Guest Speakers

Guest Speakers

“Gazing into the Crystal Ball:
The Outlook for the Economy”
Loren C. Scott, Ph. D.
President, Loren C. Scott & Associates, Inc.
Professor Emeritus, Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA

Where is the U.S. economy heading? Will we be in a recession? If so, why should it be unusually short and shallow? Where are interest rates heading and what is their connection to inflationary expectations? Why are we heading into an unusually tight labor market? Dr. Loren Scott will answer these questions and provide strategies to cope with the economic environment in 2008 and beyond.

“Washington Update: ABA and the Issues”
Arthur R. Connelly, Chairman-Elect
American Bankers Association
South Shore Bancorp.
Weymouth, MA

ABA's Chairman-elect Art Connelly will address ABA’s current legislative and regulatory priorities, particularly as they relate to community banks. Come hear the latest efforts in the 110th Congress that could impact your bank.

“Silver Lining Opportunities in Trying Times”
G. Michael Odom, Jr., Moderator
Principal, Great Oaks Advisors, LLC
Richmond Hill, GA

Economic Slowdown. Housing Crisis. Emergency Rate Cuts. Credit Quality Deterioration. Funding Challenges. Increased Regulatory Scrutiny. Are there “Silver Lining Opportunities” in these banking industry dark clouds? Mike Odom will moderate a Q & A discussion with three experienced Georgia bankers addressing their approach to and advice on these and other challenges in the current banking environment.

“Is Liability-Based Liquidity Right For You?”
Karl Nelson, Director, Industry and Governmental Relations
Silverton Bank
Atlanta, GA

Community Banks are finding that increasing profits are a difficult reality these days. Many are turning to more aggressive liability-based liquidity concepts to help stop eroding margins. Regulatory guidance on liability-based liquidity is assisting the industry to rely more heavily on loans as opposed to investments. Join Karl Nelson as he provides information on this guidance and how to take advantage of this issue to enhance your profitability.

“Dialogue with Counsel - Banking in Times of Chaos and Change”
Walter G. Moeling, IV, Partner
Powell Goldstein LLP
Atlanta, GA

This interactive session will focus on the impact on bank management, bank boards and bank operations in the most tumultuous 12 months in banking in the past 15 years. These events will have a huge impact on how we operate, how the Regulators regulate and how investors invest going forward. Take advantage of this great opportunity to share your matters of concern to all of us. Be sure to bring your questions and your curiosity.

“The Art of Vision”
Erik Wahl
The Wahl Group
San Diego, CA

Your best sustainable edge is being better at mastering change and innovation than your competition. As the landscape for business continues to change, a clear vision is the key to successfully navigating tomorrow’s uncharted waters. From small companies to large corporations - employees at all levels can better embrace the future by becoming more innovative. Discover new ways to make your organization more creative, more productive and ultimately, more profitable.

2008 Annual Convention

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