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February 24, 2006

Dave Martin to Speak at Convention
Registrations are coming in at a steady pace for GBA’s 2006 Annual Convention.  Bankers across Georgia will convene on June 18-21 at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort in Naples, Florida.  A great program has been planned that you won’t want to miss.  Looking for new and innovative ideas to build those much needed customer relationships at your bank? Come hear Dave Martin, Executive Vice President of NCBS in Sugarland, Texas, share his strategies for improving your sales and service culture by building upon genuine, productive behaviors already within your team’s “comfort zones.”  You’ll take away fresh ideas to help your bank’s team discover a new appreciation and motivation for building new customer relationships and growing your business. With questions about the Convention, please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.

Reg Relief Bill Progressing
The House Judiciary Committee passed legislation last week to reduce the regulatory burden on depository institutions, clearing the way for the bill to be considered by the full House. The House Financial Services Committee passed the Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act of 2005 (H.R. 3505) last November. Some key provisions of the bill include: addressing the overfilling of currency transaction reports; the elimination of annual privacy notices for some institutions; giving agencies the discretion to adjust the examination cycle; and removing the prohibition on national and state banks from expanding across state lines by opening branches.  Action now moves to the Senate Banking Committee, which is planning a hearing on March 1. “Regulatory relief is a top priority of our members, and we urge Congress to pass a comprehensive reform bill this year,” said GBA Chairman, Tom Wiley, CEO of Flag Bank in Atlanta.

Realtors Split with Bankers Again
In a recent Bulletin, we told you about a rare instance where the National Association of Realtors (NAR) had taken a position similar to banks’.  The issue was whether Wal-Mart should be granted FDIC insurance for their proposed Industrial Loan Company license in Utah.  Now the Realtors are using that position to attack rulings the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has given over the years interpreting what the kinds of equity real estate positions national banks can take.  In a series of mostly obscure rulings, the OCC has granted national banks the right to own real estate developments in which the bank has an interest.  For example, one large bank funded the development of a hotel next to their corporate headquarters.  The hotel is used more than half the time by bank employees from out of town attending meetings at the headquarters.  The bank received approval from the OCC to own the hotel and lease rooms not being used by bank employees to the general public.  The concept is not unlike what many of our members do with excess space in their bank-owned facilities:  they lease the excess space to others.  “The position the Realtors have taken on this issue is simply incomprehensible,” said GBA President, Joe Brannen.  “These kinds of transactions are nothing new, and to suggest they will be the end of the real estate brokerage business as we know it is a gross misstatement.  Congress will be deluged with letters from Realtors.  Our hope is that Congress will see through their rhetoric and understand Realtors are plainly trying to protect their turf while at the same time having no qualms about going after traditional banking relationships,” Joe concluded.

Legislative Update
GBA’s e-Legislative Update is intended to keep you apprised of the bills that the GBA is tracking on the industry’s behalf and is sent on Fridays during the session. Click here for this week's edition.  Among the issues covered:

• Senate Committee Reports Title Pawn Bill; Banking Department May Regulate Industry

• ATM Mandatory 911 Button Bill Awaiting Hearing - Possibly as Early as Tuesday

• File Freeze Bills Receiving Attention

• Mechanics and Materialmens Bill Passes Senate

• House Committee Report Life Insurance Proceeds Bill

• Former Speaker Terry Coleman Announces Retirement

Last Call:  Risk Management Conference
GBA’s annual Financial Risk Management Conference is March 2-3 at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta.  Well-known Economist Chris Low of FTN Financial in New York will address the national economy and discuss the outlook for interest rates.  Dr. Roger Tutterow from Mercer University will analyze the regional economic climate. Other topics include: Strategies for Investment Portfolio Management, Loan Pricing, Funding and Liquidity, and Balance Sheet Strategies.  There will also be two workshops prior to the conference:  Interest Rate Risk Management and Asset/Liability Modeling Considerations for Community Banks.  The workshops are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on March 2nd.  Register online today. 

Hotel Room Block Expires March 5th
A block of rooms has been reserved for the Bank Security Conference scheduled for April 6-7 at the Savannah Riverfront Marriott at the rate of $169 per night until March 5^th.  You may call the hotel for room reservations at 1-800-285-0398.  You may register online or for more information, please call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032.

