Georgia Bankers Going to Washington
A delegation of more than 20 bankers will be in Washington, D.C. next week meeting with top level banking regulators, members of Congress and national associations to ensure the views of Georgia bankers are known.  "We have a long tradition of making trips to Washington to help tell the positive story of banking and let these officials know what our members are saying about important legislative and regulatory issues of the day," said GBA Chairman Bobby Carmichael, President and CEO of Commercial Bank & Trust in LaGrange.  "These meetings also give bankers a bird's-eye view of the process and the chance to interact with the real decision-makers.  We are especially glad to have three representatives from Leadership GBA going with us this year.  They are the future of our industry and I am delighted to see their enthusiasm for the role GBA must play in the government relations process," Bobby concluded.  The bankers will be meeting with the Comptroller of the Currency, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.  Individual meetings are scheduled for the whole group to meet with both our U.S. Senators, Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson.  The group will divide up by congressional district to call on members individually in the House delegation.  Our thanks to the American Bankers Association for their help in arranging the agency visits and for hosting a briefing for the bankers participating on the trip.  We will report what we learned in a future Bulletin.

Hearing Held on Industrial Loan Company Charter
A long-awaited hearing by the U.S. House Financial Services Committee was held this week with a variety of witnesses testifying mostly in support of legislation to give federal regulators guidance on dealing with future applications for Industrial Loan Company charters.  The GBA has opposed granting ILC charters to commercial firms such as Wal-Mart and Home Depot primarily because of the decades old prohibition of the mixing of banking and commerce.  FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair testified at the hearing in support of the legislation, H.R. 698, which was introduced by chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) and Rep. Paul Gillmor (R-OH).  "The ILC charter has proven to be a strong, responsible part of our nation's banking system. ILCs have offered innovative approaches to banking. Many have contributed significantly to community reinvestment and development. Yet, the types and number of ILC applications have evolved in recent years and these changes raise potential risks that deserve further study and important public policy issues that are most appropriately addressed by Congress," Ms. Bair said in her testimony.  In his opening statement, Mr. Gillmor said, "The bill that we have introduced, H.R. 698, would bolster the authority of the FDIC, limit the business activities of certain ILCs already in existence, and most importantly, establish a cut-off date for new commercially-owned ILCs."  Testifying on behalf of the American Bankers Association, ABA Chairman Earl McVicker, a Kansas community banker said, "When it created the ILC exemption in 1987, Congress could not have anticipated that it would be exploited by commercial firms seeking a backdoor entry into the realm of banking.  The Frank-Gillmor bill offers a means to address this situation before the various problems associated with mixing banking and commerce arise."

Federal Regulator/Congressmen Continue to Speak out on Foreclosures
Comptroller of the Currency John Dugan has spoken to two different groups in the last few days continuing to discuss foreclosures, primarily in the subprime market.  However, he has also helped to explain to those outside the financial service industry that the cost of foreclosure is high for the lenders as well.  In a speech to the National Federation for Credit Counseling, Mr. Dugan said, "The loss to lenders has been pegged at between $40,000 and $50,000 per foreclosed home, and some lenders report losing 50 cents on the dollar."  He also spoke about the impact a significant number of foreclosures can have on neighborhoods.  Speaking earlier at the Greenlining Coalition's economic summit, Mr. Dugan discussed the national bank regulator's role with banks who seek to work out repayment plans with borrowers having difficulty.  "Let me assure you that national banks will not face regulatory penalties for engaging in responsible loan workout and recovery activity," Dugan said at the gathering.  In other developments, House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) and Ranking Republican Member, Spencer Bachus (R-AL), sent a joint letter to the Government Accountability Office saying, "...we are very concerned with the significant increase in foreclosures on residential mortgages seen in recent months.  Developing workable solutions to the current problems in the subprime mortgage market is a high priority for Members of both Houses and both parties, and our Committee will be considering legislation on the subject in the coming months."  The letter went on to ask the GAO to investigate the causes of the recent spike in foreclosures and what role should be played by government and private entities to stem the tide.

