GBA University Edge: The premier education and training resource for banks and bankers
The premier education and training resource for banks and bankers
Home  I  GBA University  I  Member Services  I  Volunteers  I  Government Relations  I  Calendar of Events

                           February 2010  

About GBA University
GBA University is the virtual campus for all of GBA's learning, career planning and networking offerings that are essential for the continuing education and development for Georgia's career bankers.

GBA-U is about YOUR continued learning:

  • In-person seminars

  • Webinars

  • Banking Schools

  • AIB Courses

  • Conferences

Check the GBA-U home page for all the details.

In This Issue:
 Ready to Roll into Spring with Tons of Great Education Opportunities

Check out all the great GBA-U offerings coming up during the next couple of months. Our Roundtables and Peer Groups are getting geared up for March. We've already announced a couple of outstanding speakers for Annual Convention and there are scores of conferences, schools, seminars, webinars and AIB offerings to suit every topic of importance to you as a career banker. We're sure you'll find something that is of importance and interest to your training and development needs.
 
GBA Roundtable Peer Groups Begin in March, Limited Spots Available for New Members
It's time to rejoin or sign up for GBA's President/CEO and Finance/Operations Roundtables. Joining us again as facilitators are Elaine Demarest and Chrys Henderson of Demarest Strategy Group, Inc. The meetings are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on dates selected by the participants at Idle Hour Country Club in Macon. Value extends beyond just those meeting dates, though. "The year-round e-mail networking has proven to be very beneficial for the members of these groups," Demarest said. "It's a great way to stay connected and in the know through the most challenging period that I've seen in Georgia banking." A limited number of slots are available in the Roundtable groups for new members. The next Roundtable sessions are slated to begin in March. To find out more about the meeting schedule and session formats, visit our Peer Groups and Roundtables web site. With questions or to sign up for placement in a peer group, contact Elaine Demarest at 843.686.5044 or Susie McGehee at 404.420.2010.
Learn about the Latest Technology Trends at the Operations and Technology Conference
Industry expert Jimmy Sawyers, Sawyers & Jacobs, will discuss the latest technology trends in banking while exploring the benefits of each. Find out how mobile devices and social media will figure into your bank's technology strategy. Get the information you need to update your bank's strategic technology plan and prepare for a whole new world of life- and bank-changing, technology. The Operations and Technology Conference is March 2-3, 2010, at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. The Renaissance Waverly Hotel is offering GBA members a special rate of $149. The rate is based on availability, so make your reservations early by calling the hotel directly at 770.953.4500. For more information or to register, contact GBA's Marybeth Jones at 404.420.2032.
Legal Update on Tap at the Annual HR Professionals Institute
Join Steve Greene, Helms & Greene, LLC, and Marian Exall, Employment Law Compliance, Inc., as they identify and discuss the most significant legal compliance challenges for community bankers. This session will include practical advice. Attendees will have an opportunity to raise questions and observations during this highly interactive session. The presenters will also provide take-and-use materials to assist bankers implement HR best practices. The HR Professionals Institute is March 17-19, 2010, at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. The Renaissance Waverly Hotel is offering GBA members a special rate of $149. The rate is based on availability so make your reservations early by calling the hotel directly at 770.953.4500. For more information or to register, contact GBA's Marybeth Jones at 404.420.2032.
Sign up Now for Georgia Banking School: The Best Way to Boost Your Banking Career

Give your banking career a big boost by attending the best, most comprehensive banking program in Georgia. Banking has changed dramatically in the past two years. This year, the Georgia Banking School will continue to provide its traditionally well-balanced curriculum focusing on contemporary issues such as small business development, regulatory change and the fluctuating economic environment. Reinvest in yourself now by enrolling in the Georgia Banking School, held at the University of Georgia from May 2-7, 2010. For more information or to register, contact GBA's Marybeth Jones at 404.420.2032.
National Economic, Business Experts Headline 2010 Annual Convention
GBA's Annual Convention scheduled for June 13-16 at Charleston Place in Charleston, SC has an outstanding line-up of expert speakers again this year. You'll receive an economic update from Senior Economist, Mark Vitner with Wells Fargo, learn how to deal with the current regulatory situation and the examination environment from GBA Counsel Walt Moeling, get an enlightened glimpse of "What's Next" in the financial services industry from Charles E. "Gus" Whalen, Chairman of the Warren Featherbone Company in Gainesville, and much more. Also on tap are eight valuable breakout sessions, including a session specifically for outside directors. We'll mail brochures with details about the convention in the next few weeks. GBA has reserved a block of rooms at Charleston Place at a reduced rate of $299 per night for single or double occupancy. Make your reservations by calling the hotel directly at 843.724.8410. The cut-off date for reservations is May 21. With questions, please call GBA's Susie McGehee at 404.420.2010.
Leadership Conference -- July 11-14: Save by Registering Early
If you're looking for timely information such as an economic update, information from regulators, up-to-date information about state and federal legislative issues, along with excellent leadership training, be sure to attend Leadership GBA's Leadership Conference. You'll also have many excellent opportunities to network with bankers from around the state to share ideas. The conference is July 11-14 at Amelia Island Plantation in Amelia Island, Florida. We'll mail a brochure, including conference details, in early March. Also, take advantage of the $395 early bird registration fee by registering before June 1. With questions about the Leadership Conference or Leadership GBA, please call GBA's Susie McGehee at 404.420.2010 or Jennifer Stevens at 404.420.2024.
Bank Trainer Peer Group Meeting Set For March 9; New Techniques and Technology
Please join us for the GBA-U's Bank Trainer Peer Group on Tuesday, March 9, at the Georgia Bankers Association, Atlanta. We have two industry experts lined up. June Somers will provide great information and some important tips on adult learning. Teri Callahan, with the American Institute of Banking (AIB), will also be on hand to update you on the new Learning Management System, BankPoint, and online eLearning. During lunch, you will also have the opportunity to network with your colleagues at our roundtable discussions. With questions, please contact GBA's Alison Moreau at 404.420.2034.

