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Casey Cagle Named to GB&T Bancshares' Board of Directors

GAINESVILLE, Ga., Sept. 1, 2004 -- The Board of Directors of GB&T Bancshares, Inc. is pleased to announce that State Senator Casey Cagle has joined the board as a new director. Having served as Chairman of the Board of Southern Heritage Bancorp and lead bank -- Southern Heritage Bank -- since the company was first organized in 1998, Cagle is the owner and President of Casey Cagle Properties.

A Georgia native, Cagle is a graduate of Johnson High School, Gainesville College and Georgia Southern University. He and his wife, Nita have three sons, Jared, Grant and Carter.

"We look forward to the contributions that Casey will bring to our board," commented GB&T Chairman, Philip Wilheit. "He is experienced in the industry from his many years with Southern Heritage Bank and is a strong community leader."

GB&T President and CEO, Richard Hunt agrees, "His commitment to public service and to the people in his district is a reflection of his character and integrity. We are fortunate to have Casey join our organization."

About GB&T Bancshares, Inc.

GB&T Bancshares, Inc. is headquartered in Gainesville, Georgia. Affiliate banks operating under the GB&T Bancshares' umbrella of community banks include:

Gainesville Bank & Trust (Hall County, GA), United Bank & Trust (Polk & Bartow Counties, GA), Community Trust Bank (Paulding and Cobb Counties, GA), HomeTown Bank of Villa Rica (Carroll and Paulding Counties, GA) and First National Bank of the South (Baldwin & Putnam Counties, GA). GB&T is also the parent company of Community Loan Company, a consumer finance company with eight offices in north Georgia. Lead bank, Gainesville Bank & Trust, recently announced the addition of two new divisions -- Southern Heritage Bank in southern Hall County and Lumpkin County Bank. GB&T common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "GBTB." Please visit our website at www.gbt.com for additional information.

CONTACT:  BG&T Bancshares, Inc.
          Gregory L. Hamby   
          EVP and CFO
          ghamby@gbt.com
          (678) 450-3369  
          
          W. Michael Banks
          Senior Vice President
          (678) 450-3480
          mbanks@gbt.com