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 January 2011

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

 

The hundreds of offerings and a
GBA-U's top-notch staff and instructors are why Georgia bankers rely on GBA-U as the principal outside resource they use in accomplishing their goals and objectives.

 

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

In This Issue:

GBA-University Has a Great 2011 In Store for Members

We hope everyone had a great Holiday Season. Now, it's back to work. We're excited about the new year and are as committed as ever to helping you and your bank have a successful new year. See below for some of your colleagues' resolutions for kicking off the new decade, some deadlines for saving on our most popular events coming up, news about the Bank Trainer Peer Group and our full list of Webinars, Seminars and AIB offerings.

Banker Education Resolutions for 2011

We asked GBA member bankers what their education and training resolutions for 2011 are and got some great answers. At GBA University, we resolve to make your participation in our programs the most valuable resource for your career and your bank. Here are some of the resolutions your fellow bankers shared:

  • "First of all I have personally enjoyed my years serving on the GBA Marketing Committee. It brings together very talented and technically 'savvy' individuals from around the state keeping us on the leading edge of technology in marketing our banks, so one resolution is to find ways to stay involved as a volunteer in some way. I also personally enjoy the weekly GBA E-bulletin as it provides me a snapshot of activities and legislation within our own banking area, so a resolution is to be sure to read that thoroughly every week. And, I have always felt the GBA education and training programs are critical to the ongoing development of our staff, so I'll keep relying on GBA for meeting those needs." - Bob Montgomery, City President, South Georgia Banking Company, Moultrie.

  • "I would like to utilize the Online GBA Bank Trainers Community more to network with Bank Trainers instead of just email/phone contacts." - Kristi Greer, Education & Development Officer, Oconee State Bank, Watkinsville
     

  • "I hope to check the web site more frequently and to set an annual training calendar with training updates like, IRA, BSA, Reg. CC, and other recurring training sessions. I also hope to develop a mentoring program for new hires." - Pam Alligood, Training Coordinator, State Bank and Trust, Macon
     

  • "There are three resolutions I have: Appoint a new Leadership GBA representative for the bank and have them attend the annual Leadership conference, recruit at least three new attendees for the Leadership conference that did not attend last year, and, speak with elected officials more often. - Brad Barber, City President/Chief Lending Officer, Commercial Banking Company, Valdosta.

Do you have some resolutions you'd like to share? Send them to us by clicking here.

 

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Legislative Reception and Legislative/Economic Update Quickly Approaching!

There's still time to register for GBA's annual Legislative Reception and Legislative and Economic update scheduled for Jan. 12. The reception will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. at The Commerce Club in their new location on the 49th Floor of the of the 191 Peachtree Building. The Legislative and Economic update is slated for the afternoon of January 12 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta. Joe Keating, Chief Investment Officer, CenterState Bank, NA, Atlanta will be on hand to provide an update of the current national and state economic environment. Also joining us will be Commissioner Rob Braswell with the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance as well as key Georgia legislators to bring you up to date on the latest issues the banking industry will be facing in the 2011 legislative session. To register, click here. With questions about the reception or the update, contact GBA's Susie McGehee at 404.420.2010.

 

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Deadline for Early Registration Extended for GBA Banking Schools; Save $125

The deadline for the Georgia Banking School and the Southern Operations and Technology School early registration discount for first year students has been extended to Jan. 21. Take advantage of the $125 savings by enrolling one of your employees now. Both schools meet in 2011 at the University of Georgia May 1-6. Call GBA's Marybeth Jones at 404.420.2032 for details and registration information.

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Career Planning: Six Ways Career Paths for Bankers Can Power Your Career

GBA has a unique tool bankers can use to map their careers and get all the training they need to be a better banker. Here are six reasons Career Paths for Bankers should be among your favorite career-planning tools.

 

  1. It's FREE, and available 24-7 online.

  1. There are 44 job descriptions located in Career Paths for Bankers divided into three job families.

  1. Each job description lists job expectations as well as the full range of skills and competencies needed

  1. Each job description links to a full course catalog of available GBA-U training specifically aligned with the necessary skills and competencies.

  1. You can use it to manage and map career and development plans for entire departments and other individuals at your bank.

  1. Last of all, our GBA staff can use your feedback and Career Paths for Bankers to customize training programs for your bank.

 

Career Paths for Bankers is simply one of the best values of GBA membership. Check it out if you haven't already. One more note. If you would like a detailed tour of Career Paths for Bankers, we will come to you or walk you through the site by phone if you like. Contact Alison Moreau, 404.420.2034, for more information.

