Century Bank & Trust and Kasasa, an award-winning financial technology and marketing provider, recently announced the winner of the local “These Are My People” contest. 

Lori Cochran of Pooler, Ga. won $2,500 to help support human connection with her favorite people.

Kasasa’s “These Are My People” contest took place from Nov. 7 through Dec. 7 and provided entrants with the opportunity to share personal stories and how the prize money would help them connect with their loved ones. 

Inspirational stories flooded in from entrants across the Central Georgia area on how winning would impact their lives this holiday season. Century Bank & Trust’s local contest was part of a nationwide contest that included more than 150 community financial institutions across the country, with some offering cash prizes to their local community members. Additionally, Kasasa is awarding one grand prize winner with $25,000 and two runner ups with $10,000. In total, Kasasa and participating community banks and credit unions awarded over $150,000 in cash prizes.

“The holiday season is about love and sharing it with those we call our people,” said Gabe Krajicek, CEO of Kasasa. “This contest celebrated the incredible, loving individuals that create the fabric of their community. It’s this same network that our community financial institution partners across the country play such a vital part in — helping people stand strong in their financial world so they can stand strong for those they love the most.”

“We fully understand that the people in our lives, our people, are what makes it all worthwhile,” President and CEO of Century Bank & Trust Derek Williams said. “I am so pleased that we could sponsor this contest and thank everyone who submitted entries to spotlight and honor their people.”  

Cochran was thrilled to be chosen as the winner.

 “I can’t wait to make new memories with my sister on our next adventure,” stated Cochran.  “It’s so exciting!”  

Kasasa partners exclusively with community financial institutions — the only place consumers can find their innovative banking solutions. Kasasa serves hundreds of community financial institutions nationwide, representing over 3 million consumer bank accounts across 3,400+ branches in all 50 states. Since 2003, Kasasa financial institutions have given back nearly $3 billion in rewards to Kasasa account holders.