Greater Fayetteville Business Journal’s Power Breakfast: Beyond the Balance Sheet brought together regional banking leaders to explore how strong partnerships between business owners and banks can support growth, resilience and long‑term success. 

The panel consisted of United Bank President Julie Gurtis, Towne Bank President of the Carolinas Steve Jones and President of the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina market for Huntington Bank Seth Perigo. 

Throughout the event, the panelists answered a number of questions, but the common theme was this: in an era of rapid technological change and intense competition, relationships still matter more than ever. 

Gurtis described the relationship between a business owner and their bank as “critical.” The core elements of a strong banker-business relationship are company culture, trust, proactive communication and customer service. 

"We need to be partners; we need to share resources and communicate with one another often… I started out as a commercial banker, developing that relationship with the business owner so that you can see what’s coming, and then you’re there with them through the good times and [the] bad. That’s critical,” shared Gurtis.

The panel also examined how banking is changing — particularly the rapid implementation of artificial intelligence. AI is reshaping how banks operate and how customers interact with them. Faster communication, virtual meetings, and digital tools have improved efficiency and decision speed. 

"…look at the state of North Carolina, for example: in 2007 there were 98 state‑chartered banks. Today there are 32… We go to Raleigh, there are 49 banks competing for business. We go to Charlotte, there are 57 banks competing. So it is a highly competitive space… Technology is really becoming more important… being able to deliver that to the markets [has been] a big change,” remarked Jones. 

Despite these changes, the panelists agreed that the core constant is the importance of personal relationships and being “in front of your customer” when they need you.

Panelists were also able to provide insight into services and tools that banks offer that many people underutilize. Things like treasury services, fraud‑prevention tools and wealth and succession planning are areas many business owners overlook.

“In the next four to five years, more than 50% of business owners will go through some form of ownership change… Without a well‑thought plan, the risk of loss increases when a transition is impacted by external events… We want to be engaged in this conversation now… so you can take advantage of it to the maximum potential of the business itself,” remarked Perigo.

Finally, the conversation focused on how banks can help build resilient local economies. Panelists pointed to their role in providing capital, supporting small business growth through SBA and other lending programs, investing in nonprofits and empowering employees to serve on local boards and volunteer. As North Carolina continues to experience strong population and business growth, the panelists framed banks not just as lenders, but as long‑term partners.