Letter-writing Campaign Continues

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.  Because AIB classroom courses will be customized to begin when it is most convenient for bankers in your area, we are constantly looking for instructors throughout the state who are willing to help facilitate courses in new locations. Here is a listing of the classes that will be offered beginning in January 2006:

• Principles of Banking, Winder
  Instructor:  Randy Blalock
  January 10, 2006:  10 weeks, $195; text $60
• Principles of Banking, Canton
  Instructor:  Dale Morrissey
  January 10, 2006:  10 weeks, $195; text $60
• Analyzing Financial Statements, Norcross
  Instructor:  Peter Faser
  January 9, 2006:  10 weeks, $195; text $69
• Ethical Issues for Bankers, Ringgold
  Instructor:  Todd Pence
  January 24, 2006:  2 weeks, $145 (includes text)
• Supervision, Ringgold
  Instructor:  Jeff Kovach
  January 26, 2006:  10 weeks, $195; text $75

Please contact GBA’s Alison Moreau at (404) 420-2034 to register for a class today. If you would like for the GBA to offer a specific AIB course in your area, please let Alison know.

Legislative Reception Scheduled
The GBA’s annual Legislative Reception honoring the members of the General Assembly, the Constitutional Offices, the statewide Judiciary and other dignitaries is one of the best-attended events by policy makers of all events held in their honor.  This premiere event will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2006, at the Hyatt Regency, Atlanta from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  A block of sleeping rooms has been reserved at the Hyatt for the night of January 11. The negotiated rate is $154 per night for a single or double room. You may reserve a room by calling the Hyatt at (404) 577-1234.  Be sure to tell them you are with the Georgia Bankers Association. Please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010 with questions.  Click here to register online.

Mark Your Calendar:  HR Professionals Institute
Scheduled for February 8-10, 2006
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.  The brochure will be mailed with next week’s Bulletin.  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.

Operations and Technology Conference
Scheduled for March 16-17, 2006
The Operations and Technology Conference is scheduled for March 16-17, 2006 at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta.  The Operations and Technology Committee met this past Wednesday to plan the conference agenda.  A special thanks to Tom Healan, committee chair, Lanier Community Bank, Buford, and the Committee for their efforts in planning an excellent program.  The brochure and registration form will be available in January.  To request a brochure, please contact GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032.

Annual Convention Early Registration
The 2006 Annual Convention will be held on June 18-21 at The Ritz Carlton, Naples, Florida and promises to be an educational and memorable event you won’t want to miss!  Attendees will hear nationally known speakers discussing many of the hot issues facing bankers today.  If you would like to register early, please complete the registration form and return it, via mail or fax at (404) 522-9848, to the GBA office.  We will be happy to invoice your bank.  With questions, please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.

Early Registration for Leadership Conference
Leadership GBA will host its 46^th annual Leadership Conference on July 16-19 at the Omni Championsgate Resort in Orlando, Florida.  The Leadership GBA Executive Committee has planned a great program that promises to be educational and enjoyable.  Attendees will receive important information on the issues facing bankers today as well as leadership training.  If you would like to register early, just complete the registration form return it, via mail or fax at (404) 522-9848, to the GBA office.  We will be happy to invoice your bank.  With questions, please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010 or Fran Williams at (404) 420-2015.

Congratulations to…
Bob Parker, CEO, and the officers, directors and staff of Southern Bank & Trust in Clarkesville on the bank's recent opening.