Recess Doesn't Slow General Assembly
Although the Georgia General Assembly is in the second week of a two-week recess, the legislators have been holding numerous committee meetings and taking action on significant legislation.  Two bills introduced at the request of GBA were the subject of hearings this week as was the Banking Department's housekeeping bill.  Another bill we opposed was substantially rewritten:

• The House Ways and Means Committee met Thursday of this week and unanimously reported out H.B. 441 by Representative Johnny Floyd (R-Cordele) and others.  The bill would revert to the language in existence prior to 2005 to revise provisions relative to the adjustment of taxable income with respect to income from federal obligations and certain other obligations.  In the committee, Representatives David Knight (R-Griffin) and James Mills (R-Chestnut Mountain) successfully offered an amendment to move the effective date to January 1 of this year.  Committee Chairman Larry O'Neal (R-Warner Robins) forcefully criticized the fiscal note which accompanied the original legislation in 2005 for misleading the legislature and the industry.  Our thanks to these legislators for their efforts to repeal this unintended consequence.  The bill now goes to the House Rules Committee for further consideration.  If you would like to calculate what this bill could mean to your bank, please click here to download a spreadsheet prepared by Elaine Demarest of Demarest Strategy Group.  The top of the form is an example; simply put your own bank's information in the bottom of the form and the spreadsheet calculates the results.  (Note:  H.B. 488 referred to on the spreadsheet is the bill passed in 2005.) 

• In this same committee meeting, H.B. 361, the Revenue Department's bill that would have eliminated the retraining tax credit many banks use, was substantially amended to remove all the objectionable language and then reported to the Rules Committee.  The bill now has a narrow focus dealing with the Georgia Ports Authority and the retraining tax credit for banks will remain in place.  GBA had opposed the bill as introduced and we thank Ways and Means Committee Chairman O'Neal for his assistance in working to remove the objectionable provisions.

• The Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee also met this week and favorably reported H.B. 96 by Rep. James Mills and others.  The bill, introduced at GBA's request, adds Federal Home Loan Bank Letters of Credit to the authorized list of investments financial institutions may use to collateralize public deposits upon the approval of the director of the Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services.  The bill will next go to the Senate Rules Committee for consideration.

• The House Banks and Banking Committee held a hearing on S.B. 70 by Senator Bill Hamrick (R-Carrollton) and others.  The legislation was introduced at the request of the Department of Banking and Finance.  Among the provisions of most interest to bankers:  provides parity between state and federally chartered banks by removing certain limits on real estate loans for state banks; statutory capital base is redefined to limit the impact of goodwill and other intangibles after a merger to prevent artificial increases in loan limits, investments and fixed assets; clarifies that proxy voting by electronic means is allowed; and eliminates the need to form an interim bank when a share exchange transaction occurs.  Please click here for a summary of the bill.  The committee is scheduled to meet next week to consider reporting the bill to the House Rules Committee.

Annual Convention Rooms and Flights Filling Quickly
Based on the initial response we have received from our members, the GBA’s 2007 Annual Convention promises to be another sell-out.  Rooms for are filling quickly at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands and less than 40 remain in the hotel.  If you have not already done so, please make your reservations by calling the hotel directly at (345) 943-9000.  Be sure to let them know you are with the Georgia Bankers Association group.  Flights to Grand Cayman are also filling up rapidly with some flights already sold out.  We strongly recommend you use the Group Air Department of Age of Travel at (800) 578-7620 or (404) 591-7110 for air travel reservations and other travel information.  Their staff has great experience dealing with international destinations and can suggest options others may not be aware of or that you cannot find on your own via the Internet.  With questions about hotel rates and availability, please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.  Be sure and make your reservations today!

Get Involved at the GBA
One of GBA’s greatest assets is the more than 225 bankers who volunteer each year to serve on a committee or board.  These volunteers support our industry in critical ways and as a result, our industry is able to accomplish our goals more quickly and easily than any of us could independently. These volunteers also serve as key leaders who assist our institutions to better prepare for the rapidly changing political, regulatory, and educational needs of today’s banking environment.  Take a moment to review the Committee Fact Sheet.  To volunteer to serve on a committee or to nominate a colleague, complete the Volunteer/Nomination Form and fax to GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 522-9848.

