GBA Recognized Among the "Most Influential"
For the fourth year in a row, the Georgia Bankers Association has been recognized as among the Most Influential Associations & Business Groups by the readers of James Magazine, a respected statewide publication focusing on political affairs.  In the current survey, GBA was ranked third on the list of 20 organizations named.  "It is great that our talented government relations team, supported by the grassroots involvement of our members, has been recognized in such a tangible way," said GBA Chairman Bobby Carmichael, CEO of Commercial Bank & Trust in LaGrange.  "Elizabeth Chandler, Don Browne and Joe Brannen are well-respected among the members of the legislature and the administration and are known for representing our industry with the highest of ethical standards.  We can all be proud of this recognition," Bobby concluded.  The annual survey was begun in 2004 and is taken among legislators, administration officials, the media covering the legislature and lobbyists.  Here's a complete list of the organizations named this year:

1. Georgia Chamber of Commerce

2. Georgia Hospital Association

3. Georgia Bankers Association

4. Georgia Automobile Dealers Association

5. Georgia Realtors Association

6. (tie) Medical Association of Georgia/Georgia Trial Lawyers Association/Georgia Municipal Association

7. (tie) Association of County Commissioners of Georgia/Homebuilders Association of Georgia/Georgia Optometric Association

8. (tie) Georgia Association of Convenience Stores/Georgia Healthcare Association/Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Georgia

9. (tie) Georgia Textile Manufacturers Association/Georgia Agribusiness Council/Georgia Poultry Federation

10. (tie) Georgia Petroleum Council/Georgia Dental Association

11. Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

Legislature Returns from Recess on Monday
The General Assembly has been in recess this week in recognition of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday and for budget hearings.  They will return on Monday and we expect a busy session.  On Wednesday, the House Banks and Banking Committee is expected to hear testimony on GBA-endorsed legislation that would add Federal Home Loan Bank Letters of Credit to the authorized list of securities acceptable for pledge against government deposits.  We also expect legislation to be introduced clarifying the place of service for garnishments.  The Department of Banking and Finance's housekeeping bill could also be introduced.  To see a report on the legislature's first week in session, please click here to view GBA's first Legislative Update of 2007.  We will be publishing these Updates weekly while the legislature is in session.  We also have begun to update the bills of interest to our members.  Please click here to see the bills currently on our watch list.  With questions about GBA's legislative priorities or any legislation making its way through the General Assembly, please contact Elizabeth Chandler at (404) 420-2027.

Enterprise Risk Management
GBA’s Compliance Peer Group heard a presentation at their inaugural session last year on the need for banks to adopt an enterprise risk management strategy.  Federal Reserve Governor Susan Bies spoke to a credit union group last week and said, “An enterprise-wide approach is appropriate for setting objectives across the organization, instilling a culture attuned to risk, and ensuring that key activities and risks are being monitored regularly.”  If your bank is still working on your strategy, you will want to read Governor Bies’ speech.  The next meeting of the Compliance Peer Group is slated for March 13 at the Ramada Plaza in Macon.

Chairman Frank Introduces Seasoned Customer CTR Legislation
Our thanks to House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank for introducing legislation that would improve the currency transaction report system by eliminating filings for seasoned customers.  The Seasoned Customer Exemption Act has the potential to cut most of the more than 13 million CTRs filed annually.  The legislation does not change the provision of the law dealing with suspicious activity monitoring and reporting procedures in the event of unusual or inappropriate activity.  Suspicious activity reports provide precise account and related transaction information as well as detail not available in CTRs.  “We applaud Chairman Frank for his willingness to approach this issue in a thoughtful way.  We had attempted to include similar language in last year’s regulatory burden relief act but were blocked by some within the law enforcement community.  We believe they now understand how they will still be able to locate transaction data and other relevant information on a broad range of accounts of suspects though the USA Patriot Act’s 314(a) process.  Hopefully, the legislation will begin moving quickly through the Congress,” said GBA President Joe Brannen.

