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July 28, 2006

Have You Written Your ILC Letter Yet?
In recent Bulletins, we have been telling you about the efforts of Wal-Mart and Home Depot to either establish an Industrial Loan Company (ILC) or buy one.  Both companies have applications pending with the FDIC, and GBA has filed a comment letter opposing both applications. We recently asked you to write your member of Congress and both Senators supporting a bill to prevent the merging of banking and commerce with these kinds of transactions. The Industrial Bank Holding Company Act, H.R. 5746, is pending in the House Financial Services Committee. Georgia Congressman Jim Marshall has already responded to GBA’s letter and says he is inclined to support the bill. He was also among the first to write the FDIC asking that a moratorium be placed on any new approvals for deposit insurance for new ILCs. Thanks, Congressman Marshall, for your support. Click here for the Congressman’s letter.

FDIC Emergency Preparedness Meeting
The Atlanta Region of the FDIC is hosting a one-day meeting on August 30th for members of the Atlanta financial services sector (primarily financial institutions.)  The session is a meeting of the Financial and Banking Information Infrastructure Committee (FBIIC) and the Financial Services Sector Coordinating Council (FSSCC), and the goal is to encourage those present to organize a regional response and recovery coalition to represent the Atlanta financial services sector.  The FDIC is working with the U.S. Department of Treasury on this outreach effort.  The goal of the coalition is to work with state, county, and local disaster management agencies to improve the regional process to better prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from all hazards that face the state's critical financial services sector.  Two successful similar meetings have resulted in the creation of ChicagoFIRST and FloridaFIRST, regional coalitions formed to cooperate on issues related to business continuity.  Recently AlabamaFIRST was formed and it is now time for Georgia bankers to put their plans in place.  Other banking regulatory agencies have been invited to the meeting to support the effort. Bankers in the metro-Atlanta area will be receiving a letter directly from the FDIC giving more details.

State to Consolidate Banking Relationships
Last week we emailed bank CEOs a memorandum from the Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services (OTFS) about an initiative dealing with how the state handles their banking relationships.  We are enclosing a copy of the memo with this Bulletin as well.  We believe you will find the memo self-explanatory; but if you have specific questions, you will want to call Jeff Carman at (404) 651-8974 or Toni Kennelly at (404) 463-1993.  The Governor’s Chief Financial Officer and OTFS officials gave us a preliminary briefing on the initiative a couple of weeks ago, and we asked them to come up with the Streamlined Banking Summary so you would have information directly from those involved in the project rather than our trying to interpret it for you.  If you have feedback you would like us to share with OTFS or others within the administration, please contact GBA’s Joe Brannen at (404) 420-2026.

46th Annual Leadership Conference Held
Georgia’s emerging leaders in the banking industry met in Orlando, Florida last week for Leadership GBA’s 46^th annual Leadership Conference.  A highlight of the conference is the election of Leadership GBA officers and the Executive Committee for the coming year.  In last week's e-Bulletin, we told you about the new officers.  Each GBA Group elects members to the Executive Committee and several other bankers serve in statewide At Large positions to comprise the members of the 2006-07 Executive Committee: 

• President:  Jay Forrester, Group Vice President, Georgia Bank & Trust Company, Augusta

• President-elect:  Wes Dodd, Executive Vice President of Corporate Finance, Community Bankshares, Inc., Cornelia

• Vice President:  Kim Brannen, Vice President, Sea Island Bank, Statesboro

• Past President:  Meredith Malcom, SVP, The National Bank of Walton County, Monroe

