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Our congratulations to Walter M. “Sonny” Deriso, Jr., Vice Chairman of Synovus Financial Corp. in Columbus as he ends his year as GBA Chairman.    Sonny will pass the symbolic Chairman’s gavel to Jud at the annual convention on May 30 in Québec City.  The 1999-2000 year has been an extremely busy one and Sonny has made major contributions to the industry.  Among the accomplishments he will be most remembered for are the focus he kept throughout the year on people and leadership development.  The first Leadership Institute was held and was an overwhelming success.  This year also saw the Century date change and Sonny led the efforts to communicate banking’s message that the industry was prepared and helped instill confidence in our customers.  

At the federal level, the financial modernization bill was passed, a significant and positive event for the industry.  And, at the state level, the “Town of 5,000” restriction was removed for banks to sell insurance without hindrance in these towns and cities.  In the area of member services, the association-sponsored Pledging Pool became operational and other new products such as the Environmental Risk Liability insurance product were introduced.  GBA’s professional development initiatives attracted large numbers of bankers to our schools, conferences and seminars and we tripled the number of in-bank telephone seminars.  

Sonny also appointed the Privacy Task Force that issued privacy policies for banks to adopt, the first association to do so in the nation.  This year was the final year of the GBA 2000 project begun in 1997.  From the member input received in the first year and the new programs launched in the second year to the final implementation in the third year, both the industry and the association are prepared for the new millennium.  Thank you, Sonny, for your leadership!

Federal Legislative Issues
State Legislative Issues
Georgia House of Representatives
Georgia State Senate
U.S. Congress
Bank Regulators

City Tries to Close Drive-throughs 
The GBA appeared before the Atlanta City Council earlier this week to oppose a proposed ordinance that would require drive-throughs to close from May 1 through September 30.  A council subcommittee recommended the closures as a way to improve Atlanta’s air quality.  In a statement to the Council, GBA President Joe Brannen stated, “Drive-throughs are essential for banks to serve their customers, especially the elderly, physically challenged and parents with children.  Closing drive-throughs will cause an undue burden on our customers.  In some areas of the City, limited service branches that rely primarily on drive-throughs are the only way banks can effectively serve some of their customers.”  The proposed ordinance was defeated, but we will face the issue again in a different form.

Calendar of Events
Schools
Conferences
Seminars
Georgia AIB
Professional Development Guide
Internet Training

Human Resources Conference A Hit
Congratulations and thank you to Moniece Moore from Citizens Bank and Trust, Eastman, Chair of the GBA Human Resources Committee for another very well-planned, successful conference held last week in Macon.  Evaluations by those attending rated the conference tops. With the addition of the new HR Toolbox^TM (see related story), outstanding speakers, the GBA’s customized dinner and entertainment at the Historic Hay House, participants left Macon with ideas, new friends and memories they will keep and use for years to come.

Organizational Meetings in June
The volunteers serving on GBA’s standing committees, boards and task forces will meet jointly in June to begin the planning for the 2000-2001 year.  More than 200 bankers serve the association in these volunteer positions.  One focus for this next year will be a continuing effort to enhance GBA’s grassroots involvement in the political process.  Former Congressman Larry LaRocco (D-ID) will lead a session on new ways the industry can succeed.  Each of the standing committees will also meet to begin planning for their annual conference and identify key issues which must be addressed during the year either legislatively or through regulatory involvement.

CEOs Graduate from Academy
More than 40 bank presidents participated in at least one of the day-long sessions of GBA’s inaugural session of the CEO Academy.  Four community bank presidents attended all sessions and received their certificates of completion earlier this week. Graduates included:

• Bill Cabiness, The Commercial Bank, Crawford

• Mike McPherson, Unity National Bank, Cartersville

• Bill Bazemore, Monroe County Bank, Forsyth

• Norman Brantley, First State Bank of South Georgia, Ocilla

Seven topics over a total of six days included Marketing Management, Relationship Management, Strategic Planning, Compliance Management, Human Resource Management, Risk Management and Investment Management.  Discussion has been brisk and the participants’ response to the program is that the Academy covers the most vital areas today’s successful community bank leader must master. Dates for the 2000-2001 Academy will be announced soon as the first class will be in early Fall.  Call GBA’s June Somers at (404) 420-2012 with questions.

Advanced Loan Documentation Class Offered – Last Chance!
In response to past evaluations and requests for a repeat, the GBA Advanced Loan Documentation seminar will be held this Tuesday, May 23 in Macon.  The program is designed for commercial loan officers and documentation staff as a follow-up program to GBA’s Loan Documentation for Lenders. The course includes compliance, collateral rules, UCC policies, appraisal implications, special forms like commitment letters and proposal letters, other challenges that put your lien at risk like tax liens and environmental booby traps as they relate to commercial loans. Seats are still available. Please call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032 today to register.

