photo by Brent Maze

New region president: Larry J. Uptain is the new Tallapoosa region president for Aliant Bank. He began his new job on Monday of this week.

Aliant’s new region president

Jasper native brings wealth of experience to Alexander City bank

By Brent Maze (Contact) | Alex City Outlook

Published Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Many of the lessons Larry J. Uptain learned from his father have helped him in the banking business.

“He taught me that you should do it right the first time. He didn’t believe it should take you two chances to get it right,” Uptain said. “He also taught me that keeping your word is very important. Both of those things are important in banking.”

Uptain is putting those lessons to good use in Alexander City after being named Tallapoosa regional president of Aliant Bank last week. The Tallapoosa region covers Alexander City, Dadeville and Lake Martin.

The Jasper native began working in town Monday and has already met with numerous community leaders.

He said he is excited about this opportunity and living in Alexander City.

“It’s nice to be here in Alexander City,” Uptain said. “Everyone has been so welcoming to me and it’s a great opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with Aliant Bank and the community to help this area grow.”

Uptain is the youngest of three children and has one son. He is a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College and a veteran of the banking industry. He previously served as bank president of Colonial Bank’s Jasper branch for nine years and was a commercial lender for Aliant Bank for the last three years.

“Larry knows what it means to be president of a small community bank,” said John Russell Thomas, chairman of Aliant’s board of directors. “He’s a good people person, has good credit skills and has a small town background.”

Uptain said that customers should notice no changes at the bank. He also believes one of the biggest challenges in this area is the current real estate market.

“The Lake Martin real estate market needs to improve,” Uptain said. “It is the future of this area.”

Thomas echoed those sentiments.

“We’d like to see Lake Martin become more attractive than the Gulf Coast,” Thomas said. “I think we’re already seeing that in some areas.”

Uptain believes Aliant is in a good position to see growth.

“We have money to lend right now,” Uptain said. “Our company has done a good job at raising capital to give us money to lend.”

Uptain plans to get involved with the community and settle down in Alexander City.

“I am living here in Alexander City,” Uptain said. “Our company has a great history of being involved in the community and we will continue to do that.”

---

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?

---