EPIC Students Dive Into Banking & Accounting With Local Industry Leaders
- Kylee
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation’s EPIC (Entrepreneurship Program Impacting Communities) continued its mission of preparing future business leaders with another powerful month of hands-on learning. In November, students explored the essential world of banking, accounting, and financial responsibility with two respected professionals from our local business community.
Smart Banking & Foundational Finance With SouthState Bank
Alex Sweeney, Vice President and Branch Manager with SouthState Bank, led students through a dynamic discussion focused on the foundational tools and relationships necessary for a secure financial life. His presentation unpacked the basics, moving beyond simple budgeting to focus on building a financial future.
Alex covered:
Understanding Credit: He broke down what credit is and, more importantly, why it matters when they eventually apply for mortgages, auto loans, or business financing.
The Power of Relationships: He stressed the value of having a relationship with your local bankers, viewing them as partners who can offer guidance and support as they grow their businesses and personal wealth.
Saving for the Future: Alex delivered a compelling message on the compounding effect of early saving, showing students how saving now will help them build a substantial nest egg as they grow older in their business.
His message was simple but powerful: financial literacy is one of the most important life skills students can master before entering adulthood.
Accounting: The Story Behind the Numbers With Saltwater Title Company
Derrick Cook, Accountant with Saltwater Title Company, brought accounting to life by showing how it serves as the ultimate translator for any business venture. Derrick's core point was that accounting tells the story of your business through numbers.
Students learned the foundations of:
Financial Storytelling: Tracking income and expenses to understand the plot (profit and loss) of their operations.
Narrative of Success: Building and maintaining a budget to control the direction and outcome of the business's story.
Impact on Strategy: Seeing how financial organization and accurate reporting influence every major strategic and long-term business decision.
Derrick broke the concepts down into relatable examples, helping students see how the seemingly dry practice of accounting is, in fact, the essential, numeric narrative of business success.
Preparing the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
The EPIC program continues to give students meaningful, real-world learning experiences by connecting them with local leaders who share practical knowledge and personal stories. Sessions like these help students not only understand financial concepts but also see how these skills shape successful careers and responsible decision-making.
We are grateful to SouthState Bank and Saltwater Title Company for investing in our students and strengthening the future of entrepreneurship in South Baldwin.