gabankers.com                                Calendar of Events     I    Government Relations     I     Education     I     Products & Services     I     Volunteers    

August 25, 2006

Group Meetings Begin September 6
GBA’s annual series of Group Meetings will begin in Athens on September 6 and end in Statesboro on September 28. At this event, key leaders are chosen for the Association for the upcoming year.  Odd-numbered Groups elect a member to the GBA Board for a two-year term and each Group elects three officers to represent their Group within the GBA.  The Group Chair serves on the Nominating Committee to select statewide officers and serves as chairman for the Group’s meeting next year.  The Group Vice Chair works with the Public Affairs Committee to identify hot legislative and regulatory issues that should be addressed. The Group Secretary works with the Community Bankers Committee to plan GBA’s educational program. The 2006 Group Chairs are:

Group 1:  Michael Lee, Citizens Bank of Effingham, Springfield
Group 2:  DeWitt Drew, Southwest Georgia Bank, Moultrie
Group 3:  Ben DuPree, Central Bank of Georgia, Ellaville
Group 4:  Bill Gafford, McIntosh Commercial Bank, Carrollton
Group 5:  Monty Watson, The Peachtree Bank, Duluth
Group 6:  Allen Lancaster, The Gordon Bank
Group 7:  Bob Peck, Gateway Bank & Trust, Ringgold
Group 8:  Parrish Clark, Guardian Bank, Valdosta
Group 9:  Toby Goodlett, First Citizens, Toccoa
Group 10: Remer Brinson, First Bank of Georgia, Augusta

Register online or contact GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010 with questions.

Georgia Banks Recognized
In a recent edition of the ABA Banking Journal, several of our members were recognized as being among the top 50 banks in the country in their category. Among the factors that the study used to rank the banks was return on assets,  return on equity, asset growth rate; loan to deposit ratio; non-interest income to total revenue; efficiency ratio; nonperforming loans to total loans and leverage ratio.  In the group of 50 Non-Sub S banks under $100 million in assets, the Bank of Newington, Harry Sheppard, CEO, was 38^th on the list.  In the group of 50 Non-Sub S banks between $100 million and $300 million, The Community Bank, Loganville, Stan Kelley, CEO was 17^th, PrimeSouth Bank, Waycross, Nick Taylor, CEO was 26^th and Citizens Bank & Trust Company, Eastman, Jim Williams, CEO was 36^th.  In the list of S-corp banks under $3 billion in assets, Bank of Dade, Trenton,  Mike Tate, CEO was 20^th; First Cherokee State Bank, Woodstock, Carl Hames, CEO, was 42^nd; United Security Bank, Sparta, Ann Wilson, CEO, was 43^rd; and Douglas County Bank, Douglasville, Billy Mayhew, CEO, was 49^th.  Congratulations, all!

Keith Reagan to Speak on Balance Sheet Strategies at President/CEO Conference
Registrations continue to pour in for the President/CEO Conference scheduled for October 8-10 at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah.  Keith Reagan with The Darling Group in Newburyport, MA will be on hand to give important tips on balance sheet strategies in a highly volatile environment.  After numerous Fed hikes, the current yield curve is wreaking havoc for many while others are experiencing widening margins.  As we enter the next rate cycle, what strategies should bank ALCOs consider to maximize Net Interest Income over both the short term and long term without creating problems?  Keith will share these strategies as well as funding alternatives to consider and avoid, investment strategies, deposit strategies, and loan pricing and product strategies.  The GBA special rate at the Hyatt is $185/night for single or double occupancy.  The GBA room block for the conference will expire on September 12, and you may contact the hotel directly at (912) 238-1234 to reserve your room. For more information, please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.

Ethics and Professionalism Session Scheduled at Bank Counsel Conference
Final details are being made for the annual Bank Counsel Conference scheduled for October 8-10 at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah.  Held in conjunction with the President/CEO Conference, this event is a great opportunity to meet with fellow bank attorneys, presidents and chief executives from Georgia banks.  One of the featured speakers at this year’s conference is The Honorable Burley Mitchell, Former Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.  Justice Mitchell, now practicing with Womble Carlyle, will address the requirements for ethical behavior imposed by Sarbanes-Oxley and explore some hypothetical cases in which ethical issues are central to the story, including specific areas of a bank’s operations where ethical issues are most likely to arise.  GBA has reserved a block of rooms at the Hyatt at a special rate of $185/night for single or double occupancy.  Reserve your room by calling the Hyatt directly at (912) 238-1234.  The room block expires on September 12 so make your reservations soon.  With questions, please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.

