Georgia Bankers Association
48th Annual Leadership Conference
July 13-16, 2008
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra, Florida

Program Highlights

 

Reflections on the Current Economic Climate

Dr. Roger Tutterow, Professor of Economics

Stetson School of Business and Economics

Mercer University

Join Dr. Tutterow as he provides a timely overview of the current national and regional economic environment.  Topics will include recent challenges to the economic expansion, the role of energy prices in consumer price inflation, the recent tightening in the debt market and its implication for corporate activity and strategies, shifts in real estate financing, the outlook for monetary and fiscal policy and the implications of the pending elections for the political climate both “inside the beltway” and in your community.

 

“Legislative Update”

Elizabeth Chandler, Senior Vice President  

Georgia Bankers Association, Atlanta

GBA’s own Elizabeth Chandler will bring you up to date on the latest state and federal issues affecting the banking industry today as well as the results of the 2008 legislative session.  The GBA follows many issues at both the state and federal level that are of interest to a cross-section of bankers.  This update will also reinforce the importance of your being politically involved on behalf of your industry.

 

Oh, Fee Income, Where Art Thou?!

Lee Wetherington, Senior Vice President

Goldleaf Technologies, Hahira

Though net margins have declined, banks have historically maintained fee income (as a percentage of assets) largely due to mortgage services.  Now, however, many banks are experiencing and projecting record declines in mortgage volume and related fee income.  How, and from where, will banks generate fee income in the face of the free-checking, free-billpay, free-everything trend?  Will it come from debit cards, ATMs, or any other consumer service?  Will it come from new corporate services?  If so, which ones?  Join us for the answers…so that you don’t become the “Bank of Constant Sorrow.”

 

Attracting Business to Georgia in a Changing Global Economy

Brenda Robbins, Senior Project Manager

Community & Economic Development

Georgia Power, Atlanta

What types of opportunities exist for growing Georgia's economy?  What factors attract companies to Georgia?  What are Georgia's challenges?  Come hear the answer to these questions and much more as Brenda Robbins provides you with Georgia’s current economic development status as well as valuable information on the fundamentals of attracting new business to your community. 

 

The Leadership Challenge of Dealing with Paradox

Peter Topping, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Goizueta Business School

Emory University, Atlanta

Leaders in any organizational context struggle with addressing complex issues.  That is clearly the situation for the financial services industry.  Today's leaders in the banking world must have the competency of effectively dealing with paradox and ambiguity.  Come hear Dr. Peter Topping offer a framework for utilizing the power of "both/and" thinking for you and your staff.

 

View from a Hearse – Lighten Up!

Bruce Goddard

Goddard Funeral Home, Reynolds

As a fourth generation undertaker from Reynolds Georgia, Bruce Goddard has made some interesting observations about life.  Some of those observations will make you laugh, some will make you cry.  But above all, Bruce will teach you how to truly celebrate life, with all its quirky imperfections!

 

Schedule of Events

 

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Registration (3:00 p.m.)

Orientation for First-Time Attendees (5:00 p.m.)

Welcome Reception and Dinner (children invited)

 

Monday, July 14, 2008

General Session

Economic Update

Legislative Update

Group Representative Meetings and Elections

Fee Income Session

Optional Activity:  Golf Tournament at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club’s Ocean Course

 

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

General Session

Leadership Training Session

Economic Development Trends  

Closing Speaker – Bruce Goddard

Optional Activity:  Volleyball Match on the beach

Farewell Festivities:  Reception and Farewell Dinner for Bankers and registered Spouses

 

Children’s Program

An organized children’s program is planned for Tuesday night, July 15, during the reception and farewell dinner.  Details on the program content and cost will be included in your confirmation packet.

In addition to a challenging program, the Leadership Conference also gives Leadership GBA members an opportunity to develop new friendships and rekindle old ones among your colleagues.  For sports enthusiasts, the conference features the following:

 

Scramble Golf Tournament:    Monday, July 14, 1:00 p.m. – Ponte Vedra Inn & Club’s Ocean Course

Co-Chairs:         Brad Barber, Commercial Banking Company, Valdosta

David Beaubien, Citizens Bank of Bulloch County, Statesboro

 

Volleyball Match:         Tuesday, July 15, 2:00 p.m. – On  the Beach

Co-Chairs:         Alan Thomes, Cornerstone Bank, Atlanta

Tim Carter, Bank of Madison

Register For This Event