A regular electronic publication of the Georgia Bankers Association
About the GBA
Board of
Directors
Bank/Thrift CEOs
Georgia Banks Online
Associate
Members
Strategic Partners &
Products
Bank Counsel Section
Volunteer
Committees
Electronic
Publications
All of the GBA directors, officers and staff wish you a happy and prosperous New Year! “We are always excited about the opportunities a new year brings and 2002 is no exception,” said GBA President Joe Brannen. “The economic downturn is clearly having an impact on our members’ profitability, and we are hopeful the prognosticators are correct who are predicting the recession will be short-lived. Georgia has been blessed with a diverse economy and still is among the fastest growing states in the country so the demographics are excellent for the long term,” he concluded. GBA recognizes the need to continue our world-class education and training programs and is committed to another year of outstanding programs. We also recognize that our members want these programs delivered in the most cost-efficient manner. As a result, we have expanded the number of telephone seminars we will be hosting in 2002 to bring you these essential training topics directly in your bank. GBA’s Senior Vice President for Professional Development, June Somers, said, “Telephone seminars are an excellent way for our members to get top quality information at an affordable rate. Not only do you get this information, you also save on travel expense and the time away from the bank.” GBA will continue to offer many seminars in our traditional settings, too, as we also recognize the value of face-to-face interaction with the presenter and other bankers. “We also have more ‘early bird’ bankers registered for the Georgia Banking School than we have had in a long time, so education continues to remain a top priority among our members,” June concluded.
2001 State Legislative
Issues
Governor Roy Barnes
Lt. Gov. Mark
Taylor
Georgia House of
Representatives
Georgia State Senate
Federal Legislative
Issues
U.S.
Congress
Legislative Updates
Legal Issues
Since the last Bulletin, the officers and directors of United Community Bank North Georgia, Blue Ridge, Johnny Chastain, President, and United Community Bank of Rabun County, Clayton, Mark Smith, President, have participated in the Georgia BankPAC 2001 campaign by contributing to the GBA StatePAC. Additionally, officers and directors of Alliance National Bank, Dalton, Charles Allgood, President, have contributed to the GBA FedPAC. Thanks to everyone for your support. For additional information, call Elizabeth Way at (404) 420-2027.
Plans are being finalized for GBA’s annual Legislative Reception slated for Wednesday, January 16, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency, Atlanta. Invitations have
been sent to legislators and special guests and we
are expecting a big crowd of dignitaries.
We need to ensure a huge turnout from our membership, so please
make sure your bank is represented. If you plan to spend the night, call
the Hyatt directly at (404) 577-1234.
GBA Chairman Jimmy Burnsed
said, “With so many issues affecting our industry this session, we
need a strong showing of grassroots support.
We’ll be facing predatory lending, defending our right to broker
real estate and proactively working on privacy and identity theft
legislation.” Call GBA’s Susie
McGehee at (404) 420-2010 with questions about the reception or
hotel reservations.
Issues to Consider
This time last year, bankers were focusing on funding and liquidity,
asset quality, revenue growth/margins, technology and the new privacy
laws. Few were expecting the
record number of rate cuts from the Fed.
2002 will be a year where asset quality and revenue growth and
margins continue to be among the top priorities.
Most bankers have been able to address their funding and liquidity
needs from last year although some still report that long term higher-rate
CDs in their portfolios are still causing a margin squeeze.
Because of the explosion of Georgia’s population, home building
continues at a rapid pace and the regulators continue to express concern
about the concentration of real estate in many banks’ portfolios.
Ag bankers are also concerned that Congress failed to enact the new
Farm Bill before adjourning and are hoping action will be taken early in
the new session to bring more certainty to the entire agriculture
community. Agriculture is
still Georgia’s largest industry.
Calendar of Events
Schools
Conferences
Seminars
Events
Georgia AIB
Leadership GBA
Personal Economics Program
(PEP)
Internet
Training
AIB
Semester Starts February 4th
The new AIB semester is just around the corner and we are
offering almost 100 classes in 46 locations throughout the state so please
check the schedule to see if classes are being offered in your community.
If classes are not conveniently located, then check out the online
schedule of classes that offers 23 classes, many of the same ones you
would take in the classroom and a few new ones as well. Analyzing Bank
Performance is a brand new online course designed for middle to senior
level managers. We are also
offering the most popular computer
courses needed by bankers at three locations.
