Small Banks Hobbled by Fannie, Freddie

Charles E. Allen Jr. took pride in leading the only independent bank based in Johnson City, a northeast Tennessee town with a rich history in railroads, mining and old-time music. Twelve years ago, Mr. Allen, a former state legislator whose roots in the region date to the nineteenth century, joined 100 families to raise money for State of Franklin Bancshares Inc. Shareholders include local business owners,... [read full story]