 

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Free Resource: GBA Communities Are a Great Way to Keep Education Sessions Going

A full schedule of upcoming GBA events this winter and spring will give you the chance to learn about a wide range of financial topics from some of the most knowledgeable presenters available. GBA works diligently to provide the best instructors at our live events, but there are things you can learn from your peers going forward from an event as well. GBA Communities were designed with that idea in mind. Interactive features, such as the live discussion boards found in GBA Communities, provide a great new way to use the collective knowledge of others working within your specific discipline in the industry. Here is a list of current GBA Communities with links to sign up for free:

If you have any questions or comments about GBA Communities please contact Bogan Brannen at 404.420.2014.

 

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Regional Economic Outlook Featured at Annual Financial Risk Management Conference

Join Michael Chriszt, Assistant Vice President, Research Department for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta as he discusses the regional economic outlook with particular emphasis on the state of Georgia. He will review several important economic indicators and present the Atlanta Fed's most recent review of the regional economy, also known as the "Beige Book." This year's Financial Risk Management Conference is scheduled for Jan. 19-20, 2011, at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. GBA has a company rate of $149 at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel based on availability, so make your reservations early by calling the hotel directly at 770. 953.4500. Click here to see the agenda. For more information or to register, please contact GBA's Marybeth Jones at 404.420.2032.

 

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Bank Trainer Peer Group Meeting Scheduled for Jan 26.

Please join us for the GBA-U's Bank Trainer Peer Group on, Wednesday, Jan 26, at Georgia Bank and Trust Company Training Center, Martinez. Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Chris DiLorenzo, President of The James Paul Group, Duluth. He will address the constant challenges of how to recognize training opportunities through observations and interviews, product knowledge testing and post-training evaluations and measurements. We will finish up with an open forum discussion. With questions about the meeting, please contact GBA's Alison Moreau at 404.420.2034.

 

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2011 Annual Convention - June 20-21, Atlanta, GA

Go ahead and make your plans for this year's GBA Annual Convention June 20-21 at The St. Regis in Atlanta. Attendees will hear nationally known speakers discussing many of the hot issues facing bankers today. The convention also provides excellent networking opportunities to share ideas with your colleagues. A complete convention package will be mailed in February. GBA has reserved a block of rooms at The St. Regis at a reduced rate of $219 per night for single or double occupancy. Reservations may be made by calling the hotel directly at 404.563.7900. Be sure to say you are with the GBA to receive this special rate. The cut-off date for reservations is May 28. With questions about the convention, please contact GBA's Susie McGehee at 404.420.2010.

 

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Mark Your Calendar! 2011 Leadership Conference - July 24-27, St. Simons Island, GA

Leadership GBA will hosts its 2011 Annual Leadership Conference on July 24-27 at the King & Prince on St. Simons Island. The Leadership GBA Executive Committee is planning a great program that promises to be both timely and educational. Attendees will receive an economic update, an analysis on the banking industry, get up-to-date information on the legislative front, plus much more. The conference will also provide excellent networking opportunities for bankers from around the state to share ideas. With questions about the Leadership Conference or Leadership GBA in general, please call GBA's Susie McGehee at 404.420.2010 or Jennifer Stevens at 404.420.2024.

 

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AIB Instructor-Led Online Classes

Instructor-led AIB Online Courses are similar to the traditional classroom courses of the American Institute of Banking (AIB). They begin and end on specified dates and, where applicable, textbooks are sent to students prior to the beginning of class. Students complete assignments and examinations online. Instructors take an active role in managing the virtual classroom, communicating with students and assigning homework. AIB has been the leader in bank training for more than 100 years. Today AIB offers 21 different courses; all courses are the same high‑quality educational content only in a convenient format to suit your schedule and career goals. Here is a link to the upcoming instructor-led AIB online classes. Why take an AIB course?

 

Benefits to You...

  • A powerful learning experience

  • Current and authoritative textbooks and readings

  • Experienced online instructors with banking expertise

  • Exercises and exams to test your learning

  • All the value of a classroom on your schedule

  • Courses you need when you want them

  • More than 30 individual online courses in all

  • Topics include banking basics, lending, retail banking, accounting, trust, bank management, marketing & sales, and more

  • The high-quality of an AIB course delivered online

  • Set your schedule each week - no need to be online at a certain date or time

  • Unique sessions of many courses available just for your bank.

