Legislature to Convene Monday

GREAT Plan Includes Bank Services

As mentioned above, Speaker Richardson is pressing the Legislature to replace the ad valorem tax funding for schools with a state sales tax on services.  In legislation released this week, the banking industry was listed among the businesses that would be asked to collect sales taxes on their services.  We are assessing the impact on our members and will let Speaker

Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System

GBA’s Lobbyists at the Capitol

Throughout the session, GBA’s three lobbyists will be at the Capitol providing information to legislators about the complex issues affecting our industry.  GBA President Joe Brannen; Senior Vice President for Government Relations Elizabeth

Last Call for GBA’s Legislative Reception

CEO Roundtable Openings Available

GBA’s President/CEO Roundtables have proven to be a huge success for sharing ideas and best practices among senior executives from banks of all sizes and structures.  Each Roundtable is composed of up to 12 senior executives representing banks in non-competing markets and meets three times each year to discuss topics of interest chosen by the participants.  The Roundtables are facilitated by Mike Odom,  veteran Georgia banker and Principal of Great Oaks Advisors,

Register for GBA Webinar Today

Just a reminder that GBA will offer the following webinars during the week of January 21^st.  Webinars offer you the opportunity and convenience of having a seminar at your bank.  All you need is a computer, Internet access and a telephone.  All webinars are live and allow time throughout for questions and answers.  The registration fee of $250 allows you access to one website “seat,” one telephone site license and all hand out materials.  If you are unable to attend the webinar but would like to have the information for training purposes, you may purchase an audio CD, handout materials and a password to view the information online.  Complete details about the webinar, topics to be covered, and information about the presenter can be found on

GBA’s Calendar of Events.  With questions, please call GBA’s Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2015.

• CIP: What is Fact? What is Myth? – January 23

• Compliance Issues for Advertising & Marketing – January 24

• Final Red Flag Guidelines and Information Sharing Rules Under the FACT Act – January 24

• Implementing the New Affiliate Marketing Rules – January 24

Advanced Compliance Symposium Scheduled

GBA will host its annual Advanced Compliance Symposium on February 26-27 at the Idle Hour Country Club in Macon.  The registration fee for this two-day event is $295 per person and Steve Moore with Bank Compliance Services, Avondale Estates is the instructor.  Day one will include an in-depth look at the “new era” of Bank Secrecy Act compliance as well as several interactive case studies involving more complex residential mortgage loan transactions.  On day two and back by popular demand is the regulator panel discussion.  Participants will also review recent regulatory changes and the compliance issues most frequently misunderstood by bankers on the deposit and loan side of the bank. In addition, there will be an in-depth discussion on how to audit or review for both loan and deposit/operations compliance. 

The following laws and regulations will also be discussed:

• BSA + OFAC + CIP

• Truth in Lending

• NEW FACTA Regs: ID “Red Flags”

• Common Compliance Violations in 2007

• Flood Insurance

• Reg B – Fair Lending

• HMDA/Reg C

Please click here to register or contact Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2015 with questions.

Mark Your Calendar

The HR Professionals Institute is scheduled for March 19-21 at the Savannah Riverfront Marriott.  The 2007-2008 HR Committee has put together an exciting agenda that you don’t won’t to miss!

Register Today for AIB Online Courses

Just a reminder that the following AIB online classes begin on February 4.  Please register two weeks in advance to secure a seat in the class.  These courses are instructor-facilitated with weekly assignments.  They can be taken from the comfort of your home or the convenience of your office.  All you need is a computer, printer and Internet access.  (Classes with an asterisk * require Microsoft Excel Software.)

• ABA Online Review Course for the CRCM Exam, 8 weeks, $675

• ABA Online Review Course for the CTFA Exam (open enrollment), 12 weeks, $795

• Banking Today, 5 weeks, $295

• Economics for Bankers, 16 weeks, $385

• Today's Teller: Developing Basic Skills* (open enrollment), 8 weeks, $295

• Trust Operations, 15 weeks, $385

There is still availability in the following AIB Online classes beginning January 28.  Please register as soon as possible to secure a seat in the class.

• Commercial Lending, 16 weeks, $385

• Principles of Banking, 16 weeks, $385

Please see the AIB Online Course Schedule for a complete listing or call GBA’s Alison Moreau at (404) 420-2034 with questions.

GBARS Welcomes New Members

GBA Retirement Services, Inc. is pleased to welcome to the Trust Citizens Bank & Trust, Eastman, Jim Williams, CEO, and Georgia Primary Bank, Atlanta, Mark Diluzio, CEO.  The programs offered through the GBA Master Pension and 401(k) Profit Sharing Trust provide flexibility to meet the needs of any bank or associate member who may be looking to add or change their qualified retirement plan.  Advantages of being part of the

GBAIT Welcomes New Participants

The GBA Insurance Trust, Inc. Board of Directors welcomes to the Trust Home Federal Bank, Oakwood, Clyde McArthur, CEO.  This company joins more than 290 community banks and

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 gives bank attorneys up to date information on litigation involving banks across the country.

The American Bankers Association has announced that the American Bankers Professional and Fidelity Insurance Company will distribute $5 million in underwriting profits to insured member banks.  ABPFIC, the mutual reinsurer for the ABA-sponsored insurance program, has distributed $63.5 million to participants since 1991.  The program – underwritten by Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. and a Strategic Partner of the GBA – offers directors & officers liability, financial institution bond, Internet banking liability, employment practices liability and other related insurance products for community banks.  Insured banks that are ABA members are automatically mutual owners of ABPFIC.

“Georgia was one of the organizing states for this program and our members participate in large numbers," said GBA President Joe Brannen.

GBA Job Bank

Some of the Services Available Through GBA Services, Inc.

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