Career Paths for Bankers: Consumer Banking Blocking and Tackling

Football may be in hibernation, but that's no reason we can't rely on the blocking and tackling theme to emphasize a focus on the fundamentals. GBA University's Career Paths for BankersTM is the fast and easy way to identify job-specific ongoing development courses for key staff members. And what's more key right now than the basic consumer banking related responsibilities for the following three job titles:

 

Head of Retail Banking

Loan Operations Manager

Loan Operations Manager (continued)

Deposit Operations Manager

These are just the courses offered this month. Of course, there's much more. Visit our Career Paths for BankersTM web site for a full listing of the 44 bank jobs, skills and competencies for each and all GBA-U career development offerings for each. Don't forget, GBA Strategic Partner TalentQuest can also provide an enhanced performance management system based on our Career Paths for BankersTM. With questions, contact GBA's Alison Moreau at 404.420.2034.
Let's Get Started: AIB Instructor-Led Online Courses for March
American Institute of Banking (AIB)Here are the instructor-led AIB online classes offered the month of March. These courses are instructor-facilitated with weekly assignments and can be taken from your home or your office. All you need is a computer, printer and Internet access. (Classes with an asterisk * require Microsoft Excel Software.) Please register two weeks in advance to secure a seat in the class.

Please see the AIB Online Course Schedule for a complete listing or call GBA's Alison Moreau at 404.420.2034 with questions.
IRA Training: Introduction to IRAs and IRA Online Institute
Now is the time to get ready for IRA season. ABA has two courses that will help equip your employees for upcoming sales.

Introduction to IRAs is a brand new, 30-minute, online self-paced course that provides key concepts about basic IRA product features and benefits, and contribution and distribution requirements. This course discusses traditional, rollover, and Roth IRAs, including the new conversion rules, as well as Simplified Employee Pension Plans and SIMPLE Retirement Accounts. The course also presents information about IRA tax benefits and penalty calculations. Students will gain a greater understanding of how IRAs work, which will enhance their ability to help customers and increase IRA sales. Also, ABA includes a printable "Reference Guide." The cost of this course is $95 for members.

IRA Online Institute is an instructor-led online AIB 12-week course that provides comprehensive training about all aspects of IRAs. It covers both traditional and Roth IRAs as well as Employer Plans (SEP SIMPLE). The Online Institute is an Institute of Certified Bankers approved educational program for the Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) designation. Students should expect to spend 15-20 hours a week completing the readings and assignments.  This could vary depending on the student's knowledge of IRAs. The start date for this course is March 1 and is $1,495 for members.

With questions about either of these courses, please contact GBA's Alison Moreau at 404.420.2034.

Show Up: Why You Should Attend an In-person Seminar

An important aspect of any job is to receive great training. That's why GBA-U offers a variety of in-person seminars. What are the advantages of attending an in-person seminar? It allows you to have personal interaction with the speaker, ask specific questions, participate in peer discussions and truly have a more memorable experience while receiving pertinent information. In September and October GBA-U will host the in-person seminars listed below. For more details, click on the seminar of your choice. See you there!

  • Effective Information Security Management– Feb. 18, Macon.
    To comply with section 501(b) of the GLBA, financial institutions are directed to designate an Information Security Officer (ISO) to develop, implement and manage a comprehensive Information Security Program. This seminar will focus on the responsibilities of the ISO with a special emphasis on assessing risk and managing technical security controls.     This course also qualifies as curriculum credit required for the Bank Security Academy.

  • RESPA Update -- March 3, Macon.
    A detailed overview of the new requirements will be provided and includes line-by-line instructions for completing these mandated forms referencing the most recent guidance issued by HUD and much more. In addition, a separate explanation of how the requirements differ between bank loan officers, mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers will be provided.

  • Fraud –March 11, Macon.
    Interested in learning about all forms of external bank fraud? Learn about email-scams, check fraud, counterfeit checks and much more by attending GBA's Fraud Seminar.  This course also qualifies as curriculum credit required for the Bank Security Academy.

  • Introduction to Consumer Lending– March 16, Macon
    Designed to help participants understand the credit process, improve the quality of credit decisions and increase their confidence in making decisions. This seminar presents a practical approach to consumer lending.

  • Employee Investigations -- March 30, Macon.
    This seminar is designed for Bank Security Officers, Human Systems Managers, Auditors, Financial Center Managers and Department Managers. Learn about evidence collections, workplace violence, interviews, interrogation and much more.
Webinars: Managing Problem Loans, Credit Stress Testing, Call Report Preparation and More

Just a reminder that GBA will offer the following webinars this month:

All webinars are live and allow time for questions and answers. The $250 registration fee gives you access to one web site "seat," one telephone site license and all handout materials. If you can't attend the webinar, you may buy the audio CD, handout materials and a password to see the information online. With questions, please call GBA's Courtenay Pope at 404.420.2015.
Like it? Pass It On, or Recommend a Subscription

If you like GBA-U Edge be sure and forward it to others at your bank. And, if you think someone at your bank should get it, send us an e-mail with their name, title and e-mail address and we'll add them to our monthly distribution. There's no better way to share and enhance the value of GBA University as a resource for your bank's continued success.

Georgia Bankers Association • 50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 1050, Atlanta, GA 30303 • Phone 404.522.1501 • Fax 404.522.9848 • www.gabankers.com