Mortgage Fraud Declines in Georgia
According to the latest figures released by the Mortgage Asset Research Institute, Inc. (“MARI”) in their April 2007 report, mortgage fraud in Georgia continues to decline.  In fact, according to the MARI report, Georgia showed the greatest improvement from prior years’ rankings of states in terms of the amount of mortgage fraud.  The report indicates that Georgia’s 2006 Mortgage Fraud Index (MFI) values, which indicates the amount of mortgage fraud reported in each state, are far below previous levels for all loans and for subprime, in particular.  The report also indicates that the actual number of fraud reports on Georgia’s 2006 loans has fallen by 32% from the prior year.  The report attributes this decline to the aggressive legislation, consumer awareness campaigns and enforcement Georgia and federal officials put in place in recent years.  “We are very pleased that the number of reported incidents of mortgage fraud in Georgia continues to decline – and decline significantly.  It is gratifying to know that the hard work and concerted efforts of all the parties combating mortgage fraud in Georgia are paying dividends,” stated Department of Banking and Finance Commissioner Rob Braswell.  “While this MARI report is very encouraging regarding Georgia’s progress, we are definitely not satisfied and will continue to work diligently with our partners in 2007 to reduce Georgia’s mortgage fraud index even further.”  The Department currently supervises approximately 3,300 non-depository mortgage lenders, brokers, and processors.  During 2006, the Department issued 108 Cease and Desist Orders, 17 Intent to Revoke Orders, and made referrals totaling almost $16 million to other law enforcement agencies as a result of their investigations.

Annual Convention Begins Next Week
We look forward to a great time of learning and networking when more than 585 people gather for GBA's annual meeting next week at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.  The General Session speakers and breakout session leaders have put together outstanding presentations for the attendees.  The receptions, sporting events, planned tours and activities and the final night gala banquet will give everyone time to renew acquaintances and make new friends.  For those arriving early, we encourage you to participate in the Fellowship Gathering at 10:15 Sunday morning at the hotel.  All confirmation packets have been mailed to attendees who have registered with us.  With questions, please contact GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.

Leadership GBA Hotel Deadline Quickly Approaching!
Just a reminder that the room block for Leadership GBA’s 47^th Annual Leadership Conference will expire on Monday, June 11.  The July 15-18 conference will be held at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra, Florida.  If you have not already done so, please reserve your room as soon as possible by contacting the hotel directly at (904) 285-1111 or (800) 234-7842.  The negotiated rate is $219 per night plus a $16 per room per night resort fee.  The Leadership GBA Executive Committee has planned a great program that you won’t want to miss!  With questions, please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010 or Jennifer Stevens at (404) 420-2024.  Click here to register.

The Graduate School of Banking at LSU Completes Successful Session
Over 100 bankers throughout Georgia have returned this week from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.  GBA’s Marybeth Jones and the Georgia director for the School, Meredith Malcom, Executive Vice President of the National Bank of Walton County, Monroe, were on the LSU campus for two days meeting with faculty, sitting in on classes and hosting a networking event for the Georgia students.  GBA President Joe Brannen is the School’s current Chairman of the Board.  For nearly fifty years, this school has served the banking industry by providing graduate level banking education to experienced bank officers.  The course of study at the Graduate School of Banking spans 25 months with three two-week resident sessions.  During the three resident sessions, banker/students receive more than 200 hours of classroom instruction.  Organized evening study, written examinations, and home study problems between resident sessions are an integral part of the School's comprehensive program.  The course of study is challenging and students must have a commitment to a high degree of personal discipline to graduate.  For more information, please contact GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032.

Compliance Peer Group Meeting Slated
The fourth quarterly meeting of GBA’s Compliance Peer Group is scheduled for July 18^th at the Macon Ramada Plaza.  The agenda is currently being prepared by the Administrative Committee chaired by Louvera Walden of Ameris Bancorp in Moultrie.  A speaker will cover several of the proposed new regulations that are out for public comment and attendees will participate in an interactive session to help them be more proactive in filing comment letters.  Plenty of time will be reserved for peer interaction.  Membership in the Compliance Peer Group is complimentary for bankers and associate members providing compliance-related services; a nominal charge is made for each of the meetings to cover the cost of the meal and meeting space.  Please email GBA’s Marybeth Jones to be placed on the distribution list for these meetings and click here to learn more about GBA's other compliance-related educational programs.

