Flood Zone Relief for Challenging Times

During the best of times, lenders seek reliable, easy-to-use services offered at a fair price. Federal Flood Certification Corp. calms the Flood Zone Determination process through their cost-effective approach that protects lenders, expedites the closing process, and helps the bottom line. Read more about flood zone relief...
 

Gladiator Technology's Enterprise Information Security Monitoring

Information Security is a top priority for you. Gladiator Technology can help. Read how Gladiator can help...
 

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Legislative Update
Governor Signs GBA Priority Legislation
The Senate this week unanimously passed GBA's priority legislation, HB 926, that allows state chartered banks to renew loans that would have otherwise exceeded the bank's lending limit because of capital erosion. In an usual move recognizing the importance of the issue, Governor Sonny Perdue signed the bill late Thursday afternoon, the first bill to be signed this session. More from the Gold Dome...

Chitty Appointed GBA Secretary/Treasurer

Ray Chitty, President, Guardian Bank, Valdosta, has been appointed as GBA Secretary/Treasurer. Ray is no stranger to GBA leadership. He has served on the GBA Board, is on the GBA Insurance Trust Board, is our Group 8 BankPAC board member and has been a GBA group officer. Please join us in welcoming Ray to this important volunteer role.

GBA in the News: Brannen Gives State of Banking Update on Atlanta Radio Show
Many Atlanta-area radio listeners Sunday morning heard our latest take on the Georgia banking landscape. Joe Brannen, GBA president and CEO, was a feature guest on WGKA's Money Talks radio program. Joe discussed capital availability for banks, commercial real estate trends, regulatory guidance about working with borrowers and the proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency. Here's a link to the audio clip. Money Talks is Atlanta's longest running financial talk radio show (23 years), airing Sundays at 10 a.m. on 920 AM WGKA. Hosts are Dr. Gene Henssler, Bil Lako, CFP®, and Ted Parrish, CFA.

TARP COP CRE Report Paints Gloomy Picture
As expected, the Congressional Oversight Panel for TARP released a tough report about the state of the commercial real estate (CRE) market. "The Panel is deeply concerned that a wave of commercial real estate loan losses over the next four years could jeopardize the stability of many banks, particularly community banks, and prolong an already painful recession," the news release about the report said. The issues in the report are not new for GBA member banks because of the well-documented stress to their portfolios caused by the construction and development loan component of CRE. Read more about the CRE report...

More SBA Expansion Proposed
New legislation was proposed last week that would expand Small Business Administration programs to provide more working capital loans and commercial real estate refinancing -- two areas that we understand would be beneficial for a number of Georgia banks and businesses. More SBA info...

GBA Roundtable Peer Groups Begin in March
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." More about Roundtables...

Free Rural Housing Loan Training March 3
The Clarkesville USDA Rural Development office is hosting a Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan training class in Clarkesville March 3 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Participants will learn how to put together an RD Guaranteed Loan package, and exactly what USDA regulations and requirements are for this program. This training class is free; however there is limited space. E-mail Samuel Kirkland to sign up.

Status of Important Banking Cases
Our thanks to the Office of the General Counsel of the American Bankers Association for making available the newest edition of the Status of Important Banking Cases to the members of our Bank Counsel Section. This monthly report provides up-to-date information about litigation involving banks across the country and is another member benefit for the attorneys in GBA's Bank Counsel Section. With questions about how your bank's attorney can participate in the Section, please contact GBA's Kenyetta Parks at 404.420.2035.

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Read All About It -- Send Us Your News
Please remember to include the Georgia Bankers Association on the list of recipients for announcements about promotions, new employees and special recognition your bank has received. We want to share your news with your colleagues across the state. Please forward your announcements and photos to GBA's Lydia Thomas.

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GBA Annual Convention
Who's Speaking?
June 13-16

Info Security Management Conference
Great for Managing Technical Security Controls
Feb. 18

Compliance Perspectives: A Monthly Update
Feb. 23

Operations and Technology Conference
March 2-3
Trends Session a Must

RESPA Update Seminar
March 3

Bank Trainer Peer Group Meeting
March 9

HR Professionals Institute
March 17-19
Legal Update Highlights Program

Leadership Conference
July 11-14
Register Early
and Save

AIB Online Instructor Led Courses

March Webinars

Full GBA-U Calendar