Marketing Conference Scheduled
GBA’s annual Marketing Conference is scheduled for October 26-27 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Atlanta. This year’s theme is “A Holistic Approach to Marketing Financial Services.”  The conference will offer attendees answers to three key questions:  where are we now, where do we want to be, and how do we get there?  In addition to three informative sessions on evaluating your current position, targeting new customers and ensuring top quality customer service, we are delighted to welcome speakers from The Ritz-Carlton and Publix Supermarkets who will provide insight into what makes for superior customer service.  A highlight of the conference is a panel of bank presidents who will share from the CEO’s perspective how the roadmap from point A to point B can best be accomplished in financial institutions of all sizes and in diverse markets.  There will also be time for the ever-popular Peer Group discussions.  This is a conference you cannot afford to miss.  Please call the Grand Hyatt directly at (800) 233-1234 for reservations.  The GBA block of rooms expires October 4^th.  For details, please call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032.

Register Today for AIB Online Courses
Just a reminder that the following AIB online classes begin on September 18.  Please register no later than two weeks ahead of time to secure a seat in the class.

• Analyzing Financial Statements, 16 weeks, $475

• Commercial Lending, 16 weeks, $405

• Financial Accounting, 16 weeks, $475

• Introduction to Mortgage Lending, 16 weeks, $375

• Law & Banking: Principles, 16 weeks, $425

• Principles of Banking, 16 weeks, $375

• Understanding Your Construction Borrower, 10 weeks, $375

• ABA Online Review Course for the CTFA Exam (open enrollment), 12 weeks, $750

• Today's Teller: Developing Basic Skills (open enrollment), 8 weeks, $275 

These courses are instructor-facilitated with weekly assignments.  They can be taken from the comfort of your home or the convenience of your office. All you need is a computer, printer and Internet access.  With questions, please call GBA’s Fran Williams at (404) 420-2015.

Fall AIB Classroom Courses
AIB classes meet three hours each week for 10 to 15 weeks and are held at a local financial institution. If you have questions about AIB classroom courses or would like to see a specific course offered in your area, please call GBA’s Alison Moreau at (404) 420-2034.  Following is the list of upcoming classroom courses:

• Analyzing Financial Statements, taught by Peter Faser of Flag Bank, Norcross.
  Beginning September 11, 10 weeks, $195, text $69

• Principles of Banking, taught by Randy Blalock, The Peoples Bank, Winder.
  Beginning September 11, 10 weeks, $105, text $60

• Principles of Banking taught by Denny Donegan at Georgia Bank & Trust, Calhoun.
  Beginning September 11, 10 weeks, $195, text $60

• General Accounting taught by Denny Donegan at First Bank of Dalton.
  Beginning September 12, 15 weeks, $295, text $83

• Law and Banking: Principles, taught by Todd Pence of Northwest Georgia Bank, Ringgold.
  Beginning September 12, 10 weeks, $195, text $65

• Marketing Financial Services, taught by Dale Morrissey of First Cherokee State Bank, Canton.
  Beginning September 13, 10 weeks, $195, text $65

• Principles of Banking, taught by Steve McFarland of Gwinnett Community Bank, Duluth.
  Beginning September 14, 10 weeks, $195, text $60

• Consumer Lending taught by Denny Donegan at Northside Bank, Adairsville.
  Beginning September 21, 10 weeks, $195, text $75

• Principles of Banking, taught by Jeff Kovach of Northwest Georgia Bank, Ringgold.
  Beginning September 28, 10 weeks, $195, text $60

GBA BankPAC Update
Since the last Bulletin, the following banks have contributed to the GBA StatePAC:

• Mike Bell, Gladiator Technologies, Inc., Alpharetta

• Tim Keadle, Partner, Porter Keadle Moore, LLP, Atlanta

• Bruce Shaw, The Holmes/Shaw Agency, Marietta

• Steve Powell, Steve H. Powell & Company, Statesboro

 The officers, directors and staff of the following banks have contributed to the GBA FedPAC:

• Dan Blanton, CEO, Georgia Bank & Trust Company, Augusta

• Mike Allen, CEO, Georgia Trust Bank, Buford

• Richard Hunt, CEO, Gainesville Bank & Trust

Thanks for your support.  For information, please call Elizabeth Chandler at (404) 420-2027.  Click here for this week’s BankPAC Update.

