Credit Conference Huge Success
Our thanks to Credit Committee Chair David Coxon of United Community Bank, Fairburn, and the entire Committee for planning an outstanding conference held last week and attended by almost 200 senior credit officers from banks across Georgia.  In addition to an array of keynote and breakout speakers, we were also delighted to host a panel of bank regulators who discussed issues as far ranging as underwriting guidance for loan participations, the proposed rules on commercial real estate lending and early warning signs for softness in some markets.  Shown in the photo (L-R) are Rob Braswell, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance; Randy Ryskamp, District Counsel, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; Bill Estes, Senior Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta; and Gale Simons-Poole, FDIC Deputy District Director for Risk Management.  Our thanks also to our sponsors:  Randy Griffin with CSRA Lending for sponsoring the reception; Steve Powell with Steve Powell & Company for sponsoring the continental breakfast; and John Hayes with FTRANS Corp. for sponsoring the refreshment break.  Randy, Steve and John also exhibited at the conference.  Other exhibitors were Presidential Financial, Jim Comer; MainStreet Technologies, Jon Closs; and Magnet Bank, Steve Crowell. 

Commercial Real Estate Concentration Guidance Released
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board, and the FDIC issued joint final guidance Wednesday on commercial real estate lending concentrations.  The Georgia Bankers Association filed an extensive comment letter with the regulators when the proposal was put out for comment as a tremendous number of banks in Georgia would be impacted by the guidance.  We also met with each of the Federal regulators in May to discuss our concerns.  We are in the process of analyzing the new guidance and will send you more information once it is available.  An initial review indicates that some of our recommendations were included in the new guidance although most of the fundamental principles of the final guidance remained unchanged from what was originally proposed.  The Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) issued separate final guidance.  The OTS guidance does not utilize the numerical thresholds like that in the other agencies’ joint guidance.  "Even prior to this guidance first being proposal, most of our members had already put better monitoring software and reporting procedures in place.  This whole process has been helpful in getting bankers, board members, regulators and borrowers all working together to ensure appropriate risk management practices are followed. We see little change in most bank's procedures as a result of this new guidance," said GBA President, Joe Brannen. 

2007 Congress/Regulator Focus Becoming Clear
In several addresses and press releases in the last few days, it is becoming clearer what banking issues are on the minds of key regulators and legislators as the new Democrat-controlled Congress is getting ready to convene early next year.  Speaking before the Financial Services Conference of the Consumer Federation of America, FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair discussed her thoughts and concerns on economic inclusion and why certain segments of the population are paying higher rates and fees for basic financial services.  She said one key effort she will make during her tenure is to find out whether aspects of safety and soundness regulation unnecessarily deter banks from serving the needs of their communities, or create perverse incentives or regulatory gaps that favor high cost products.  Speaking   before the same conference, Barney Frank, (D-MA) incoming chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said his priorities for the committee next year will be to restrict predatory lending on home mortgages, strengthen data security and ensure that federal banking regulators do not override state consumer protections.  Mr. Frank was primarily referring to the OCC's preemption of the Georgia Fair Lending Act as it applied to nationally-chartered banks and which was subsequently preempted for state chartered banks because of a parity provision in the statute.  And, speaking at the Center for American Progress forum in Washington, Michigan Senator Carl Levin said he planned to hold hearings before his Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations to show the need to reform the credit card industry.  He described the industry in his speech as "a powerful industry that is thriving in part on unfair and confusing practices." 

FDIC Encourages Banks to Offer More Small-dollar Loans
Following the speech FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair made to the Consumer Federation of America, the FDIC has issued for comment guidelines to encourage state non-member banks to offer affordable small-dollar loan products. In announcing the proposed guidelines, Ms. Bair said, "There is a huge demand for small-dollar, unsecured loans, but there are far too few low-cost options available for consumers. It is our obligation as a regulator to encourage those we regulate to create products that are beneficial to both the banks and their customers."  In the proposed guidelines, the FDIC encourages banks to offer products with affordable, reasonable interest rates with no or low fees; payments that pay down the principal balance of the loan; and a savings component incorporated into the loans. The FDIC also encourages banks to leverage technology in managing these products. In addition to a savings component, programs should also include financial education for frequent borrowers.

