Passport Reminder for Annual Convention
Registrations are pouring in for GBA’s 2007 Annual Convention scheduled for June 17-20 at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.  When making your plans, remember that as of 12/31/06, you and anyone in your family (including children) traveling to Grand Cayman, must have a passport to do so.  For application forms and a passport acceptance facility nearest you, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website at http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/. Many local post offices can take care of everything, including taking the photos.  Because of these new rules, there has been an unusual increase in applications, which could cause a delay in receiving your passport.  It is taking eight weeks minimum from the time you apply to receive your passport.  If you choose the expedited service, your passport should be received within three to four weeks.  So it’s best to apply for your passport as soon as possible.  With questions, contact GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.

Another Busy Week in the General Assembly
A number of bills of interest to the banking industry received action this week in the Georgia General Assembly.  Please click here to view this week's Legislative Update where we discuss:

• GBA-requested Tax Bill Reported to Full Committee

• Tax Data Match Bill Amended

• Credit Report File Freeze Meeting Held

• GBA To Testify on Homeland Security Measure

• Homestead Exemption in Bankruptcy Being Raised

• Trust Bill Passes House

• Alternative Procedure Proposed for Scrap Auto Titles

• Bill Allowing Lottery Proceeds Assignment Introduced

• Two Consumer Bills Introduced

• Legislature in Recess Until March 19

• New Bills Added to GBA's Monitoring List

With questions about any of these bills or for clarification on any of these issues, please contact GBA's Elizabeth Chandler at (404) 420-2027.

Still Time to Register
At GBA’s Financial Risk Management Conference on March 8-9 at the Cobb Galleria 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, Relationship Pricing, and Balance Sheet Strategies.  Also on the agenda is an ALCO panel discussion.  Mike Odom with Great Oaks Advisors, LLC in Richmond Hill will moderate.  The panel consists of Dennis Zember, CFO of Ameris Bancorp, Moultrie, Jim Doyle, CFO of McIntosh State Bank, Jackson and Archie Bransford with Bransford & Associates, LLC, Alpharetta.  There will also be an Asset/Liability for Community Banks workshop prior to the conference.  The workshop is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 8th.  Call the Renaissance Waverly directly at (770) 953-4500 to reserve your hotel room.  Register online or call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032 with questions.

3rd Quarter Compliance Peer Group Meeting Scheduled
The third meeting of GBA’s Compliance Peer Group is scheduled for March 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Macon Ramada Plaza.  Sarah Draut and Bill Pitt with Credit & Compliance Financial Resources, Inc. will address HMDA issues: who is subject to the regulation, what applications are reportable, a review of each of the fields that are to be recorded on the Loan Application Register (LAR), some different interpretations of key areas that they have seen, and common (and some not-so-common) violations.  Participants will receive a HMDA data collection form with instructions.  Participants will also have time for roundtable discussions.  Register online or call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032.

Bank Security Conference Scheduled
This year’s Bank Security Conference is scheduled for April 4-5 at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront.  A special thank you to Committee Chair Brian Frederick, Vice President/Security Officer with Altamaha Bank and Trust Company in Vidalia, and the entire Security Committee for planning yet another exciting and informative agenda.  New this year is a “What Would You Do?” roundtable discussion session.  Participants will be presented with real life scenarios.  After discussion, you will learn how the issues were actually resolved and the outcome of the actions taken.  A block of rooms has been reserved until March 3^rd.  To make your reservation, please call the hotel directly at (800) 285-0398.  For more information or to register for the conference, please call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032.

Winter 2007 AIB Classroom Courses
The following two AIB Principles of Banking classes are scheduled to begin in March, both of which are ten weeks long:

• Principles of Banking, taught by Dale Morrissey of First Cherokee State Bank at the Canton YMCA
  Beginning March 7, 2007, 10 weeks, $195, text $60.

• Principles of Banking, taught by Larry Townsend of The Commercial Bank, Winterville
  Beginning March 29, 2007, 10 weeks, $195, text $60.

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.

Register Today for AIB Online Courses
Just a reminder that the following AIB Online classes begin on March 12.  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

• Agricultural Lending (Introduction to), 8 weeks, $375

• Economics for Bankers, 16 weeks, $385

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

• Principles of Banking, 16 weeks, $385

• Sales Manager Certificate, 16 weeks, $695

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

There is still availability in the following AIB Online classes beginning the week of March 19.  Please register as soon as possible to secure a seat in the class.

