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December 16, 2005
Merry Christmas from the GBA Staff
 We all send our best wishes to our members for a merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season.  Thank you for all you do in support of your Association!

Credit Union NewsTake Action
We are 75% of the way there with our letter writing campaign to members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation asking them to oppose the Credit Unions' bill that would ease their business lending requirements and lessen their capital requirements. The chart below indicates how banks in each congressional district are doing.  If you haven’t written your letter to your member of Congress, please do so today.

In other credit union related news, the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance has approved the conversion of Delta Employees Credit Union to Delta Community Credit Union effective November 29.  Now any resident of Fayette County can join the credit union regardless of any connection to the airline.  Here are some interesting statistics about the Delta credit union as of June 30, 2005:

  • 162,746 members

  • $2.7 billion in assets

  • 13.1% annualized growth rate

  • 1.4% Return on Assets

Conversions of employer-based credit unions to community credit unions have been one of the most controversial conversions among bankers – especially community bankers.  Most bankers believe there is no justification to allow a credit union to retain their tax exempt status if the credit union converts to a community credit union status.  Readers of the e-version of this Bulletin will see this week’s chart of the number of letters written by Georgia bankers opposing the credit union industry’s efforts to expand their franchises.
 
District Legislator

Web Letters
as of Dec. 5

Web Letters
as of Dec. 13
1 Rep. Jack Kingston 155 163
2 Rep. Sanford Bishop1 199 232
3 Rep. Jim Marshall 313 316
4 Rep. Cynthia McKinney 17 17
5 Rep. John Lewis 1 81 81
6 Rep. Tom Price2 49 50
7 Rep. John Linder 60 61
8 Rep. Lynn A. Westmoreland 276 332
9 Rep. Charles Norwood 267 269
10 Rep. Nathan Deal 201 209
11 Rep. Phil Gingrey 128 146
12 Rep. John Barrow 292 292
13 Rep. David Scott2 70 73

Total Number of Letters

 2,108 2,241
1Has cosponsored the Credit Union Industry’s legislation
2Is a member of the House Financial Services Committee

GBA BankPAC Update
 Since the last Bulletin, Richard Spink, CEO, Peachtree National Bank, Peachtree City, has contributed to the GBA StatePAC.  Thanks for your support.

 Legislative Reception Reminder
 Just a reminder to register for GBA’s 2006 Legislative Reception.  The event will be held on January 11, 2006, from 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency, Atlanta.  Responses are pouring in daily from members of the Legislature.  “It is essential that we show our elected officials GBA’s grassroots network is strong and active throughout the state,” said GBA Chairman Tom Wiley, CEO of Flag Bank, Atlanta.  “One of the best ways to do that is by attending this event.”  If you plan to spend the night, remember that the cut-off date for the special GBA rate of $154 per night at the Hyatt is December 31.  You may reserve a room by calling the Hyatt at (404) 577-1234.  Please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010 with questions.  Make plans now to attend one of the GBA’s most important and popular events of the year.

 Let us hear from you
 GBA’s Group Vice Chairs are our eyes and ears at the local level in helping us identify legislative and regulatory issues that need attention.  These 10 bankers have recently been asked to provide any feedback they have received on these issues to members of our Public Affairs Committee which makes recommendations to the GBA Board of Directors on positions the Association should take on these issues.  The Board and Public Affairs Committee will be meeting the afternoon prior to the Legislative Reception to finalize our preparations for the upcoming session, so please let either your Group’s Vice Chair, Public Affairs Committee representative or GBA Board member know of any concerns you feel should be addressed.

 ABA End-Of-The-Year Survey
 Since its launch earlier this year, the ABA Banking Docket—or Status of Important Banking Cases—has provided members with timely updates and information on important developments in banking litigation. As 2005 winds down, the editors are looking for feedback from subscribers about what they did right in 2005 and what can be improved in 2006. Please take a couple of minutes to complete the survey and help make the ABA Banking Docket the most useful source of information on important banking litigation.  Questions or comments may be directed to ABA’s Greg Taylor.