• Group 1:  David Beaubien, SVP, The Park Avenue Bank, Statesboro

• Group 2:  Tommy Hill, VP, Thomasville National Bank

• Group 3:  William Bailey, President, PlantersFIRST, Perry

• Group 4:  Pete Garrett, VP, United Bank, Thomaston

• Group 5:  Erik Bagwell, VP of Business Development, The Bankers Bank, Atlanta

• Group 6:  Steve Culberson, EVP, The Peoples Bank, Eatonton

• Group 7:  Tom Mastin, VP, Northwest Georgia Bank, Ringgold

• Group 8:  Brad Barber, SVP, Commercial Banking Company, Valdosta

• Group 9:  Gary Lochbaum, EVP, Patriot Bank of Georgia, Cumming

• Group 10:  Tim Carter, VP, Bank of Madison 

• At-Large:  Donna Lott, AVP, Southwest Georgia Bank, Moultrie

• At-Large:  Heath Schondelmayer, VP, Columbus Bank and Trust Company

• At Large:  Alan Thomes, VP, Haven Trust Bank, Duluth

• At-Large:  Kelly Yielding, VP, McIntosh State Bank, Jackson

Also, our thanks to the companies who sponsored various events at the conference.  The 2005-06 Personal Economics Program (PEP) award winners were also recognized at the conference.  One of the missions of Leadership GBA is to sponsor the PEP program which is an effort by bankers to encourage financial literacy in their communities.  Make plans now to attend next year’s conference scheduled for July 15-18 at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Resort, Ponte Vedra, Florida.

Compliance Peer Group Starts Strong
Over 70 compliance professionals from banks across Georgia gathered in Macon this week to discuss ways they could work together to help each other deal with the mountain of rules and regulations they have to oversee for their banks.  Our thanks to Louvera Walden of Ameris Bancorp, Inc. in Moultrie for spearheading this initial effort to establish a regular and ongoing process whereby compliance professionals can come together to discuss new compliance challenges, training options and provide input to the GBA about policy changes that could be made.  The group decided to meet quarterly in Macon, and more information about the next meeting will be available soon.  “One of the true strengths of GBA is the tremendous number of volunteer bankers who serve on boards, committees and plan events.  The Compliance Peer Group is simply an extension of that huge, grassroots network of bankers, but with a key difference.  These participants will be spending their time learning from and sharing with each other rather than sponsoring conferences or seminars," said GBA President, Joe Brannen.  Our thanks to Bonnie Reid of BANC Financial Group, Inc., Atlanta, who spoke to the group about some of the major pitfalls to avoid in complying with the Bank Secrecy Act.  If you could not attend the organizational meeting of the Compliance Peer Group and you would like to learn more about how you can participate going forward, please contact GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032.

Group Meetings Slated for September
In keeping with tradition, the GBA’s annual Group Meetings will be held in each of the ten GBA Groups during the month of September.  The meetings will begin on September 6 in Athens and conclude on September 28 in Statesboro.  “Attending your group meeting is a great opportunity to network with colleagues in your area,” said GBA Chairman Bobby Carmichael, President and CEO of Commercial Bank & Trust, LaGrange.  “It also shows your support for the Association and the industry.  We had a great turnout last year and hope to see even more members attend this year’s meetings.”  The program will feature an informative discussion about some recent innovative services available from the GBA as well as good dialogue about the major state and federal issues before the industry.  Four of the ten groups will host luncheon meetings.  Please check the Group Meeting schedule to see your Group's plans for your meeting. With questions, please contact GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.

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

• Johnny Irvin, CEO, Rabun County Bank, Clayton

• Melton Tyson, CEO, The Morris State Bank, Dublin

• Ed Hortman, CEO, Ameris Bancorp, Inc., Moultrie

• Doug Wren, CEO, Quantum National Bank, Suwanee

• G. C. Ganas, President, Waycross Bank & Trust

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

• Mike McPherson, CEO, Unity National Bank, Cartersville

• Pete Burr, CEO, Community Bank & Trust, Cornelia

• Eddy Ariail, President, Habersham Bank, Cornelia

• Richard Hunt, CEO, Gainesville Bank & Trust

• Randy Taylor, CEO, Community Trust Bank, Hiram

• Ed Hortman, CEO, Ameris Bancorp, Inc., Moultrie

• David Sawyer, CEO, United Bank & Trust Company, Rockmart

• Doug Wren, CEO, Quantum National Bank, Suwanee

• Toby Goodlett, Georgia Division Executive, First Citizens, Toccoa

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

GA BankPAC Golf Classic Scheduled
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.

