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Annual Convention

14 Bankers Complete
Leadership Institute 2000
The charter class of Leadership Institute completed its final session on September 29 in Savannah.  The Leadership Institute was created this year by GBA’s Leadership Development Section in partnership with the J.W. Fanning Leadership Institute at the University of Georgia.  “This initiative is one of the most important things our group has done in many years. I personally benefited and I know many bankers from across the state will benefit for years to come,” said Darron Burnette, President, Leadership GBA and Executive Vice President of Eagle Bank & Trust in Statesboro.  “Under the leadership of our Immediate Past President, Jim Edwards, President of United Bank in Thomaston, and the other members of the Leadership GBA Executive Committee, we have realized a dream that the committee has talked about for years. We are also very grateful to Bank Compensation Strategies, a GBA Strategic Partner, for making a generous contribution toward the cost of the program.”

The goals of the Institute are:  to examine the effect individual outlooks have on the ability to set goals, manage projects, work with others and provide leadership; to foster individual self-examination and growth in leadership; and to build a strong sense of organizational identity and purpose.

One of the most beneficial features of the program is the individual development assessment called Benchmarks which allows participants to compare self-perception with those of the people with whom they work. Commonly called a 360-degree assessment, this instrument identifies strengths and development needs, encourages and guides change and offers strategic insights for middle to upper middle managers. 

The program consists of three sessions held throughout the year. This timeframe allows for covering the content and for true personal reflection and growth.  The first session of the 2001 program will be held March 4-6, 2001 at the University of Georgia in Athens.

Candidates for the Institute must be recommended by their CEO or nominated by one of the charter class members. In order to be accepted into the program, certain criteria must be met.  If you or someone who works with you might be a potential candidate for Leadership Institute, please contact one of the graduates or call GBA’s June Somers at (404) 420-2026 or Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.

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

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

Is Your Staff Ready for Tax Time?
Tax-time will be here before you know it, and your customers will be looking to your bank staff to answer their questions on IRAs, SEPs, and 401Ks. To make sure they know all the answers, the GBA is offering 50% off our courses on retirement products through November 10th.  So don’t wait!  Enroll in one of our retirement courses today!  Select from any one of the following courses:

• Contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts

• Employee Investment accounts - 401(k)

• Distributions from Individual Retirement Accounts

• Medical Savings Accounts

• SEPs:  Simplified Employee Pensions

• Simple Plans Made Simple

• Retirement Planning

• Variable Annuities

• Annuities Overview

• Defined Contributions Plans

We look forward to welcoming you to our e-Learning Center! If you have any questions, please call IBT Financial, Inc. at (877) 275-4428 or Edie Canales at (404) 522-1501.

Why Offer Trust & Investment Management Services?
There is an important trend taking place among larger banks and it is the growth of non-interest income and the decline of net interest income.  It is important for Community Banks to assess this trend and determine how to generate more non-interest income.  Community Banks need to explore the possibility of entering into the trust and investment management business.

The changing demographics of society along with an ever-increasing level of individual wealth have created exciting opportunities within the financial services industry.  Scientific discoveries, coupled with better nutrition, have increased life expectancy leading to a longer and more active retirement period for many.  With the increasing strain on Social Security there will be a greater reliance on personal savings and investments.  The ownership of equities has increased dramatically in the last decade.  By 2005 there will be 9.2 million households with a net worth exceeding $1 million.  5.6 million of these households will have investable assets of over $1 million, an increase of 300% from 1995.  In addition, there will be a $10 to $12 trillion transfer of wealth between generations in the next decade.  90% will be inherited by 10%.  This money will leave CD’s, money market accounts and other traditional bank investment products for more aggressive investment options.

These factors have created a revolution in the financial services market.  Banks are buying brokerage firms, insurance companies, and mutual funds.  Brokerage firms are offering traditional banking products and services.  Insurance companies are joining in by acquiring banks and brokerage firms also.  The revolution will continue with further convergence of the banking, investment brokerage, and insurance industries.  Competition for affluent client relationships will increase significantly.

The key to success in the changing financial services market in the coming years will be directly related to the bank’s ability to create and retain client relationships.  Clients place great value on access to services at one source; personalized financial products; and focus on their financial objectives.  Trust and Investment Management Services will help retain quality client relationships; assist in attracting new clients; retain control of assets that may otherwise leave the bank; and create a new profit center for fee income.

The Georgia Bankers Association has endorsed Reliance Trust Company since 1993.  Reliance Trust Company is a Georgia state-chartered bank and trust company located in Atlanta.  Although authorized by its charter to function as a commercial bank, Reliance limits its business activities to providing trust, investment management, and related fiduciary services to individuals, corporations, foundations, endowments, and religious, educational, and other non-profit organizations.  Reliance is a privately held company whose stock is held by employees and directors.  Reliance currently controls assets in excess of $7 billion.