Treasury Works to Reduce FTD Coupon Use
The U.S. Treasury’s Simplify initiative aims to increase use of the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) and reduce the use of Federal Tax Deposit (FTD) coupons.  EFTPS is a free, fast and flexible alternative to paying taxes with FTD coupons.  Available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, EFTPS allows taxpayers to schedule payments to be made online or through a telephone voice response system.  By encouraging members to use EFTPS, financial institutions can devote more time to building relationships with their members and promoting other financial products and services.  For information, visit their website or email campaign@simplifyeftps.org, or view the webcast outlining the benefits of EFTPS.  To enroll in EFTPS and make federal tax payments electronically, direct your members to www.eftps.gov.

President Signs Pension Protection Act
On August 17, 2006, the President signed the Pension Protection Act, one of the most comprehensive pension reform legislation created in recent history.  Alliance Benefit Group, the GBA Master Trust record keeper, has provided detailed information on this act and will keep us abreast as these changes unfold.  Under the recent act, the provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA) have been made permanent.  Provisions of EGTRRA now permanent include:  increased IRA contributions; higher maximum annual salary deferrals to 401(k), 403(b) and 457 plans; Roth 401(k) and 403 (b) contributions; additional qualified plan and IRA contributions for those age 50 or older; and the tax credit for lower-income individuals who save for retirement.  The Act also affects defined contribution or 401(k) Plans by:  providing new provisions designed to encourage automatic enrollment; requiring quarterly benefit statements for participant directed plans; includes ADP/ACP failure refunds as current taxable year income; and expands investment advice capability if certain conditions are met.  On the defined benefit pension plan side, the bill includes enhanced requirements designed to strengthen the rules for funding pension plans and a way to allow small employers to establish a combined 401(k)/defined benefit plan.  GBA Retirement Services, Inc. partners with high-quality service providers to ensure the best retirement plan options are available for member banks.  The investment managers, administrators, and legal counsel of the GBA Master Trust stay up-to-date with the complex regulations and changes affecting retirement plans.  If you would like a detailed summary of the recent provisions in the Pension Protection Act or would like more information on the 401(k) or Pension Plan services offered through the GBA, please contact Mandy Richards at (404) 420-2025.

GA BankPAC Golf Classic Scheduled for October 25th
Leadership GBA will host its sixth annual Georgia BankPAC Classic on October 25 at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Valdosta.  The two-man scramble tournament is sure to be a fun and challenging event for everyone.  It’s also a great opportunity to invite your legislators and directors to meet and play golf with your colleagues in the banking industry.  Registration is $300 per team or $150 per person, and the proceeds will be donated to the GBA StatePAC.  Please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010 with questions about the tournament.  Register now for a great time and a chance to win the Georgia BankPAC Trophy.

Compliance Peer Group Meeting
The next meeting of GBA’s Compliance Peer Group will be November 14th at 10:30 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza in Macon.  The agenda is currently being planned but will include training and plenty of time for roundtable discussion.  For more information or to be added to the email distribution list, please contact Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032 or mjones@gabankers.com.

Georgia Bankers Graduate from the Graduate School of Banking at LSU
Congratulations to the 17 Georgia bankers who graduated recently from the Graduate School of Banking at LSU and to Meredith Malcom, Senior Vice President at The National Bank of Walton County, Monroe, on her recent selection to serve on the School’s Board of Trustees. 