Georgia Banker Recognized for Advocacy
Congratulations to Luz Urritia, President and COO of El Banco de Nuestra Comunidad in Roswell, for being recognized by the American Banker as the Community Banker of the Year for Advocacy.  She was honored at a gala event last week in New York City for her commitment to meeting the financial needs of the unbanked and the underbanked, primarily in the Hispanic community.  Ms. Urrutia joined what was then Nuestra Tarjeta Servicios Inc. in 2003. The company, which adopted the El Banco named in June, was founded in 2001 to offer stored-value cards to Hispanic immigrants.  Ms. Urrutia, a former Wachovia Corp. executive, joined the bank as the business model expanded to offering check-cashing, remittance, and even traditional banking services to unbanked immigrants.  Hispanic immigrants are known to be distrustful of banks, and it is Ms. Urrutia's mission to get them into the banking mainstream. In discussing the role El Banco plays in her market, she said, "We don't take our customers from other banks; we take them from the nonbank financial institutions.  Our purpose is to get them away from the predators and the check cashers, and migrate them from nontraditional banking to traditional banking products and services."  El Banco now has 12 fully bilingual branches in the Atlanta area. The company also offers its check-cashing platform to other banks and credit unions that are interested in reaching out to the unbanked.

Legislative Reception Reminder
Plans are being finalized for GBA’s annual Legislative Reception.  This premier event is slated for Wednesday, January 10, 2007, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency, Atlanta. Invitations are being mailed to legislators and special guests and we anticipate a great crowd. It is crucial that a large number of bankers attend and show your support for the banking industry and the Association by registering a group of representatives from every bank.  If you plan to spend the night, remember that the cut-off date for the special GBA rate of $159 per night at the Hyatt is Friday, December 29.  You may reserve a room by calling the Hyatt at (404) 577-1234.  If you have any questions about the reception or the hotel, please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.  Register representatives from your bank now and make plans to attend one of the GBA’s most important events of the year.

Legislators in the News

Status of Important Banking Cases
Our thanks to the Office of the General Counsel of the American Bankers Association for making available the newest edition of the Status of Important Banking Cases to the members of our Bank Counsel Section.  This monthly report gives bank attorneys up to date information on litigation involving banks across the country.  This report is another member benefit for the attorneys in GBA's Bank Counsel Section.  With questions about how your bank's attorney can participate in the Section, please call GBA's Kenyetta Parks at (404) 420-2035.

Georgia Banking School Early Bird Registration Ends December 31
The deadline for taking advantage of the Georgia Banking School “Early Bird” discount is December 31.  Save $125 by registering for the Class of 2009 now.  The incoming class is already half subscribed, and we expect a waiting list for some students like we have had the past two years.  The Georgia Banking School, a three-year resident and home study program, meets in 2007 at the University of Georgia April 29-May 4.  Please call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032 for details and registration information.

GBA Convention Registration Open for 2007 Meeting
Bankers are already registering for the 2007 Annual Convention slated for June 17-20 at the fabulous Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.  Last week we rolled out the convention logo shown on the right.  Be sure and watch future issues of the e-Bulletin and click on the logo to learn more about the convention activities.  The GBA convention draws hundreds of Georgia bankers, associate members and their families each year.  The program, networking opportunities, recreational events and the location are always top quality.  If you ever planned to go to the Grand Caymans, this is the year to do it - our hotel discount is more than $200 less than what you could negotiate on your own.  With questions about the 2007 convention, please contact GBA's Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010. 

HR Professionals Institute Scheduled
Final plans are underway for the HR Professionals Institute scheduled for February 21-23, 2007, at Chateau Elan in Braselton.  The agenda will include the following topics:  Recruitment and Interviews, The Future of Health Benefits, Legal Update, Behavioral Assessments, Right Sizing, Best Practices in HR/Audit Checkup, Coaching, Disaster/Emergency Follow-up and Retirement Planning.  The brochure will be mailed with the next Bulletin.  A block of rooms has been reserved and the deadline for reservations is January 22, 2007, and you may call the hotel directly at (678) 425-0900 to make a reservation.  Please call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032 with questions or click here to register online.

Never Too Early to Register for Leadership GBA Annual Conference
Leadership GBA will host its 47^th annual Leadership Conference on July 15-18, 2007, at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra, FL.  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, please click here; we will be happy to invoice your bank.  Please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010 or Jennifer Stevens at (404) 420-2024 with questions.

Winter 2007 AIB Classroom Courses
AIB classes meet three hours each week for 10 to 15 weeks and will be held at a local financial institution.  If you would like to see a specific course offered in your area or if you have any questions about AIB classroom courses, please contact GBA’s Alison Moreau at (404) 420-2034.  Following are the AIB classroom courses scheduled for Winter 2007:

• Supervision, taught by Cassie Parker of McIntosh State Bank, McDonough.
  Beginning January 8, 15 weeks, $295, text $75

• Consumer Lending, taught by Steve McFarland of Gwinnett Community Bank, Duluth.
  Beginning January 9, 10 weeks, $195, text $75

• Principles of Banking, taught by Randy Blalock of The Peoples Bank, Winder.