 AIB Classroom Courses for Winter 2006
We are excited about the new, customized format for AIB classroom courses and we appreciate the bankers in Winder, Canton, Norcross and Ringgold for agreeing to teach for us Winter semester.  We would also like to thank the banks for their generous contribution of providing a meeting space.  As a reminder, AIB classes can be customized to fit the educational needs as well as the scheduling needs of bankers in your area.  We are constantly looking for experienced bankers to be instructors for AIB classes.  Here is a listing of AIB classes that will be offered beginning January 2006:

  • Principles of Banking, Winder
     Instructor:  Randy Blalock
    Location:  The Peoples Bank
    January 10:  10 weeks, $195; text $60

  • Principles of Banking, Canton
     Instructor:  Dale Morrissey
    Location:  Cherokee Bank
    January 10:  10 weeks, $195; text $60

  • Analyzing Financial Statements, Norcross
     Instructor:  Peter Faser
    Location:  Flag Bank
    January 9:  10 weeks, $195; text $69

  • Ethical Issues for Bankers, Ringgold
     Instructor:  Todd Pence
    Location:  Northwest Georgia Bank
    January 24:  2 weeks, $145 (includes text)

  • Supervision, Ringgold
     Instructor:  Jeff Kovach
    Location:  Northwest Georgia Bank
    January 26:  10 weeks, $195; text $75

Please call GBA’s Alison Moreau at (404) 420-2034 with questions or if you would like for the GBA to offer a specific AIB course in your area.

 GBS Early Bird Registration Deadline
 The deadline for the Georgia Banking School “Early Bird” discount is December 31.  Take advantage of the $125 savings by registering for the Class of 2008 now.  The Georgia Banking School, a three-year resident and home study program, meets in 2006 at the University of Georgia from April 30 through May 5.  Call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032 for details and registration information.

 Mark Your Calendar:  HR Professionals Institute
Scheduled for February 8-10
 The HR Professionals Institute is scheduled for February 8-10, 2006 at Chateau Elan in Braselton.  This year’s agenda includes performance improvement, job descriptions, communication strategies for multiple generations, succession planning, creating a positive employee culture, the HR professional’s role in strategic planning, business continuity planning, legal update, incentive compensation and healthcare cost awareness.  A block of rooms has been reserved and the deadline for reservations is January 7, 2006.  You may call the hotel directly at (678) 425-0900 to make a reservation.  Call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032 with questions or to register.

 Retirement Investment Products
 The Board of Directors of GBA Retirement Services, Inc. recently approved a change in investment structure for the Master Trust effective January 1, 2006.  In the past, the Trust was structured where member banks had to choose between Atlanta Capital Management and Reliance Trust Company as investment manager for their employees.  In an effort to streamline administration and to improve the products offered to bank employees, the Board elected to open up the investment options and offer both products under one platform to all GBA Trust members.  All member banks will now have access to the Reliance Lifestyles Portfolios in which Reliance does the asset allocation for the participant, the Reliance Trust asset class options where participants can self-direct into asset class funds, and the three high quality mutual funds managed by Atlanta Capital Management.  Both investment managers have done a great job working with the GBA plans over many years while maintaining solid, long-term investment returns. 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 for information on how GBA Retirement Services can help design a retirement plan for your bank.

 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.

 Did you know…..
GBA offers the following products?
 2006 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 with FDIC rules.

2005 Georgia Banking Laws and Commercial Code Book (CD-ROM included)
All changes of the Uniform Commercial Code or the Rules of the Department of Banking and Finance during the 2005 session are included.

2005 Salary Survey
 The Salary Survey includes salary and benefit data for over 100 banking positions, with data being reported by approximately 100 financial institutions.

 Thumbprint Signature Program
 The GBA-sponsored Thumbprint Signature Program has been found to significantly reduce check fraud.  Nationally, this program is responsible for an 82% reduction in check fraud.

FinCrime.com
FinCrime.com is a database and clearing house that facilitates the immediate sharing of information via email about fraudulent activity between financial institutions and law enforcement.  This is a free service available to GBA members and Georgia law enforcement. 

Georgia Financial Institutions 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 Strategic Partners to assist our members in locating companies who provide useful products for their banks.

For more information or to order any of the products listed above, please contact GBA’s Kenyetta Parks at (404) 420-2035.

 Latest Bank to Link
 Welcome to Georgia Trust Bank, Buford, Mike Allen, CEO, as the latest bank to link to GBA’s website. Call Lydia Thomas at (404) 420-2039 when your bank is ready to link.
Congratulations, Marybeth
 GBA’s Training and Development Manager, Marybeth Jones, celebrated her ninth anniversary with GBA this month.  Marybeth coordinates most of the annual conferences sponsored by our standing committees, oversees the AIB program and coordinates our two major schools, the Georgia Banking School and the Southern Operations and Technology School.