President/CEO Conference Announced
GBA’s annual President/CEO Conference is will be held on October 8-10 at The Hyatt Regency, Savannah.  Sponsored by the Community Bankers Committee and the GBA Board of Directors, this conference attracts bank leaders from across Georgia.  Mark Stevens, President and CEO of Atlantic Southern Bank, Macon, and committee Chair said, “This conference provides you with the most up to date information to help you meet the day-to-day challenges of operating a bank.”  Join Lee Wetherington, Senior Vice President with Goldleaf Technologies, Hahira, for a review of remote deposit, what it is, how it works, and why it’s so critical in 2006.  Ken Proctor, Director of Risk Management with Brintech, Inc. will be on hand to discuss strategies for tracking and reporting CRE portfolios and ideas for creating or revising loan policies that incorporate the new CRE guidelines.  Chris Low, Chief Economist with FTN Financial, New York, will discuss the 2007 economic outlook and its implications for the Fed and financial markets.  Activities include golf, fishing and shooting tournaments as well as a spouse program.  The GBA rate is $185/night for single or double occupancy, and the room block expires on September 12, 2006.  To reserve your room, please call the hotel directly at (912) 238-1234.  For more information, please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.

Upcoming AIB Classroom Courses
We have received a number of requests for AIB classroom courses for later this summer and fall.  More information about specific start dates will be announced shortly for those marked with an asterisk.

• Dealing Effectively With Co-Workers, taught by Jeff Kovach of Northwest Georgia Bank, Ringgold
  Beginning August 10, 3 weeks, $145 which includes text

• Principles of Banking, taught by Cassie Parker of McIntosh State Bank, McDonough
  Beginning August 14, 10 weeks, $195, text $60

• Principles of Banking, taught by Trae Dorough of SouthCrest Bank, Fayetteville
  Beginning August 22, 10 weeks, $195, text, $60

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

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

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

• Principles of Banking, taught by Randy Blalock, Winder
  10 weeks, $105, text $60

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

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.

Second Quarter Investment Returns
Though second quarter produced negative returns in the overall stock market, GBA Retirement Services, Inc. is pleased that all five Lifestyles Portfolios and most of the individual mutual funds in the Trust have positive year-to-date returns as of June 30, 2006. Both Reliance Trust Company and Atlanta Capital Management continue to have solid, competitive long-term investment returns. Since the consolidation of both investment firms’ products at the beginning of the year, GBA Retirement Services has seen continued growth among the number of banks entering the 401(k) Trust.  Please refer to the update for detailed returns.  Advantages of being part of the GBA Master Trust include dedicated GBA staff support as primary resource, coordination of all service providers to ease your administration, and ongoing investment education for employees.  Please contact Mandy Richards at (404) 420-2025 for information on how GBA Retirement Services can design a retirement plan for your bank.

Greater ATM Access For Your Bank
Georgia Bankers Association member banks have the opportunity to increase customer loyalty and attract new business with greater ATM convenience. Formed in 1997 and a Strategic Partner of the GBA, InterCept Switch was designed to level the playing field for customers of smaller financial institutions with those of  larger banks which may have greater ATM convenience.  InterCept Switch offers a surcharge-free ATM network that allows community financial institutions to waive surcharges for member customers while retaining the ability to surcharge non-member customers.  In today’s market, with ATM surcharges higher than ever, InterCept Switch is a powerful marketing tool for institutions that join the network.  For more information, please contact InterCept Switch’s Steven Roberts at (770) 248-9600 or GBA’s Chad Wilson at (404) 420-2022.

Human Resources Solutions
Employment Law Compliance, Inc. is a Strategic Partner of the Georgia Bankers Association and our primary resource to provide employee handbooks, toolkits, affirmative action plans, and other compliance products specifically designed for community banks.  Keeping up with ever-changing employment regulations and human resources best practices can be time consuming.  Monitoring changes specific to the banking industry adds even more effort to the task.  Employment Law Compliance focuses on the needs of community banks which do not have the luxury of a large HR staff or in-house employment counsel.  Their staff is committed to designing and maintaining solutions and services that can help your bank attract, hire, retain, and manage the best employees.  ELC can assist your bank in addressing the challenges of employment compliance.  Whatever the reason – lack of time or internal resources or the high cost of outside counsel – Employment Law Compliance can take care of your bank’s needs.  For more information, please contact Employment Law Compliance’s Steve Greene at (770) 206-3371 or GBA’s Chad Wilson at (404) 420-2022.

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.

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