Register Today for AIB Online Courses
Here is a preview of upcoming January Courses:

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

• Analyzing Bank Performance, 7 weeks, $695 (Jan. 16)

• Analyzing Financial Statements*, 16 weeks, $475 (Jan. 16)

• Commercial Lending, 16 weeks, $375 (Jan. 29)

• Consumer Lending, 16 weeks, $375 (Jan. 22)

• General Accounting*, 16 weeks, $475 (Jan. 16)

• Introduction to Mortgage Lending, 16 weeks, $375 (Jan. 22)

• Law & Banking:  Applications, 16 weeks, $425 (Jan. 22)

• Principles of Banking, 16 weeks, $375 (Jan. 16 and Jan. 29)

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

There is still availability in the following December AIB online courses.  Please register as soon as possible to secure a seat in the class.

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

• General Accounting*, 16 weeks, $475 (Dec. 18)

• Principles of Banking, 16 weeks, $375 (Dec. 18)

• Problem Loan Workouts, 6 weeks, $275 (Dec. 18)

• 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. (Classes with an asterisk * require Microsoft Excel software.)  Please see the AIB Online January – April 2007 Schedule for a complete listing or call GBA’s Alison Moreau at (404) 420-2034 with questions.

Efficient Real Estate Loan Products & Services for Your Lenders
In recent years, the process for obtaining real estate loan products and services and closing loans has undergone tremendous changes due to increased competition as well as lenders searching for efficiencies and lower cost.  DSD Enterprises, Inc., a GBA Strategic Partner, is affiliated with technology and product service providers that bring state of the art technology and high quality vendors to our member banks. These options include no cost order/delivery vendor management technology as well as multiple vendor choices for all products necessary to close real estate loans. Product options for home equity, refinance, and second mortgage loans include alternative lien products that speed up processing and reduce closing costs without increasing risks.  Key products and services Include:

• Mortgage Document Preparation

• Credit Reporting Services

• Alternative Lien Products

• Flood Certifications

• Title Products

• Appraisals

• Document Posting

For more information, contact DSD’s Debra Evans at (478) 625-8978 or Mark Weisner at (770) 559-1026.

2006-07 GBA Winter Georgia Financial Directories Are Coming
The winter edition of the Georgia Financial Institutions Directory is due out in the middle of December.  The directory is published twice per year and features detailed information regarding GBA’s Associate Members, Strategic Partners, banks, holding companies, and other financial institutions.  The Georgia Financial Directory is an excellent resource tool for you bank or company.  Please call GBA’s Kenyetta Parks at (404) 420-2035 to pre-order your copy.

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.

Pledging Pool Program	Thumbprint Signature Program
Georgia Laws Code Book	Georgia Financial Directory
Discounted Check Program	Internet Loan Closing Program
Human Resources Solutions	Checking Club Programs
Discounted Local & Long Distance Program	Bond and D&O Insurance
Non-Qualified Executive Benefits (BOLI)	Trust and Investment Services
Record Retention Guide	Holiday Decals
Frontline Sales Platform	Financial Industry Pre-Employment Assessments
FinCrime	Job Bank

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:

We will miss...
Our sympathies to John Hall, CEO of First Choice Community Bank, I.O., in Dallas, on the death of his father, George Hall.  George was a longtime banker in Macon and active with the Georgia Bankers Association throughout his career.

Alpharetta - Providence Bank Susan E. Johnston has joined the bank as Community Development Manager. Atlanta - The Midtown Community Bank Brian K. Phillips has joined the bank as Senior Vice President. Atlanta - RBC Centura Bank CEO Scott Custer has been named Chairman of the Board. Cornelia - Community Bank and Trust Charlie Miller has been named President and Chief Executive Officer. Gainesville - Gainesville Bank & Trust Mark B. Melnikoff has been promoted to Vice President, Credit Administration. Statesboro - Sea Island Bank William "Clate" Ralston, Jr. has been named to the bank's Board of Directors.

Johnston Miller

Phillips Melnikoff

Custer Ralston

Serving the needs of Georgia Bankers since 1892 Search I Staff I Contact Us Georgia Bankers Association - 50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 1050, Atlanta, GA 30303 • Phone 404.522.1501 • Fax 404.522.9848