• Commercial Lending, 16 weeks, $385

• Financial Accounting*, 16 weeks, $485

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

• Retirement Plan Services – Plan Type & Design, 6 weeks, $795

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

Progressive: Bond and D&O Coverage
The American Bankers Association has announced that the ABA-sponsored insurance program, underwritten by Progressive Casualty Insurance Co., has introduced a new privacy liability and expense coverage to address bankers’ concerns regarding privacy and identity theft issues.  The new product covers banks’ liability arising from unauthorized access to confidential customer data and also provides reimbursement for expenses incurred by banks when notifying customers, reissuing accounts and providing credit monitoring services to monitor potential fraud.  “We're pleased to offer banks an insurance solution to their concerns regarding privacy and identity theft exposures," said Edward L. Yingling, ABA President and CEO. “This new coverage is yet another example of our program addressing community banks’ needs in a comprehensive yet cost-effective manner.”  The ABA-sponsored insurance program, which is a Strategic Partner of the GBA, offers directors and officers’ liability, financial institution bond, Internet banking liability, employment practices liability and other related insurance products for community banks.  The program will also deliver checks this month to 900 ABA and GBA member banks sharing $4.5 million in profits from the American Bankers Professional and Fidelity Insurance Company, the bank-owned, mutual insurance company that reinsures the program.  For more information, please contact Progressive’s Robert Splawn at (800) 274-5222, ext. 37564, 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.

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
FinCrime	Financial Industry Pre-Employment Assessments
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:

Acworth - NorthWest Bank & Trust Brandy Harris has been promoted to Assistant Vice President of Loan Operations. Alpharetta - Alpha Bank & Trust Congratulations to CEO Joe Briner, the officers, directors and staff on the grand opening of the bank's Alpharetta financial center. Atlanta - Dixon Hughes PLLC Dave Niles has joined the firm as the Member-in-Charge of Risk Advisory and Internal Audit Services for Financial Institutions. Atlanta - Georgia Commerce Bank Craig E. Stanbury has joined the bank as Assistant Vice President, Accounting and Finance. Atlanta - Synovus Investment Advisors, Inc. Daniel Morgan, Vice President and Portfolio Manager, has relocated from Tampa, Florida to join the Atlanta office. Augusta - Georgia Bank & Trust Company The bank announces the following elections and promotions:  David J. Hogg, Jr. has been elected Vice President, Private Banking; Michael D. Newman, Assistant Vice President, Credit Analyst II; Brenda H. Brown, Deposit Operations Officer; Ken R. Cole, Banking Officer and Credit Analyst I; Diane L. Cooper, Human Resources Officer; Toni A. Counts, Information Technology Officer; and Patricia D. Keith, Loan Operations Officer.  T. Jeff Dorn has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Business Development Officer; Angela J. Morales to Senior Vice President, Retail Bank Operations; Carolyn L. Johnson to Vice President, Collections; M. Ruthie Faircloth to Vice President and Business Development Officer; Donna M. Hess to Assistant Vice President, Credit Administration; and Deirdre B. Clements to Assistant Vice President, Trust Officer. Clarkesville - Southern Bank & Trust Congratulations to CEO Bob Parker, officers, directors and staff on the bank's recent grand opening. Forsyth - Farmers Bank Our sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Robert Persons on his recent death.  Mr. Persons was Chairman of the bank's Board of Directors. Gainesville - Gainesville Bank & Trust Nick Kastner has been promoted to Assistant Vice President. Gainesville - Peach State Bank & Trust Judy Hand has been promoted to Banking Officer. Macon - Security Bank of Bibb County Daniel M. Forrester has been elected President.  He was also elected to the bank's Board of Directors. Ringgold - Northwest Georgia Bank Congratulations to CEO Wes Smith, the officers, directors and staff on the recent opening of the bank's Hixson office.  Also, Tom Mastin has been promoted to Senior Vice President; Knox Farmer to Vice President; and Kevin Taylor to Controller. Statesboro - Farmers & Merchants Bank Gregg Ponder has been named Assistant Vice President. Statesboro - Sea Island Bank Dr. Dawn Cartee, President of Ogeechee Technical College, has been elected to the bank's Board of Directors.	Alpha Bank & Trust Grand Opening
	Morgan Hand Farmer	Kastner Mastin Taylor
	Northwest Georgia Bank Grand Opening
	Cartee

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