“Building a Culture of Superior Performance” Seminar on March 9
To help managers and senior executives improve their skills in the areas of talent acquisition, development and retention, the GBA will host a one day seminar entitled “Building a Culture of Superior Performance.”  It will be held on Thursday, March 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Baymont Inn and Suites (formerly the Holiday Inn Macon Conference).  The presenter is Cynthia Macke with Organizational Development Associates, Inc., Atlanta.  This highly interactive seminar will cover critical H/R areas such as creative recruiting, structured interviewing, can-do vs. will-do, training techniques, goal setting, effective communication, employee motivators, problem solving techniques and team dynamics.  You may register online or contact GBA’s Fran Williams at (404) 420-2015 or Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010 with questions.

Register Today for AIB Online Courses
Just a reminder that the following AIB online classes begin on March 20.  Please register no later than two weeks ahead of time to secure a seat in the class.

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

• Analyzing Financial Statements, 16 wks, $475

• Managing Interest Rate Risk, 8 wks, $695

• Team Leader Certificate, 16 wks, $695

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

National Teach Children to Save Day
Early lessons in learning how to spend, save and invest can prepare a young person for a lifetime of sound money management.  Today’s teens spend roughly $169 billion a year.  And the direct buying power of kids aged 4 to 12 is predicted to exceed $51.8 billion in 2006.  So it’s no longer just a “nice idea” to teach kids how to handle money.  The failure to do this could lead to a financial literacy crisis.  That’s why ABA Education Foundation, along with Leadership GBA, is again taking steps to lead kids on the path to a positive financial future.  On Tuesday, April 25, bankers nationwide will speak at local elementary, middle and high schools to teach students the importance of saving money on National Teach Children to Save Day.  “Studies show that kids aren’t learning the skills they need to make smart financial decisions as adults” said Leadership GBA President Meredith Malcom with The National Bank of Walton County, Monroe.  “Let’s do as much as we can on National Teach Children to Save Day to help fill that gap and prepare our children for financial success.”  Preparation for your presentation is easy, thanks to the ABA Education Foundation.  They have created two turnkey resource kits (Grades K-6 and Grades 7-12) that are easy to use and cost-effective.  Included are lesson plans, age appropriate activities, a quiz for parents and website suggestions.  Kids will learn the concept of saving, how to budget and how to determine needs vs. wants.  To order either resource kit, simply call the ABA at 1-800-BANKERS, or visit the ABA’s website.  With questions, please contact GBA’s Fran Williams at (404) 420-2015 or Kim Brannen, PEP Chair, at (912) 489-9276.  Please join your colleagues in reaching even more students and make this one of the most successful educational events in GBA and ABA history.  Click here for the February 2006 edition of Leadership Note$.

HR Professionals Institute a Success
Eighty-five human resource professionals from around the state gathered February 8-10 at Chateau Elan in Braselton to spend three days discussing industry best practices in their field.  Top notch keynote speakers and peer group discussion were highlights of the event.  For those bankers seeking their HR certification, the event was approved for 10.75 hours of continuing education credit.  Our thanks to Committee Chair, Sue Cone, Pinnacle Bank, Elberton, and Committee Vice Chair, Cindi Lewis, Ameris Bancorp, Inc., Moultrie, and the entire committee for their help in planning an outstanding and successful event.  Congratulations to Wanda Pitts with Southeastern Bank in Darien who won the iPod given away by AccelHR.  A special thank you to our sponsors: John Brantley with JTB Communications/TIP, for sponsoring the reception, Derek Williams with Payroll Solutions for sponsoring the dinner, Chris Dilorenzo with The James Paul Group for sponsoring breakfast on the second day, and Bruce Shaw with The Holmes/Shaw Agency for sponsoring breakfast on the last day. Shown in the photo are keynote speaker Guy Williams, President of Gulf Coast Bank in New Orleans and his associate Jeannie Raphell, a Katrina victim who was helped by the team from Georgian Bank lead by Alice Beckham shown in the center.

Welcome New Participants
The GBA Insurance Trust, Inc. Board of Directors welcomes to the Trust Columbus Community Bank, I.O., Bob Stranger, CEO, and Westside Bank, Hiram, Tren Watson, CEO.  These companies join more than 290 community banks and associate members in this unmatched member benefit.  Please call GBA’s Susan Kelley at (404) 420-2017 for details.

Latest Banks to Link
Welcome to Bank of Eastman, John Jessup, CEO, and Peach State Bank & Trust, Gainesville, Ron Quinn, CEO.  Call Lydia Thomas at (404) 420-2039 when your bank is ready to link.