Loan Documentation for Lenders Seminar Rescheduled to April 12
GBA’s Loan Documentation for Lenders seminar originally slated for March 29 has been rescheduled to Thursday, April 12.  It will be held at the Holiday Inn, Cartersville and Peter Faser, is the instructor.  Designed for lenders and loan documentation support personnel, this essential one-day seminar will lead participants through a case study covering the basics of loan documentation.  Some of the topics to be covered include: 

• Recognizing  your lenders and their liabilities

• Differentiating makers, co-makers, endorsers and guarantors

• Promissory notes - what they cover and what are the events of default

• Analyzing a UCC search

• Reviewing a title insurance policy

• Identifying collateral and perfecting a lien on personal property and real estate

• Identifying and  preparing documents for the borrower Protecting against tax liens

• Letters of credit and other documentation-related issues

• Credit Memos and why they are important

 To register for this seminar, please click here.  With questions, please contact GBA’s Courtney Pope or Susie McGehee.

Rural Development and Lending Conference Scheduled
The Rural Development and Lending Conference is scheduled for May 17-18 at the King & Prince Beach and Golf Resort on St. Simons Island.  The 2006-2007 Agriculture Committee has planned an exciting agenda.  Topics include:  market trends and the economy, analyzing Ag credits, FSA Guaranteed Lending, current legal issues, commodity hedging, and GPS potential savings.  The conference brochure will be mailed with next week’s Bulletin.  A block of rooms has been reserved until April 16 so call (912) 638-3631 as soon as possible to make your reservations.  With questions or to register, please call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032.

Financial Risk Management Conference a Success
Over eighty bankers and associate members attended the 2007 Financial Risk Management Conference held March 8-9 in Atlanta.  This year’s Asset/Liability Committee Chair, Laura Cross, President and CEO of Oglethorpe Bank in Brunswick, and the entire Committee planned an excellent agenda.  A special thank you to our sponsors:  The Federal Home Loan Bank who sponsored the reception and Morgan Keegan & Co., Inc. who sponsored the continental breakfast.  Thank you also to our exhibitors:  Accume Partners, Brintech, Incorporated, Horn Murdock Cole, and MainStreet Technologies, Inc.

Compliance Peer Group
Compliance professionals from banks across Georgia gathered in Macon this week to network and discuss current regulatory hot buttons and issues.  Our thanks to Sarah Draut and Bill Pitt with Credit & Compliance Financial Resources who spoke to the group on HMDA issues and violations.  A special thank you to the Compliance Peer Group Committee who have volunteered to assist in the planning of future meetings:

• Louvera Walden, Committee Chair, Ameris Bancorp, Inc., Moultrie

• Autumn Osborne, Committee Vice Chair, McIntosh State Bank, Jackson

• Bill Abernathy, The Brand Banking Company, Lawrenceville

• Anne Brewer, Rabun County Bank, Clayton

• Lisa Burke, Ameris Bank, St. Marys

• Colleen Cook, Atlantic Southern Bank, Macon

• Dorothy Cunningham, Georgia Bank & Trust Company, Augusta

• Dimple Davis, Synovus Financial Corp., Phenix City

• Suzy Hall, The Park Avenue Bank, Valdosta

• Lynn Hayhurst, The Bank of Georgia, Peachtree City

• Allen Mitchell, The Savannah Bank

• Becky Oliveros, Piedmont Community Bank, Gray

• Cynthia Peterson, PlantersFIRST, Cordele

If you would like to learn more about how you can participate in the Compliance Peer Group, please contact GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032.

Last Call for Collections and Recovery Seminar
There’s still time to register for GBA’s  Collection and Recovery seminar scheduled for Thursday, March 22, at the Macon Ramada Plaza.  Gary Moser with Moser, Rose & Cox in Valdosta will lead the workshop.  This one-day seminar will provide a comprehensive overview of fundamental legal principles involved in the collection process.  After completing the seminar, participants will have a working knowledge of the general collection process. Some of the topics to be covered include: collateral documents, the litigation process, judgments, levies and garnishments.  Gary invites you to call him at (229) 244-1527 should you have specific issues that you would like him to address at this seminar.  Please call GBA’s Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2015 or Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010 with questions.

