Community banking, cutting-edge AI, and growing scam threats drive discussion at Prattville Chamber luncheon

Addie McCluskey

Elmore Autauga News

The Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly luncheon, Feb. 18, 2026, at Catfish House, sponsored by Central Alabama Electric Cooperative.

The chamber’s monthly luncheons continue to serve as a hub for connection among business professionals across the region. Each gathering spotlights a new topic, aimed at informing and equipping attendees with practical knowledge they can apply to their organizations.

This month’s keynote speaker, Ryan Skipper, Chief Lending Officer at First Community Bank of Central Alabama, provided insight on the power of community banking and the significance of fraud prevention.

Growing across Elmore and Autauga counties, First Community Bank believes that banking is more than just managing money. It’s about relationships — genuine, human connections built on trust, kindness, and a shared commitment to making life better.

“We use the word community because that is our focus,” said Skipper. “Everything we do goes back into the community.”

Skipper explained that people remain the bank’s top priority. As part of that commitment, the institution is actively addressing the rise in fraud through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning models designed to detect suspicious activity faster and more accurately.

“Each of us has different ways of moving through things like Amazon and banking apps,” said Skipper. “The machine learning models notate discrepancies and can actually recognize when there are issues.”

While technology is helping banks stay ahead of criminals, Skipper cautioned that scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. With systems growing smarter and faster every day, fraudulent texts and emails can appear more convincing than ever.

“Trust but verify,” said Skipper. “Don’t click the link or give out information unless you know them and have had a conversation with them.”

In closing, Skipper reinforced the value of open dialogue and collaboration, noting that forums like the chamber’s luncheon provide space for leaders to learn from one another’s experiences and strengthen the broader business community.

“Bringing issues to the table, what happened, what preceded that, what the outcomes were, and getting with groups like this and sharing those, it only strengthens our community and provides solutions,” said Skipper.