Reliance specializes in the outsourcing of Trust and Investment Management services for Community Banks by developing a customized program for each individual bank.  Through a Reliance Referral Agreement your bank can offer any of Reliance’s products or services to clients.  Reliance will conduct training sessions to help you and your employees recognize and identify prospects and then assist in assessing the client’s needs and objectives and providing the right product and/or service.  Your bank will not only share in the first year revenues but also in the subsequent year’s revenue for as long as the account remains open and active.

Welcome Associate Members
Congratulations to the following companies for being approved for Associate Membership at the October 31, 2000 Board Meeting:

• Bank Insurance Services, LLP, Greensboro, Paul Stewart, President

• City Capital, Inc., Atlanta, Allen W. Post, Jr., Chairman

• MPA Systems, Inc., Sanger, TX, James W. Casey, President

• MPR Business Solutions, Inc., Tucker, Purdy Richardson, President

• Sidus Financial Corporation, Greenville, NC, F. Spencer Cosby, Jr., Chairman & CEO

• Surety Mortgage, Inc., Columbia, SC, Donna L. Childress, President

• TCP Leasing, Raleigh, NC, Terry Hutchens, Sr., President

• Titan Mortgage Lending, Inc., Richmond, Hill, Jack Wardlaw, III, President

• Willey Brothers, Rochester, NH, Thomas P. Willey, President 

More than 100 businesses are enjoying increased visibility and expanded marketing opportunities through associate membership while our member banks are receiving more options for top quality, cost-effective products and services.   Contact Renee Valdez at (404) 420-2036 for company and contact information.

Welcome New Participants
The Board of the GBA Insurance Trust welcomes the officers and staff of Sweetwater Bank & Trust, Powder Springs, Caric Martin, CEO, who joins more than 275 other community banks and associate members taking advantage of this unmatched member service.  Call GBA’s Susan Kelley at (404) 420-2017 for more information.

Long Distance Rates Even Lower
LightYear Communications’ participants will now enjoy even lower rates on their long distance service.  Effective December 1, 2000, the rates for GBA members will drop to 6.9¢ per minute for in-state and state-to-state calls.  This change will automatically take effect for your bank and your enrolled employees.  If you are not participating in this program and would like additional information, please call Renee Valdez at (404) 420-2036. 

GBA’s 2000 Salary Survey
The 2000 GBA Salary Survey has information from over 80 banks, is categorized by asset group and contains salary and selected benefit information for almost 100 positions.  If your bank was unable to participate but would still like to purchase a salary survey, please call Renee Valdez at (404) 420-2036 to order your copy.

Retirement Plan Administration & Investments Seminar
GBA Retirement Services, Inc. will be having the Retirement Plan Administration Seminar on Wednesday, November 8 for all participating banks in the GBA Master 401(k) and Pension Plans.  Spaces are still available for this informative seminar that will cover a wide range of topics, including 401(k) testing, year-end data collections and investment reviews.  It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest changes and regulations in retirement plans.  Registration forms have been sent to all member banks of the Trust.  The GBA Master Trust provides high quality, affordable pension, profit sharing, and Section 401(k) programs for community banks.  Let us tell you more about the GBA Master Pension and Profit Sharing Trust.  Please contact GBA’s Mandy Richards at (404) 420-2025 or Bruce Shaw at (770) 642-2150 to get information on how GBA can help you with your retirement plan design. Also, Mandy can assist your bank in getting registered for the seminar.

Check Fraud and Holidays
The holidays are approaching fast and check fraud will be on an increase.  GBA’s Thumbprint Signature Program was designed to help bank’s lower their loss encountered by check fraud.    The device know as the Thumbprint Signature touch pad is intended to deter counterfeit and stolen check fraud by obtaining a thumbprint signature from non-customers when cashing on-us and not-on-us checks.  The Thumbprint Signature is only used by law enforcement agencies in the investigation of fraud claims made by account holders, and financial institution’s usage of the program is a natural deterrent.  No database of fingerprints will be kept by the banking industry, and the signature will be shared with law enforcement officials only in cases of suspected fraud.  A major bank in Georgia has reported an average 71% reduction in check fraud since it began this program.  To find out more information or to order this unique program for you or your commercial customers please contact Renee Valdez at (404) 420-2036.

Cedartown, The First National Bank of Polk County
The bank announces the recent election of Cathy Noland and Edmund J. Wall to the Board.

Decatur, Horizon Bank
Pat Canipelli has been promoted to Banking Officer.

Jesup, Wayne National Bank
Our sympathies to Linton Lewis, EVP and Senior Lender, on the recent death of his wife, Marian. 

Lakeland, Farmers & Merchants Bank
Gene Haskins has been appointed President & CEO.

Newest Banks Linked
Welcome to Spivey State Bank, Swainsboro, Bill DeVane, President, and Security Bank of Bibb County, Macon, Rett Walker, President, the latest banks to link to GBA’s website.  When your bank is ready to be linked, call GBA’s Lydia Thomas at (404) 420-2039.

GBA’s e-Bulletin List
If you're looking for an easier way to distribute the Bulletin among your staff, add them to our distribution list for the e-Bulletin.  Let GBA's Lydia Thomas know who you want added.

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