Still on the Sidelines with Bill Pay?  Read This...
GBA associate member and Atlanta-based CheckFree Corp. recently conducted a survey among consumers asking about their satisfaction with electronic bill pay and how they view their bank which is offering the product.  The findings are significant.  Those surveyed reported significantly greater satisfaction with their banks and said they were less likely to switch providers because of having access to the product with their current institution.  CheckFree reports that consumers most appreciate bill pay for its convenience, due-date reminders and assured on-time payments.  Please click here to read more about the survey.

Legal Issues of New Account Documentation Scheduled for May 2-3
There is still time to register for GBA’s Legal Issues of New Account Documentation & Compliance seminar scheduled for Wednesday, May 2 at the Best Western Lanier Centre in Gainesville and Thursday, May 3 at the Macon Ramada Plaza.  The registration fee is $195 and Patrice Konarik, CFP with Sunwest Training Corp., Gilchrist, Texas, is the instructor.  Designed for new accounts representatives, back-up new account personnel, certificate of deposit staff, bookkeeping and accountholder service personnel, this seminar teaches proper account opening procedures and compliance requirements. These workshops are new, updated, and full of the basics and the updates specific to Georgia deposit law. Topics to be covered include: 

• Signature card contracts

• CIP Compliance Overview

• TIN Compliance – SSN vs EIN

• Sole proprietorships, General and Limited Partnerships, Corporations, ,LLPs and LLCs

• Non profit associations

• Individual accounts

• Joint Tenancy–with the right of survivorship

• Tenants in Common-without the right of survivorship

• Power of Attorney

• Informal and Formal trust accounts

• Minor Accounts (UTMA)

• Court-ordered Accounts – Estate,  Conservator

Please click on the above links to register online for either of these seminars.  With questions, please contact GBA’s Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2015 or Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.

Annual Convention Confirmation Packets to be Mailed Soon
The 2007 Annual Convention confirmation packets, including Tour and Activity tickets, will be mailed in early May.  If you registered for any Convention tours and activities, be sure to review the contents of your packet to ensure you have the proper ticket(s) for each activity for which you registered.  If you have not received your packet by Friday, May 11, or there is a problem with your ticket(s), please contact GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.  There is still some limited availability so please click here to register.

Rural Development and Lending Conference Scheduled
The Rural Development and Lending Conference is scheduled for May 17-18 at the King & Prince Beach and Golf Resort on St. Simons Island.  Topics on this year’s agenda include:  market trends and the economy, analyzing Ag credits, FSA Guaranteed Lending, current legal issues, commodity hedging, and GPS potential savings.  With questions or to register, 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 May 21.  Please register two weeks in advance to secure a seat in the class.  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.)

• ABA Online Review Course for the CTFA Exam (open enrollment), 12 weeks, $795

• Commercial Lending, 16 weeks, $385

• Consumer Lending, 16 weeks, $385

• Economics for Bankers, 16 weeks, $385

• Introduction to Mortgage Lending, 16 weeks, $385

• Law & Banking: Principles, 16 weeks, $435

• Principles of Banking, 16 weeks, $385

• Today's Teller: Developing Basic Skills* (open enrollment), 8 weeks, $285

There is still LIMITED availability in the following AIB Online classes beginning the week of  May 14.  Please register as soon as possible to secure a seat in the class.

• Analyzing Financial Statements*, 16 weeks, $485

• Banking Today, 5 weeks, $285

• Financial Accounting*, 16 weeks, $485

• General Accounting*, 16 weeks, $485

• Principles of Banking (2 credits), 10 weeks, $315

• Problem Loan Workouts, 6 weeks, $285

• Understanding Your Construction Borrower, 10 weeks, $385

Please see the AIB Online Course Schedule for a complete listing or call GBA’s Alison Moreau at (404) 420-2034 with questions.

Lee Wetherington to Speak at Leadership Conference
Details are being finalized for the 47^th annual Leadership Conference scheduled for July 15-18 at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra, Florida.  Lee Wetherington with Goldleaf Technologies, Hahira will be on hand to tell you how to protect your core deposits in 2007.   This year, the number of banks offering remote deposit will increase 1,000% and commercial deposits totaling $300 billion will migrate to banks offering remote deposit. Technologically, the convergence of ACH and Check 21 is ushering in second generation remote deposit, a hybrid service that automates least-cost routing of each electronic check item. What’s the difference between first and second generation remote deposit, or check conversion and check truncation? What are the benefits of offering one, the other, or both? And what about retail deposits?  Join Lee and find out what you must now know to protect and acquire your deposits in the future.  With questions about the conference, please contact GBA's Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010 or Jennifer Stevens at (404) 420-2024.  Please click here to register.

