 478-471-4581 Phone 82 l MACON MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2013 A D V E R T I S E M E N T CONNIE WILLIFORD A t t o r n e y Tell us about your business: I have a general legal practice at 637 Cherry Street in Macon. I have been in practice for thirteen years, and at this location for the past eight. My office handles a variety of legal matters including personal injury, criminal defense, DUI, and family law matters. What or who has been your greatest influence in your business and why? There are many people who have and do influence me in life and in business, especially other great attorneys and judges and I have been fortunate to work with and for both; however, the most profound influence is a non-attorney, my father. He always instilled in his children the importance of honesty and fairness. Because of him I have a natural inclination to stand for the rights of people. Ad- ditionally, he passed on to me his great love of reading and learning. From a very early age I was drawn to books involving the law, both fiction and non-fiction. What's the best advice you have received in business? To take and return telephone calls immediately or as soon as possible. That advice has earned me business that otherwise would have gone to the next attorney in the phone book. What are your hopes for your career five years from now? I would like to find a healthier work/life balance. Because I am a Type A workaholic and am passionate about my work and taking care of my clients, it often means that I don't spend enough time away from the office. I need to figure out how to maintain the same level of commitment to my practice and yet find more time for fun and relaxation. I know that both are important to be truly successful. 637 Cherry Street I Macon, Ga. 478.743.4069 I attywilliford@bellsouth.net www.thewillifordlawfirm.com