Marshall Named to Financial Services Committee
Congratulations to third district Congressman Jim Marshall (D-Macon) who has been named to the House Financial Services Committee.  We look forward to working with him.  Bankers in the district will want to make a special effort to meet with the Congressman when he is in your community to help educate him on banking issues.  We have talked with him recently about the unfair tax and regulatory advantage credit unions have over banks.  We have also discussed our concerns about the anticompetitive bill the Realtors have been supporting in past Congresses.  We were disappointed that Cong. Marshall was one of the original cosponsors of the Realtor’s bill introduced earlier this month.  The bill would permanently bar banks from engaging in real estate management and brokerage.  We expect the Committee to be active this Congress on these and other issues, especially those related to affordable housing which Chairman Frank has said will be tops on his agenda.

Still Time to Register for IRA Basics Seminar
There’s still time to register for GBA’s IRA Basics Seminar scheduled for Wednesday, February 7, at the Ramada Plaza in Macon and Thursday, February 8, at the Best Western-Lanier Centre in Gainesville.  The registration fee for each workshop is $195 per person and one of Georgia’s favorite trainers, Patrice Konarik of Sunwest Training Corp. in Gilchrist, Texas will lead the seminar.  Designed for new account representatives, certificate of deposit personnel, and officers/managers who oversee the IRA department, this comprehensive A-Z workshop will provide a complete understanding of all areas of the Individual Retirement Account, as well as an IRA review of significant proposed changes.   Also included is the IRA Training and Reference Manual, otherwise known as the “IRA Survival Guide” or the “Red Book.”  Topics to be discussed include: 

• IRA terminology

• Explanation of all IRA forms including beneficiary designations

• Qualifications for a:

  • Traditional IRA

  • Regular and Conversion Roth

  • Coverdell Education Savings Account

  • Contribution deadlines and qualifications

• Qualified plan rollovers: direct vs. indirect

• Moving IRA funds: rollovers vs. transfers

• Distributions

• Includes updated information from the Pension Protection Act of 2006

If you would like to register for this seminar, please click here for Gainesville or here for Macon.  Please contact GBA’s Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2015 or Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010 with questions.

Advanced Compliance Symposium Scheduled
GBA will host its annual Advanced Compliance Symposium on February 6-7 at the Macon Ramada Plaza from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The registration fee is $295 per member and Steve Moore of Bank Compliance Services, Avondale Estates, is the instructor.  This two-day event is designed for experienced compliance officers and compliance auditors.  Day One will include several interactive case studies involving complex residential mortgage loan transactions.  Each case study will involve Regulation Z, RESPA, HMDA, Flood Insurance, Regulation B, and other real estate lending-related regulations.  Day Two will include the ever popular Regulator Panel discussion.  Recent regulatory changes and the compliance issues most frequently misunderstood by bankers on the deposit and loan side will also be reviewed.  Other laws and regulations to be discussed include:  BSA, USA Patriot Act/OFAC, Reg D (NOWs & MMDAs), Reg CC (Hold Notices), Truth in Lending, Flood Disaster, and HMDA/Reg C.  Click here to register.  With questions, please contact GBA’s Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2015 or Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.

Operations and Technology Conference Scheduled
The Operations and Technology Committee has planned an excellent program for this year’s Conference which is scheduled for April 17-18 at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta.  Our guaranteed room block expires March 19 so make your reservations today by calling the hotel directly at (770) 953-4500.  The brochure and registration form will be mailed with the next Bulletin.  Please call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032 with questions about the Conference.

Winter 2007 AIB Classroom Courses
Here are the AIB classroom courses for Winter 2007.  AIB classes meet three hours each week for 2 to 15 weeks and will be held at a local financial institution.  If you would like to see a specific AIB course offered in your area or if you have any questions about AIB classroom courses, please contact GBA’s Alison Moreau at (404) 420-2034.

• Principles of Banking, taught by Denny Donegan at Dalton Whitfield Bank, an FSG Bank, Dalton.
  Beginning January 22, 10 weeks, $195, text $60

• Consumer Lending, taught by Jeff Kovach, Northwest Georgia Bank, Ringgold.
  Beginning February 8, 10 weeks, $195, text $75

• Principles of Banking, taught by Lorna Elizabeth Crawford of Fidelity Bank at Douglas County Bank, Douglasville.  Beginning February 15, 10 weeks, $195, text $60.

