In-store bankers are experts in finding creative ways to catch potential customers' attention. That's a skill that every modern bank employee needs to hone.

Community Banker University will provide courses on topics ranging from wealth management and call reports to information technology and compliance. The platform will use a variety of channels such as in-person training and webinars.

Carolina Bank Holdings in Greensboro, N.C., has raised $15.1 million through a private placement of convertible preferred stock.

CommunityOne Bancorp in Charlotte, N.C., has agreed to buy a branch in Lenoir, N.C., from CertusBank.

Delmarva, the parent of the $192 million-asset 1880 Bank, will pay $8 million in cash for the $133 million-asset Easton.

Atlantic Coast Financial in Jacksonville, Fla., has been released from an enforcement action that required it to improve its capital ratios.

The $317 million-asset State Bank said in a press release Tuesday that it will sell the Yuma, Ariz., branch — along with $17 million in deposits and $18 million in loans — for roughly $750,000.

The sweeping reforms passed in 2010 didn't bring community banks to the brink of extinction. Rather, their numbers have dwindled because of the impact of economies of scale and dormant de novo banking activity.

Sun Bancorp in Mount Laurel, N.J., has decided to sell another branch and consolidate nine others as part of the ongoing streamlining of its retail network.

HomeTrust Bancshares has one less worry after a judge dismissed a three-year-old lawsuit against the Asheville, N.C., company.

Summit Financial in Moorefield, W.Va., has filed to raise $15 million over time.

Guaranty Bancorp in Denver is registering shares so that a number of large investors can sell stock over time.

CommunityOne Bancorp in Charlotte, N.C., is registering shares to make it easier for investors to sell stock over time.

Wilshire Bancorp in Los Angeles has opened its first branch in Georgia.

CertusHoldings in Greenville, S.C., is planning to exit North Carolina.

Univest Corp. of Pennsylvania in Souderton has issued $50 million in subordinated debt.

The $20 billion-asset Wintrust will pay $17 million in cash for the $108 million-asset North Bank, which serves Chicago's River North and Streeterville neighborhoods.

Banc of California in Irvine has begun two securities offerings, one of which aims to raise $175 million.

Pricing in Florida might be ticking higher as the state's economy booms, but some banks are still feeling the effects of the last downturn. Those banks are perhaps perfect candidates for acquirers looking to tap into the recovery.

Community Trust Bank in Ruston, La., has bought four branches in Houston from Hancock Holding in Gulfport, Miss.