Welcome New Pledging Pool Participants
GBA Services, Inc. is pleased to welcome the following banks to the Georgia State Pledging Pool Program:

• Covenant Bank & Trust, Rock Spring

• RBC Centura Bank, Atlanta

• Colonial Bank, NA, Atlanta

The Georgia General Assembly enacted legislation creating the Georgia State Pledging Pool Program effective in January 1999, and the number of banks participating continues to grow.  The program allows a bank to manage the collateral pledged toward their public funds in a pooled method instead of the traditional dedicated method.  GBA Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the Georgia Bankers Association, has been selected by the State of Georgia as administrator of the Pledging Pool Program based on our long history of providing exceptional administrative services to member institutions.  We have established a sophisticated administration process and data processing system to track pooled collateral activity associated with each participating public depository institution.  Each participating financial institution establishes its own collateral pool. To find out how your bank can join the Pledging Pool Program, please contact GBA’s Kenyetta Parks at (404) 420-2035.

Welcome New GBAIT Participant
The GBA Insurance Trust, Inc. Board of Directors welcomes to the Trust Community Business Bank, Cumming, Lee Wilhelm, CEO.  This company joins 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.

Clark Consulting Offers Variety of Services to GBA Members
With over 2,100 banking clients, Clark Consulting leads the industry in helping banks optimize performance through strategic planning, compensation, benefits and profitability consulting, bank-owned life insurance (BOLI), and benefit administration support services. Endorsed as a Strategic Partner of the GBA, Clark Consulting’s seamless, consultative approach has benefited our member banks and their shareholders for over 10 years.  Clark’s banking consultants have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing bank executives, the changing landscape of compensation and benefits, and the complexities involved in developing a competitive BOLI portfolio.  For more information, please contact Clark Consulting’s Bill Cunningham at (877) 362-6917 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.

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

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:

Atlanta - Cornerstone Bank Brad Watkins has joined the bank as Executive Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Lending. Atlanta - Fidelity Bank James E. Trimble, Jr. has joined the bank as Senior Vice President and Director of Private Banking; Janice E. Miller as Vice President, Private Banking; and Tracy S. Parks as Assistant Banking Officer - Operations Manager - Private Banking. Atlanta - Midtown Bank & Trust Company Stephanie Gunnells has joined the bank as Vice President of Business Banking and Chris Bunch has Business Banking Relationship Manager. Gainesville - Gainesville Bank & Trust Congratulations to CEO Richard Hunt, officers, directors and staff on the recent opening of the bank's GB&T for Kids inside Interactive Neighborhood for Kids in Featherbone Center.  At GB&T for Kids, children can pretend to be a bank teller or customer service representative, learn that money doesn't grow on trees, and how an ATM machine operates. Smyrna - Community Bank of the South Phil Coleman and Tammy Freeman have been promoted to Group Vice Presidents, Operations; Bill Corn and Lisa Sunday to Group Vice Presidents, Commercial Lending; Dave Morrissett to Group Vice President, Branch Administration; and Ryan Tucker to Group Vice President, Construction Lending.	Watkins Coleman Sunday	Trimble Freeman Morrissett	Miller Corn Tucker
Tucker - Bank of North Georgia Congratulations to Jessica Holt for receiving the bank's Volunteer Leadership Award for her commitment and leadership role with Habitat for Humanity-DeKalb, Inc. throughout 2006. Valdosta - PAB Bankshares, Inc. Douglas W. McNeill has been appointed Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and George D. Henderson has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer in the bank's Hall County office. Watkinsville - North Georgia Bank Bill Loftin has joined the bank as Senior Vice President and City Executive at the bank's LPO in Snellville; Clark David as Loan Officer, Commercial Lending; and Wendy Watkins and Christina Witt as Loan Processors.

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