Register Today for AIB Online Courses
Just a reminder that the following AIB Online classes begin on February 13.  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 CTFA Exam (open enrollment), 12 weeks, $750

• Analyzing Financial Statements*, 16 weeks, $475

• Financial Accounting*, 16 weeks, $475

• Law & Banking:  Principles, 16 weeks, $425

• Managing Funding, Liquidity and Capital*, 6 weeks, $545

• Principles of Banking, 16 weeks, $375

• Today's Teller: Developing Basic Skills* (open enrollment), 8 weeks, $275

• Trust Basics, 16 weeks, $375

There is still availability in the following AIB Online classes beginning February 5.  Please register as soon as possible to secure a seat in the class.

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

• Banking Today, 5 weeks, $275

• Economics for Bankers, 16 weeks, $375

• Trust Operations, 15 weeks, $375

Please see the AIB Online January – April 2007 Schedule for a complete listing or call GBA’s Alison Moreau at (404) 420-2034 with questions.

Telecommunications for Your Bank
NationsLink Communications, Inc., a Valdosta, GA based company, is a converged communications provider specializing in consultative solutions with the latest technology and most competitive pricing in the industry for business customers.  NationsLink has been a GBA Strategic Partner since 1998 proudly serving approximately 50 banks.  Through NationsLink’s multi-vendor relationships, banks can be assured of an un-biased telecommunications solution.  NationsLink’s services include integrated T-1 with integrated voice and internet, PRI service, Internet T-1, basic telephone services, LAN to LAN connectivity (connecting multiple sites), teleconferencing services, calling cards, VoIP services, telephone systems (all types including VoIP systems) and data networks.  If you are looking to make a change to your telecommunications system, whether it is the service provider and/or your telephone system, NationsLink can provide your bank an un-biased solution through multi-vendor relationships.  For more information, or a free no-obligation analysis, please contact NationsLink’s Michael Woodruff at (800) 546-5875, or GBA’s Josh Latina at (404) 420-2022.

GBA Job Bank
The Georgia Bankers Association offers free job posting resources for our member banks.  These listings can be viewed online or through our bi-weekly publication included in the GBA Bulletin.  Resume postings are also available.  For more information, please contact GBA’s Kenyetta Parks at (404) 420-2035.

Some of the Services Available Through GBA Services, Inc.

Pledging Pool Program	Thumbprint Signature Program
Georgia Laws Code Book	Georgia Financial Directory
Discounted Check Program	Internet Loan Closing Program
Human Resources Solutions	Checking Club Programs
Discounted Local & Long Distance Program	Bond and D&O Insurance
Non-Qualified Executive Benefits (BOLI)	Trust and Investment Services
Record Retention Guide	Holiday Decals
FinCrime	Financial Industry Pre-Employment Assessments
Job Bank

GBA Services, Inc. is governed by a board composed primarily of community bank presidents who look for the best products and services available.  They do the due diligence for you and you can rely on their efforts.  For more information or to order any of these products or services, please call (404) 522-1501.

Newsmakers:

Alpharetta - Synovus Financial Corp. Daniel Morgan, Vice President and Portfolio Manager, has joined the Synovus Investment Advisors team in Atlanta.  Athens - First American Bank Craig C. Meeks has joined the bank as Executive Vice President and head of the Commercial Banking Division. Atlanta - Fidelity Bank Katherine Bows has joined the bank as Marketing Director. Atlanta - Rockbridge Commercial Bank E. Middleton Thorne, III has joined the bank as Senior Vice President and Senior Loan Officer. Carrollton - West Georgia National Bank Rob Gordy has been promoted to Executive Vice President. Columbus - Synovus Financial Corp. Congratulations to CEO Richard Anthony, and the officers, directors and staff on the company's selection to Fortune magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work for in America." Marietta - Highland Commercial Bank Sherry Hale has joined the bank as Mortgage Loan Officer.  Sherry G. King has been promoted to Branch Manager and Ada V. Ceballos to Assistant Branch Manager. McDonough - FirstBank Financial Services Our sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues on the recent death of bank CEO Randall Dixon, former President and Chief Executive Officer. Rome - Greater Rome Bank Dwight Stout has been named President and Chief Executive Officer and E. Grey Winstead, III Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Smyrna - Community Bank of the South Sylvia Hamby has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Senior Lender and Mary Tinsley to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.	Morgan	Thorne
	Gordy	Hale
	King and Ceballos
	Hamby	Tinsley

Serving the needs of Georgia Bankers since 1892 Search I Staff I Contact Us Georgia Bankers Association - 50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 1050, Atlanta, GA 30303 • Phone 404.522.1501 • Fax 404.522.9848