Corporate Psychology Resources Expands Online Services Offered
Corporate Psychology Resources (CPR) has been a Strategic Partner with the GBA since 2000.  Initially called "The Computer Psychologist," the company worked with the GBA HR Committee to customize CPR's online pre-employment test for key banking positions - Teller, CSR, Commercial Lender, Consumer Lender and Loan Processor.  Today, CPR supports community banks in Georgia, Virginia and Washington.  The TalentQuest Selection Assessment (as The Computer Psychologist is now called) includes benchmarks for 13 positions including Branch Manager, Personal Banker and Mortgage Lending Officer.  Also, through CPR's consulting services and other modules of TalentQuest such as Objectives Management, Performance Appraisals and 360 Feedback Surveys, the company now assists in selecting, measuring and developing employees at all levels of the organization.  "Our goal", says Dr. Frank Merritt, CPR's President, "is to provide GBA member banks with the tools and support necessary to have the most effective employees and leadership possible."  CPR is hosting a free 2006 Executive Breakfast Series and GBA members are invited to attend.  The first breakfast will be on Thursday, March 23^rd, and is entitled "Unleashing a Performance Culture - Building a Winning Organization."  The guest speaker will be Tom Gathers, EVP of HR at Rare Hospitality (Longhorn Steakhouse, Bugaboo Creek, Capital Grille).  Visit CPR’s website for more information and to confirm your reservation.  To learn more about CPR or TalentQuest, call CPR’s Jon Naphin at (404) 965-5221 or GBA’s Kenyetta Parks at (404) 420-2035.

Is Check Fraud Draining Your Income?
Lower your bank’s check fraud by participating in GBA’s Thumbprint Signature Program.  The device known as the Thumbprint Signature touch pad is intended to deter counterfeit and stolen check fraud by obtaining a thumbprint signature from non-customers when cashing on-us and not-on-us checks.  The Thumbprint signature can be used by law enforcement agencies in the investigation of fraud claims made by account holders, and financial institution’s usage of the program is a natural deterrent.  No database of fingerprints will be kept by the banking industry, and the signature will be shared with law enforcement officials only in cases of suspected fraud.  This inexpensive program can decrease your check fraud loss immediately.  For more information or to order,please call GBA’s Kenyetta Parks at (404) 420-2035.

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:

Alpharetta - Bank of North Georgia Congratulations to Vice Chairman Ron Francis who recently announced his March 31st retirement after 37 years in banking. Alpharetta - Providence Bank, I.O. The bank announces the following additions: David W. Molson as Chief Lending Officer; Margaret E. Darby as Chief Financial Officer; Pat Canipelli as Administrative Officer; and Mary Lock-Brooks as Operations Manager.		Francis
Athens - Bank of Athens Don Beasley, President of PMFM, Inc., has been appointed to the bank’s Advisory Board of Directors. Atlanta - Atlanta Business Bank Ed Cooney has been named President and will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer.  Liz Galazka has been named Business Development Manager. Atlanta - Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P. Jacquelyn W. Daniell has joined the firm as Director of Regulatory Compliance. Dublin - Farmers State Bank Brett Bowden has been promoted to President; Dan Rowe to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and Jerry Dasher to Senior Vice President and Chief Lender. Gainesville - Gainesville Bank & Trust Gail Callueng has joined the bank as Vice President and Loan Operations Officer. Gainesville - Peach State Bank & Trust Congratulations to CEO Ron Quinn, officers, directors and staff on the bank’s recent opening. Griffin - First National Bank Chris Dixon and Scott McCarter have joined the bank as Vice Presidents and Commercial Loan Officers.  Ellie Hilley has been promoted to Assistant Banking Officer. Ringgold - Northwest Georgia Bank Mike Cloud has been named Vice President and Senior Credit Analyst; Sherrie King, Vice President of Commercial Lending; Chris Boyd and Cheryl Martin, Assistant Vice Presidents and Branch Managers; and Michael Rogers, Loan Review Officer.  Congratulations to CEO L. Wesley Smith, who recently celebrated of 35 years of service, and Mark Sullivan, Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Officer, who recently earned an MBA from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. Savannah - Darby Bank & Trust Stephen S. Coomer has been promoted to Group Vice President. Congratulations, also, to CEO Walter Bowden, directors and staff on the recent opening of their Pooler office. Savannah - The Savannah Bank Martell Hall has been promoted to Assistant Vice President. Watkinsville - North Georgia Bank John D. Bush has joined the bank as Vice President of Information Technology and Credit Analyst. Waycross - Waycross Bank & Trust Robbie K. Winn has been promoted to Banking Officer.	King
	Martin
	Boyd
	Rogers
	Smith
	Sullivan