Trust Welcomes New Member
GBA Retirement Services, Inc. is pleased to welcome a new participating plan sponsor:  Southern Community Bank, Fayetteville, Gary McGaha, President/CEO.  The programs offered through the GBA Master Trust provide flexibility to meet the needs of any bank or associate member who may be looking at adding or changing their qualified retirement plan.  The Master Trust provides high quality, affordable pension, profit sharing, and Section 401(k) programs for banks of all sizes.  Please contact Mandy Richards at (404) 420-2025 or Bruce Shaw at (770) 642-2150 to get more information about how GBA can help you with your retirement plan design.

Workers Comp Program Enhanced
The GBA has now teamed up with Affinity Service Group, Inc., our new partner for GBA's Worker's Compensation Program.  It is underwritten through Legion Insurance Company, A.M. Best rated Excellent A IX.  Claims administration will be provided by Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc., a specialist in claims for association programs.  The program will offer competitive pricing, superior claims management and customer service and access to certified managed care and safety programs. Currently there are plans for a secure website allowing member banks the ability to receive on-line quotes and information regarding their coverage. Affinity Service Group is licensed and located in Atlanta. For more information please contact GBA's Renee Valdez at (404) 420-2036.

GBA’s New HR Toolbox^TM Unveiled
Have you implemented a harassment policy required by examiners? Do you have current guidelines to assure legally required documents are filed for the mandatory time and in the correct locations? Do you have an employee handbook updated within the last 18 months? Are procedures for interviewing clear about which questions cannot legally be asked?  

The HR ToolBox^TM is designed exclusively for Georgia banks and was unveiled at GBA’s Human Resource Conference last week.  The HR ToolBox^TM contains a comprehensive set of policies, forms and guidelines that minimizes legal work and risk for community banks while it improves the functions of the Human Resources Officer.  Included in user-friendly format are entire sections on Pre-employment, Employment Policies and Procedures, Employment Classification, Performance Management, and Record-keeping.  Each section is complete with forms, policies, checklists, and more. A sample employee manual, for example, is just part of the Employment Policies and Procedures section.  Examples of other inclusions are employee application, performance appraisals, record retention guidelines, Fair Credit Reporting Act, overtime exemption check, background investigation information, interview questions and much more.  The cost of the HR ToolBox^TM is $595 to member banks plus $11.50 shipping and handling. To order, complete the enclosed form and fax it to the address shown.  All of the Toolboxes on hand at the HR Conference were sold by the time the participants left.  They were able to see the value first hand. Please contact GBA’s Renee Valdez at (404) 420-2031 for more information.

More Banks Linked
Welcome to First National Bank of South Georgia, Albany; Cairo Banking Company; Central Bank & Trust, Cordele; Merchants and Farmers Bank, Donalsonville; American Banking Company, Moultrie; Heritage Community Bank, Quitman;  Bank of Thomas County, Thomasville;  and Citizens Security Bank, Tifton.  They are the latest banks to link to GBA’s website.   Call GBA’s Lydia Thomas at (404) 420-2039 when your bank is ready to be linked.

Alpharetta, Bank of North Georgia
Congratulations to Gordon R. Teel, Chairman and CEO, and Donald D. Howard, President and COO, for their recent distinction as Synovus All-Stars by their parent, Synovus Financial Corp., Columbus.

Alpharetta, First Colony Bank
Daniel Chasteen has been elected to the Board.

Augusta, Georgia-Carolina Bancshares, Inc.
The bank announces the following elections:  Thomas A. Bird to Executive Vice President; Hugh Hollar and David Holloway to Senior Vice President; Lynn Holley to Vice President; and Lynn P. McDonald to Assistant Vice President.  

Decatur, Horizon Bank
Dave Robertson has joined the bank as Vice President, Construction Lending and Jane Forcucci as Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager.

Eatonton, The Peoples Bank
The Board announces the following promotions and additions: Charles R. Haley to President and CFO; Steve W. Culberson to Executive Vice President; Rosemary Jackson to Vice President, Operations; Judy S. Thompson to Vice President, Oconee Crossings; Patty R. Wooten to Vice President, Compliance/Marketing/BSA; Victoria L. Moore as Assistant Vice President, Operations/DP; and Jill Rainey as DP Manager.

Lavonia, Northeast Georgia Bank
The bank announces the completion of the merger of Bank of Hartwell into Northeast Georgia Bank as well as the following promotions:  Rick Basinger to Senior Vice President and Manager; Kevin Heaton to Assistant Vice President; and Jeannette Tucker to Mortgage Loan Originator.

Lawrenceville, The Brand Banking Company
Our sympathies to the family of former bank CEO Harrison Braselton, who passed away on May 9.

Royston, Pinnacle Bank
L. Jackson McConnell, Jr. has been elected President to replace the retiring James E. Purcell.

Trenton, Bank of Dade
James Michael Tate has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Director of Human Resources and Bank Security and Doris Stockman to Assistant Vice President.

GBA’s e-Bulletin List
Several members have inquired about adding individuals in their bank to the e-Bulletin email distribution list and if we would send the e-Bulletin to people who were not on our regular mailing list.  These bankers want an easier way to distribute the Bulletin among their staff.  The answer: of course!  Let GBA’s Lydia Thomas know who you want added.

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