• Phillip W. Ashe, Security Bank of North Metro, Woodstock

• Clark E. Blackwell, First Cherokee State Bank, Woodstock

• Gregory J. Brogan, Horizon Bank, Duluth

• Richard J. Cellino, Columbus Bank & Trust Company, Columbus

• Diana W. Davis Millwood, Security Bank of North Metro, Woodstock

• Jay B. Forrester, Georgia Bank & Trust Company, Augusta

• Roger D. Kidwell, Gateway Bank and Trust, Ringgold

• Charlie J. Lail, Quantum National Bank, Suwanee

• Donna S. Lott, Southwest Georgia Bank, Moultrie

• Eliott J. Mosely, FDIC, Albany

• Daniel D. Quillian, United Community Bank, Monroe

• Christopher M. Simuro, Synovus Financial Corporation, Chatsworth

• Henry A. Stone, Thomasville National Bank, Thomasville

• R. Alan Thomes, Horizon Bank, Duluth

• Kevin B. Thrash, Citizens Bank and Trust, Carrollton

• Charles G. Tyre, Chestatee State Bank, Dawsonville

• Johnetta H. Waller, FDIC, Albany

 With questions about the school, please call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032.

Strengthen Customer Ties at Your Bank
Clarke American, a GBA Strategic Partner, is a leading provider of checks and related products, contact center services, e-commerce, and direct response marketing solutions to financial institutions throughout the U.S.  Annually, Clarke American produces more than 10 billion checks and deposit tickets in a variety of formats through a network of sixteen electronically linked manufacturing facilities and customer service centers across the nation. Clarke American provides valuable products and services that meet your customers’ unique needs. From multiple convenience channels such as Internet and phone to targeted marketing to individual account holders, their innovative technologies are taking customer relationships to new heights.  Clarke American’s vision is “to be the premier resource for our partners in the delivery of passionate customer care” by helping their partners attract, grow, and retain profitable customer relationships built on the checking account.  For more information, contact Steve Garrett at (800) 382-0818, ext. 2808.

Firewall Protection Services
Ensuring your firewall is operating properly and is regularly updated with the latest software releases assures that your firewall presents an effective line of defense.  Gladiator Technology Services, Inc. is a GBA Strategic Partner, and will proactively evaluate and monitor your firewall to maintain its effectiveness.  In addition, Gladiator’s highly trained security professionals will monitor the firewall real time and 24x7 to determine if unauthorized attempts are being made to breach the security of the system and will work with your institution to resolve such attacks as quickly as possible.  IT examiners expect your institution to manage technology effectively by monitoring intrusion prevention and employee activity.  Gladiator produces comprehensive and user-friendly management reports each month to allow your Information Security Officer to review and discuss the previous month’s activity with the technical support group and with the Board of Directors. Their knowledgeable staff will work with your financial institution to provide a team approach to managing technology properly.  Gladiator works with financial institutions exclusively and pride themselves on their knowledge and understanding of the environment.  For more information, contact Danny Johnston at (678) 461-4620.

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.

Some of the Services Available Through GBA Services, Inc.

GBA Services, Inc. is governed by a board composed primarily of community bank presidents who look for the best products and services available.  They do the due diligence for you and you can rely on their efforts.  For more information or to order any of these products or services, please call (404) 522-1501.

Newsmakers:

Acworth - NorthWest Bank & Trust Rhonda Newton has been named Vice President/Relationship Manager. Albany - Albany Bank & Trust John H. Monk has been named President and Chief Executive Officer. Alpharetta - Bank of North Georgia Nathan Rushin has joined the Suwanee office as Vice President, Corporate Lending and Beth Eckford has been promoted to Senior Vice President in the Marietta office. Augusta - First Bank of Georgia Jennifer C. Heath has been elected Assistant Vice President and Controller. Cartersville - Bartow County Bank Barry Justus has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Lending. Monroe - The National Bank of Walton County Ronald F. Marchant, III has joined the bank as vice President and Branch Manager of the Loganville branch. Statesboro - First Southern National Bank Kelly Kahley has joined the bank as Mortgage Loan Officer. Congratulations GBA Staffers on Your Anniversaries At a recent staff recognition event, six GBA staffers were recognized for their years of service to the association:  Susie McGehee, Training & Development Manager  (7 years); Lydia Thomas, Communications Manager (8 years); John Runnion, Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer (6 years); Kenyetta Parks, Member Services Manager (6 years); Joe Brannen, President & CEO (26 years); and Chad Wilson, Strategic Partner Coordinator & Retirement Services Administrator (1 year).  That is a combined total of 54 years of service to the bankers in Georgia!	Newton Eckford	Rushin Kahley