BSA/AML Security Seminar - June 14 - Bank Security Academy Credit Given
Last call to register for GBA’s BSA/AML Security seminar scheduled for Thursday, June 14 at the Macon Ramada Plaza.  The registration fee is $195 and Steve Cross, Ed Phillips and Alvin Mitcham with SunTrust Bank, Atlanta, are the instructors.  Designed for anti-money laundering professionals, this one-day seminar will focus on the Bank Secrecy Act, the filing of SARs, OFAC, and much more.  Special Agent Tom Justice with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will also be on hand to discuss Money Laundering and Money Service Businesses.  This seminar also qualifies as curriculum credit required for the Bank Security Academy.  With questions, please contact GBA’s Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2015 or Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.  Or simply click here to register online.

Summer 2007 AIB Classroom Courses
Here are the AIB classroom courses for Summer 2007.  AIB classes meet three hours each week for 2 to 15 weeks and will be held at a local financial institution.  If you would like to see a specific AIB 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.

• Marketing Financial Services, taught by Jeff Kovach, Northwest Georgia Bank, Ringgold.
  Beginning June 21, 10 weeks, $195, text $65

• Money and Banking, taught by Kevin Taylor, Northwest Georgia Bank, Ringgold.
  Beginning July 10, 10 weeks, $195, text $75

• Law & Banking:  Principles, taught by Cassie Parker, McIntosh State Bank, McDonough.
  Beginning August 13, 10 weeks, $195, text $69

Register Today for AIB Online Courses
Just a reminder that the following AIB Online classes begin on July 2.  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

• Banking Today, 5 weeks, $285

• 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 June 25.  Please register as soon as possible to secure a seat in the class.

• Analyzing Financial Statements*, 16 weeks, $485

• Commercial Lending, 16 weeks, $385

• Financial and Business Planning for Bank Marketers*, 9 weeks, $285

• Introduction to Agricultural Lending, 8 weeks, $375

• Principles of Banking - Accelerated, 10 weeks, $315

• Retirement Plan Services – Investments, 6 weeks, $795

• Team Leader Certificate, 16 weeks, $695

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

Colquitt County Banks Send Children to 4-H Camp
Recently, Leadership GBA partnered with the Georgia 4-H Program in an effort to fulfill the goal of promoting leadership qualities in our youth by soliciting funds from community banks to provide money to cover camp registration fees for deserving children in their local community.  This year, four Colquitt County banks have joined together to make the wish of attending 4-H Camp come true for children in their community.  Ameris Bank, Colony Bank, Commercial Banking Company, and Southwest Georgia Bank awarded scholarships to four Colquitt County 4-H members.  Southwest Georgia Bank’s Donna Lott, who serves as a member of the Leadership GBA Executive Committee, coordinated the local effort in Colquitt County to secure funding for children to attend camp at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center the week of June 18^th.  Zona Medley, Colquitt County’s 4-H Agent, was very appreciative of the funding efforts provided by the local banking community and stated that the funds would greatly benefit campers from Colquitt County.  The Leadership GBA Executive Committee of the Georgia Bankers Association devotes many tireless hours to developing projects and events to keep the banking association and industry vibrant as well as promoting worthwhile service projects that develop the leadership skills of our youth.  GBA’s Leadership Section is proud to be a part of this enriching experiencing for our youth.

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.  The Status of Important Banking Cases is another member benefit for the attorneys in GBA's Bank Counsel Section.  With questions about how your bank's attorney can participate, please call GBA's Kenyetta Parks at (404) 420-2035.

Health Savings Account Limits Announced
The IRS recently announced the 2008 Health Savings Account (HSA) and High Definition Health Plan (HDHP) limits. 

The 2008 HSA contribution limits are:

HSA Maximum Contribution Amount (before catch up, including employer contributions)
Single Coverage            $2,900
Family Coverage           $5,800

HSA Maximum Catch up Contributions for those age 55 and over
$900 per individual, regardless of coverage type

Note: If an employee and his spouse are both over 55, each may contribute the $900 catch up, but it must be deposited to separate HSA accounts in each person’s name.  Beyond the catch up, the maximum contribution in total for the couple is the maximum family contribution for the year.  This may be split in any amount desired between each account.  Employer contributions are included in calculating the total permitted.

The 2008 high deductible health plan limits are:

HDHP Minimum Deductible (no change for 2008)
Single Coverage            $1,100
Family Coverage           $2,200

HDHP Maximum Out of Pocket (including deductibles and co-pays)
Single Coverage            $5,600
Family Coverage           $11,200

As a reminder, Paragon Benefits can assist you with implementing a successful HSA program to promote capturing HSA deposits.  Paragon provides training, marketing, compliance, and service support in the HSA arena.  If you have any questions about the above information, please do not hesitate to contact Marc Kutter with Paragon Benefits at (706) 327-9218 ext. 1387.