The skill-specific Performance
Training Series is being offered in the classroom in several
locations and can also be taken online through the ABA
e-Learning program. If
you have any questions about The GBA Advantage, please call Edie Canales at (404) 420-2034.
In response to a rise in questions surrounding bankruptcy, garnishments, lien and levies, the GBA is offering a full-day seminar at the Best Western Lanier Centre in Gainesville on January 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Gary Moser, long-time GBA legal instructor and bank counsel section member from Valdosta, will instruct the course that will include coverage of bankruptcy, garnishment, liens and levies. The full-day course is $185 and includes meals, materials and instruction. To register, please call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032.
Operations
and Technology Conference
The GBA’s Operations/Technology
Committee is pleased to announce the 2002 Operations
and Technology Conference to be held Wednesday and Thursday, March
27th and 28th at the Atlanta Renaissance
Waverly Hotel. This year’s conference is being held in lieu of the GBA
Banking Expo, which will now take place every other year.
The 2001-2002 Operations/Technology Committee has carefully planned
this conference to feature subjects pertinent to you and your bank:
Customer Relationship Management (from technology to human
resources issues); changes in Automated Clearing House; cost benefit of
internet and intranet; and check and internet fraud.
Not only will you benefit from the program agenda, but you will
also have the opportunity to renew old friendships and cultivate new ones
at this event. Please see the
enclosed brochure for more details or call GBA’s Marybeth
Jones at (404) 420-2032.
Executive
Management Academy
In response to many requests, the CEO Academy audience has been expanded
to executive-level managers and is now called the Executive
Management Academy. The focus is still on practical community bank
management. Participants meet
for one full working day six times over the course of one year to discuss
the following topics: Strategic
Planning, Credit Risk Management, Marketing/ Relationship Management,
Asset/Liability Management, Compliance Management and Human Resources
Management. Peer-to-peer
discussions are an integral part of the program. The brochure is enclosed
for CEOs including outlines of each topic and the featured speaker for
each topic. Call GBA’s June
Somers at (404) 420-2012 with questions.
Retirement Services, Inc.
GBA Services, Inc.
Pension
Trust Welcomes New Member
GBA
Retirement Services, Inc.
is pleased to welcome a new participating plan sponsor: Planters
& Citizens Bank,
Camilla, Jud Vann,
President. The programs
offered through the GBA Master Pension and Profit Sharing Trusts
provide flexibility to meet the needs of any bank or associate member who
is looking to add to or change their qualified retirement plan. The Master
Trust provides high quality, affordable pension, profit sharing, and
Section 401(k) programs for banks and other companies of all sizes. Please
contact Mandy
Richards at (404) 420-2025 or Bruce Shaw at (770) 642-2150 for
more information about how GBA can help with your retirement plan design.
Some Of The Services Available Through GBA Services, Inc.
-
Financial Publications-Georgia Banking Laws, Bank Directories
- Real Estate Loan Products and Services
- Environmental Contamination Loan Insurance
|
For
Sale Modular bank building: 1288 sq. ft. (28x46) building with three offices, teller line, customer service area, and break room/bathroom. New under-counter equipment, combo night depository/vault, 10 ft. drive-up window, security cameras and monitor. Unit has been refurbished with new air conditioner, trim, etc. Wooden deck if wanted to be included. Walk up 1064i Diebold ATM is a refurbished unit and is also available (to be negotiated separately). All bids considered, asking $65,000 with no delivery. Please contact Dave Scogin, Jimmy Ivey or Ed Sowell at First National Bank of the South in Milledgeville at (478) 454-1000. |
Bankers
Insurance Network
The organizing meeting of the Steering Committee for GBA’s Bankers
Insurance Network is scheduled for January 24.
The Network was announced late last year and a number of bankers
expressed an interest in participating. Dan
Speight, President and CEO of Flag Financial Corporation in Vienna,
has agreed to chair the Steering Committee. Other members of the Steering Committee are both active
bankers as well as the heads of bank-owned or bank-affiliated insurance
operations. The Network will be a
resource for our members as you consider your approach to selling insurance.