AIB Classroom Courses
AIB classes meet three hours each week for two 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. Following are the upcoming AIB classroom courses:

• Principles of Banking, taught by Larry Townsend of The Commercial Bank, Winterville
  Beginning March 29, 10 weeks, $195, text $60.

• Economics for Bankers, taught by Kevin Taylor of Northwest Georgia Bank, Ringgold
  Beginning April 2, 10 weeks, $195, text $79

• Principles of Banking, taught by Steve McFarland of Gwinnett Community Bank, Duluth
  Beginning April 10, 10 weeks, $195, text $60

• Commercial Lending, taught by Steve McFarland of Gwinnett Community Bank, Duluth
  Beginning April 12, 10 weeks, $195, text $90

Register Today for AIB Online Courses
Just a reminder that the following AIB online classes begin on April 9.  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, $795

• Analyzing Financial Statements*, 16 weeks, $485

• Principles of Banking, 16 weeks, $385

• Today's Teller: Developing Basic Skills* (open enrollment), 8 weeks, $285

There is still availability in the following AIB Online classes beginning the week of April 2.  Please register as soon as possible to secure a seat in the class.

• Banking Today, 5 weeks, $285

• Understanding Bank Performance, 5 weeks, $295

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

Efficient Real Estate Loan Products & Services for Your Lenders
In recent years, the process for obtaining real estate loan products and services and closing loans has undergone tremendous changes due to increased competition as well as lenders searching for efficiencies and lower cost. DSD Enterprises, Inc. is a GBA Strategic Partner, and affiliated with technology and product service providers that bring state of the art technology and high quality vendors to our member banks. These options include no cost order/delivery vendor management technology as well as multiple vendor choices for all products necessary to close real estate loans. Product options for home equity, refinance, and second mortgage loans include alternative lien products that speed up processing and reduce closing costs without increasing risks.

Key Products and Services Include:

• Mortgage Document Preparation

• Credit Reporting Services

• Alternative Lien Products

• Flood Certifications

• Title Products

• Online Property Valuations

• Life of Loan Tax Services

For more information, contact DSD’s Debra Evans at (478) 625-8978 or Mark Wiesner at (770) 559-1026.

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 - Security Bank of North Fulton Dennis Leonard has been elected Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, Stephen Stillman as Senior Vice President for Commercial Lending, and Tim Jennette as Senior Vice President and Johns Creek City Executive. Atlanta - BANC Financial Group Bonnie Reid, CRCM, will head the company's new Training Department. Clarkesville - Southern Bank and Trust Congratulations to Director Matt Oxley on his recent selection as his hometown's Citizen of the Year by the Vidalia Rotary Club, Vidalia Kiwanis Club, Vidalia Lions Club, and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Columbus - Columbus Bank and Trust James R. Farrar has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Risk Management; William R. Blanchard to Executive Vice President, Retail Banking; and Philip Badcock to Executive Vice President, Products and Services. Senoia - Farmers and Merchants Community Bank Effective March 2, 2007, the bank's name changed to First Choice Community Bank. Statesboro - Farmers and Merchants Bank Will Sanford and Jennifer Wynn have been promoted to Assistant Vice President and Branch Managers of the Brooklet and College Plaza offices, respectively; Shirley Hodges to Assistant Vice President, Bookkeeping/Security Officer; Becky Anderson to Assistant Vice President, Human Resources/BSA Officer; John Durrence to Assistant Vice President, Technology Officer; Kathy Blackburn to Assistant Vice President, Loan Department Supervisor; Trish Tootle to Assistant Vice President, Marketing/Advertising Officer; and Lisa Hodges to Credit Analyst and Banking Officer. Statesboro - Sea Island Bank Joe Lanier has joined the bank as Mortgage Lending Officer, and Alana Avret has been named Sales Manager of Synovus Mortgage Corp. Woodstock - Security Bank of North Metro Jay Ross Mynatt has joined the bank as President and Chief Operating Officer.

Leonard Lyn & Matt Oxley Blanchard Lanier

Jenette Farrar Badcock Avret

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