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It’s out with the old and in with the new for Advance America in Lanett, which is undergoing a rebranding. 

During a ribbon cutting with the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, Manager Amanda Chandler said the company has had an overhaul, moving away from payday loans to offer “regular installment loans at affordable interest rates.”

“Thank you all for keeping your business in Lanett because we need more businesses, so we appreciate you all staying here,” Mayor Jamie Heard said. 

Chandler said they are aware of the community’s wariness of the more predatory types of loans Advance America used to offer, and she hopes to improve the perception of the business. The company will no longer be offering payday loans or title loans. Instead, it will offer installment loans of up to $2,000-3,000 with “affordable interest rates.” 

The loan agency has been active in Lanett for several years. Recently, with the business model change, they joined the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. Advance America in Leeds, Alabama, also had a ribbon cutting to celebrate the rebranding.

“We’re trying to give back, so we have volunteer days,” Chandler added.

Chandler plans to get the Lanett branch more involved with the community. Starting this quarter, volunteer days will allow employees to help at local nonprofits and still receive their regular pay.