The three principal activities of the network will be:
-
Offering a customized educational program for bankers seeking their insurance licenses
-
Sponsoring quarterly Peer Group Sessions around a specific topic with a keynote speaker
-
Giving input to the GBA staff on legislative or regulatory matters dealing with insurance
Call GBA’s Renee Valdez at (404) 420-2036 with questions.
Did you know GBA offers
the following products?
Holiday Decals
Holiday
Decals are made available through the GBA.
These window decals not only provide a professional appearance, but also
contain the 10 holiday close dates recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank, in
accordance the FDIC rules.
GBA
Members $35 per set
Non Members $45 per set
Georgia Banking Laws and Commercial Code (CD-ROM included)
All changes of the Uniform Commercial Code or the Rules of
the Department of Banking and Finance during the 1999 session are included
Law Code
Book $140
2000 Supplement $45
2001 Supplement $45
Georgia Financial Directory
The Bank Directory contains complete information on all the banks in the state
and is invaluable to banking professionals.
Also are included are a listing of Associate Member Companies and the
GBA’s own endorsed vendors to assist officials in locating companies who
provide useful products for their banks
GBA Member $25
Non Members $45
Salary
Survey
The Salary Survey includes salary and benefit data for over 100 Banking
positions, with data being reported by approximately 100 financial
institutions.
|
Bank Assets |
Participating Banks | Non-Participating Banks |
| $0-100MM | $75 | $125 |
| $101-$300MM | $150 | $200 |
| $300MM + | $300 | $350 |
Record
Retention Manual
Records should be destroyed on a regular basis, in a timely
manner and in accordance with the law. This
manual aids banks in getting a retention program started.
$145 first copy
$45 each additional copy
Thumbprint Signature Program
The GBA-sponsored Thumbprint Program has been found to significantly reduce
check fraud. Nationally this
program is responsible for an 82% reduction in check fraud.
Dublin,
Morris
State Bank
The bank announces the following promotions:
Melton E. Tyson to President and Chief Operating Officer; Susan
C. Brandon to Vice President and Loan Officer; Gale H. Rogers to
Vice President and Loan Officer; Sue Carr to Assistant Vice President
and Human Resources Officer; and Brian K. Bazemore to Assistant Vice
President and Loan Officer.
Macon,
New South Bank
Gary Hall has joined the bank as Senior Vice President and Chief
Lending Officer.
Metter,
Pineland State Bank
Richard Williams has been promoted to Executive Vice President and
CEO as well as to the Board of Directors.
Pelham,
Pelham
Banking Company
The bank announces the retirement of Vice President and Director, J.
Elmer Conley, who served the bank for 47 years.
Soperton,
The Bank of Soperton
Julian C. Lane has been named to replace the retiring President, Kennon
Gillis, who will remain on the bank’s Board of Directors.
Statesboro,
Sea
Island Bank
Gary L. Johnson has joined the bank as Executive Vice President.
The bank announces the retirement of Regional President Robert G. (Bob) Cochran, who has served the bank since 1963. The bank also announces the promotion of Katherine D. Bows to Vice President/Marketing and Mark D. Fritz to Vice President and Commercial Banking Officer.
Valdosta,
PAB
Bankshares, Inc.
The bank announces the following promotions: Brad Burnette to
Chairman of the Board of Directors; Michael Ricketson to President
and Chief Executive Officer; Burke Welsh to Executive Vice
President and Chief Credit Officer; and Jay Torbert to Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer.
Additionally, Bill Cowart has been named Regional President
of Park Avenue Bank for the Valdosta, Adel, Bainbridge, Statesboro
and Baxley offices and Ray Chitty President of Park Avenue
Bank-Valdosta.
Vidalia,
Darby Bank &
Trust Company
The bank announces the recent retirement of
President Eddie Tyson.
GBA's
e-Bulletin List
Our
e-Bulletin subscriber list continues to grow with each edition. Bankers from any member bank can
be added to the email-distributed version of the Bulletin. A bonus of getting the e-Bulletin
is the number of links we include, which puts even more information at
your fingerprints. This is a
great way to keep your key employees informed of significant industry
information, trends and events. To add
yourself or others in your bank to the list, send an email
containing the name and email address of each individual to GBA’s
Lydia
Thomas.