 Newsmakers:

 Augusta - First Bank of Georgia
 Gregory B. Scurlock has been elected to Vice President-Business Banking; Cheryl Dawson to Operations Officer; and Gay L. Morris to Assistant Vice President and Assistant Office Manager.  Michelle Piper and Phyllis Salazar have been promoted to Office Managers.

Augusta - Georgia Bank & Trust
Darrell Rains has joined the bank as Chief Financial Officer; Jerry Rogers as Vice President of Investment Services; Mark Wills as Senior Vice President of Corporate Lending; and Mike Epps as Vice President of Commercial Lending.

Conyers - Eastside Commercial Bank
Congratulations to CEO John May, directors and staff on the bank’s recent opening.

Greensboro - BankSouth
Congratulations to President Bobby Voyles on his upcoming retirement.  He will continue to serve as Vice Chairman of the bank’s Board of Directors.

Calendar of Events
Details for December

 

Conferences

 
Feb. 8-10, 2006 HR Professionals Institute Braselton
March 2-3, 2006 Financial Risk Management Conference Atlanta
March 16-17, 2006 Operations and Technology Conference Atlanta
April 6-7, 2006 Security Conference Savannah
May 25-26, 2006 Rural Development and Lending Conference St. Simons Island
July 16-19, 2006 Leadership Conference Orlando, FL
Sept. 5-7, 2006 GACHA's Solutions 2006 Atlanta
     

Conventions/Events

 
Jan. 11, 2006 Legislative Reception Atlanta
June 18-21, 2006 Annual Convention Naples, FL
     

 

Schools

 
Feb. 20-22, 2006 Southeastern School of Advanced Commercial Lending Nashville, TN
March 5-10, 2006 Southeastern School of Consumer Credit  Nashville, TN
April 30-May 4, 2006 Georgia Banking School Athens
May 21-26, 2006 Southeastern School of Commercial Lending Nashville, TN
May 21 - June 2, 2006 Graduate School of Banking at LSU Baton Rouge, LA

 

 

 

 

Seminars

 
Jan. 10, 2006 Law of Applications & OFCCP's New Regulation Webinar
Jan. 11, 2006 Turn Problem Employees into Phenomenal Employees Webinar
Jan. 12, 2006 Robbery Procedures Webinar
Jan. 12, 2006 HMDA: Preparing for the March 1, 2006 Data Submission Telephone
Jan. 13, 2006 Avoiding Losses on Treasury Checks Telephone
Jan. 18, 2006 IRA Update Webinar
Jan. 19, 2006 Loan Documentation for Lenders Tifton
Jan. 20, 2006 Loan Documentation 101, Part 1: The Basics Telephone
Jan. 24, 2006 Bank Secrecy Act for Frontline Personnel Telephone
Jan. 24, 2006 Overdraft Protection Programs: Risks & Rewards Webinar
Jan. 25, 2006 Compliance Issues for Advertising & Marketing Webinar
Jan. 25, 2006 Bank Director Macon
Jan. 26, 2006 Bankruptcies, Garnishments, Liens & Levies Cartersville
Jan. 27, 2006 Loan Documentation 101 Part 2: Lien Perfection: Getting it Right Telephone
Jan. 31, 2006 BSA, OFAC & Patriot Act Webinar
Feb. 1-2, 2006 Advanced Compliance Symposium Macon
Feb. 3, 2006 Loan Documentation 101 Part 3: Reviewing Collateral Files Telephone
Feb. 8, 2006 Compliance Issues for Consumer Lending Webinar
Feb. 8/9, 2006 IRA: The Basics Gainesville/Macon
Feb. 9, 2006 Proper Completion of RESPA Disclosures Telephone
Feb. 22, 2006 Introduction to Consumer Lending Cartersville
Feb. 28, 2006 Construction Lending Macon
April 13, 2006 Bank Director Tifton
   
Board/Committee Meetings  
Jan. 11, 2006 GBA Board of Directors Atlanta
Jan. 11, 2006 GBA Board, BankPAC Board & Public Affairs Committee Atlanta
Jan. 12, 2006 Leadership GBA Executive Committee Atlanta
Jan. 12, 2006 GBA Services, Inc. Board of Directors Atlanta
     

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 About the GBA  I  Professional Development  I  Government Relations  I  Services