When It’s Your Business, Do the Odds Matter?
CyberVAULT Services, Inc. is an independent business continuity company that offers a unique and successfully proven method of developing and coordinating a disaster recovery program.  CyberVAULT offers a value proposition that protects customers from adding additional staff and removes the burden of training qualified business recovery expertise due to attrition and promotion.  CyberVAULT’s business recovery method is a four-part solution that fulfills the fiduciary obligations of each company and its commitment to its customers, employees and stockholders:

• Business Recovery Requirements Review

• Contract Management

• Business Recovery Plan Development

• Business Recovery Program Management

CyberVAULT’s business continuity programs make sure that all of your company’s “What if” questions  are covered before any of those “What ifs” actually occur.  For more information, please call Dennie Clark at (770) 977-2349.

Banks Gain CRA Credit for Loans or Investment in the Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation
The Georgia Bankers Association is proud to recognize the Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation as a new Strategic Partner.  The Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Memphis that offers banks a measurable, no-risk, high-yielding avenue for gaining CRA credit. By making a loan or an investment with a guaranteed return, banks receive credit for Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) requirements.  The foundation uses the funds to set up Senior Crimestoppers programs for nursing homes and senior HUD housing units in the bank’s direct CRA assessment areas.  Banks also may reposition or recycle existing bonds in their portfolios to capture the same effect, and in doing so create a new annual CRA credit from bonds in the existing portfolios.  Banks may elect to invest or lend funds to the foundation and will qualify for CRA credits either way.  All dollars invested in or loaned to the foundation are fully collateralized with investment-grade bonds, which are selected with the bank’s input depending on the degree of risk it wants to take.  Banks are guaranteed a return on the coupon value of the bonds minus moderate basis-points spread to cover the cost of the Crimestoppers program. For more information, please contact Tom Fehrmann at (877) 232-0859 or 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	Human Resources Solutions
Checking Club Programs	Internet Loan Closing Program
CRM	Job Bank
Discounted Check Program	Marketing
Discounted Local & Long Distance Program	Non-Qualified Executive Benefits (BOLI)
Financial Industry Pre-Employment Assessments	Pledging Pool Program
FinCrime	Record Retention Guide
Financial Marketing Solutions (FMS)	Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation
Georgia Financial Directory	Strunk & Associates, L.P.
Georgia Laws Code Book	Thumbprint Signature Program
Holiday Decals	Trust and Investment Services

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:

Claxton - The Claxton Bank Wayne Dasher has been appointed Vice President in charge of the bank's new loan production office in Glennville. Carrollton - McIntosh Commercial Bank The bank announces the following promotions: Jim Chandler to Senior Vice President; Kirby Butler to Assistant Vice President; Bonnie Harris, Shane Matthews, and Sonya Weston to Banking Officers; and LaTeisha Drummond to Assistant Head Teller. In Covington, Marvin Kennedy has been promoted to Market Chairman, Jane White to Senior Vice President; and Lerea Neely to Assistant Vice President, Commercial Lending.  Kelli Coleman has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Commercial Lending in West Point. Gainesville - First National Bank of Hall County Rhonda Dellinger has joined the bank as Assistant Vice President, Commercial Lending. Gainesville - Gainesville Bank & Trust Abby Branan has been promoted to Banking Officer and Assistant Branch Manager and Emily Lewis to Banking Officer. Rockmart - United Bank & Trust Josh Kusnitz has joined the bank as Assistant Vice President and Credit Officer, Chris Culver has been elected to the bank's Board of Directors, and Michelle Atkins has been promoted to Assistant Branch Manager of the Cedartown office. Savannah - Darby Bank & Trust Mary Anne Blalock has joined the bank as Banking Specialist. Statesboro - Sea Island Bank John Roach has been promoted to Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer; Dennis Eubanks to Assistant Vice President; and Julie Franklin, Donya McKenzie and Joseph Shuford to Banking Officers. Woodstock - First Cherokee State Bank Congratulations to CEO Carl Hames, officers, directors and staff for attaining a national performance ranking of 106 on American Banker magazine's list of community banks and thrifts with assets of less than $1 billion.  The ranking was based on the bank's return on equity of 29.43% for the fourth quarter of 2006.

Dasher Matthews White Lewis Franklin

Chandler Weston Neely Blalock McKenzie

Butler Drummond Coleman Roach Shuford

Harris Kennedy Branan Eubanks

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