Attention from your instructor, interaction with your peers:

  • All courses facilitated by an instructor who provides feedback on assignments and is available to answer your questions

  • Peer interaction and discussion are an integral part of the class and maximize the learning experience

  • Instructors are banking or training professionals in the industry

  • The class size provides the opportunity for as much attention as you need.

Top-quality, up-to-date curriculum:

  • Content developed with an insider's perspective - by bankers, for bankers

  • Curriculum updated as needed for accuracy and relevance to the dynamic financial services industry

  • High completion rates and student satisfaction.

AIB credentials, ICB certification and college credit

  • Courses may apply to more than one AIB diploma or certificate, allowing more rapid attainment of credentials and career progress

  • Courses may count toward certification by the Institute of Certified Bankers (ICB) - one of financial services' most highly respected and valued credentials

  • Many courses have been reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE) for college credit.

Here are the instructor-led AIB online classes offered the month of February. 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.

There is still availability in the following AIB Online classes for the month of January.  Please register as soon as possible 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.

 

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Register for GBA Webinars Today

GBA will offer the following webinars this winter. Click the links below for details and access to registration. These webinars offer a low-cost and efficient way to make the most of your training budget. 

All webinars are live and allow time for questions and answers. The $255 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.

 

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Seminars: Employee Investigations, HMDA, IRA's and much more

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. GBA-U will host the in-person seminars this fall listed below. For more details, click on the seminar of your choice. See you there!

  • Employee Investigations - Jan. 18, Macon
    This interactive one-day seminar will help you deal with the obstacles and challenges you face when conducting employee investigations. Some of the topics to be covered include: Evidence Collection, Analysis, & Organization, Interview and Interrogation, and Workplace Violence.
     

  • Problem Loans: Managing Workouts to Optimize Portfolio Value - Jan. 26, Macon
    This seminar covers workout issues and is intended to optimize the outcome of problem loans in the bank's commercial and real-estate portfolio. It looks at the handling of individual loans as well as portfolio management. It is designed to provide the participant with a toolbox that supports early recognition of problems, assessment of client viability, alternative courses of action for the lender, and decision support for the selection of appropriate actions. Case studies will be included for demonstration.
     

  • HMDA + CRA - Feb. 1, Macon
     HMDA receives scrutiny from federal bank examiners, and it has a significant impact on a Bank's CRA and Fair Lending performance. Based on recent changes, HMDA compliance may also determine whether a Bank has violated new provisions of Regulation Z. CRA - Banks with assets between $250K - $1 MM are subject to the new Intermediate Small Bank examination and a new Community Development Test.
     

  • IRA Basics - Feb. 9, Macon
    This comprehensive A-Z workshop will provide the new IRA banker and supervisor with a complete understanding of all areas of the IRA, as well as an review of significant proposed changes. The seminar includes the IRA Training and Reference Manual, otherwise known as the "IRA Survival Guide" or the "Red Book".
     

  • IRA Update - Feb. 10, Gainesville
     This detailed workshop serves as an excellent refresher for the experienced IRA banker as well as a confidence builder for the less experienced IRA representative who may be unfamiliar with the more technical and complex areas of IRAs. This seminar will provide a thorough update and review of the significant final regulations regarding the Pension Protection Act and other IRA legislation.
     

  • Analyzing Commercial Financial Statements - March 3, Macon
    This one-day workshop is designed to introduce and utilize a comprehensive and consistent approach to analyzing commercial financial statements. Emphasis is placed on a practical methodology to assist bankers in evaluating the creditworthiness of a company.
     

  • Understanding Income Taxes - March 24, Macon
    This class will cover the basics of your income tax calculation including current and deferred tax, valuation allowances, and multistate tax. This seminar will walk through how the expense is computed, the practical aspects of making estimated payments and what creates the deferred tax balances that remain on your balance sheet.

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Suggest a Course: Your Needs Drive GBA-U Offerings

We want to make sure we keep putting the "you" in GBA-U. If there's something we don't offer on our regular calendar, let us know what might be helpful. We'll see if we can build a special program based on your suggestion. E-bulletin readers, send our GBA-University staff an e-mail with your suggestion. Be sure to give us some idea about how you'd prefer to get the training such as an in-person seminar, webinar or other channel, and a reasonably convenient location suggestion for in-person course suggestions. Or you can fill out and fax back this form.

 

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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.

 

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