Wal-Mart Drops ILC Idea
 It is not often Wal-Mart cries “uncle” but the company did just that by announcing their withdrawal of their pending application at FDIC for an Industrial Loan Company charter.  The application drew significant opposition from most bankers, consumer advocates and lawmakers.  Company spokesmen have said their business model became less attractive when their current banking relationships dropped their pricing.  However, with the extension of the FDIC moratorium on applications like Wal-Mart’s, Home Depot’s and others, it became clear the intent was to give time for Congress to act.  Legislation is pending to prevent applications like these from being approved.  Rep. Jim Marshall (D-Macon) joined Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Columbus) and Rep. Nathan Deal (R-Gainesville) in cosponsoring the bill, H.R. 698, the Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007.  If your congressman has not yet cosponsored the bill, please join us in asking for his support.  Also this week, GBA joined 86 other state bankers associations in a massive show of industry unity in sending a joint letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) in support of the ILC legislation.

Top Performing CEOs Recognized
The Atlanta Business Chronicle has published their annual special section recognizing Top-Performing CEOs of publicly traded companies based on who produced the greatest stockholder return over five years on $100.00.  Please join us in congratulating the bankers who were recognized:

CEO	Company	5-Yr Return
Bob Johnson	Charter Financial Corp.	$511.56
Pat Blanchard	Georgia-Carolina Bancshares	$446.93
Pin Pin Chau (retired)	Summit Bank Corp.	$401.79
Jim Miller	Fidelity Southern Corp.	$396.03
Don Boggus	Crescent Banking Company	$393.35
Rett Walker	Security Bank Corp.	$387.00
Dan Blanton	Southeast Bank Financial Corp.	$343.38
David Stovall	Habersham Bancorp.	$270.00
Con Holland	Southeast Banking Corp.	$258.00
Jimmy Tallent	United Community Banks, Inc.	$222.00
DeWitt Drew	Southwest Georgia Financial Corp.	$217.00
Jim Young	Citizens Bancshares Corp.	$214.13
Richard Hunt	GB&T Bancshares, Inc.	$176.65
Tracy Newton	Appalachian Bancshares, Inc.	$160.00

Legislature Busy This Week
Although the Georgia General Assembly was in session only two days this week, a huge number of bills were passed by both the House and Senate as the legislation is entering their final weeks of the 2007 session.  Please click here to view this week's Legislative Update where we discuss:

• Legislature Moving Toward Adjournment

• GBA Tax Bill Coming to House Floor on 30th Day

• Tax Data Match Bill Expected to be Considered

• Payday Loan Bill Suffers Setback

• Two Lending-related Bills Introduced

• FHLB Letter of Credit Bill Pending in Senate

• Housekeeping Bill Pending Senate

• Investments in Sudan Criticized

• GBA Adds Bills Daily to Our Watch List

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

Annual Convention Offers “Family Friendly” Tours and Activities
The 2007 Annual Convention is offering several “family friendly” tours and activities you won’t want to miss.  On Sunday, you can learn to dive in a single day and discover the beauty of Cayman's underwater world at the Scuba Resort Course.  On Monday afternoon, take an underwater tour on a submarine, embark on a snorkel safari via Waverunner, or visit the Grand Cayman’s famous Stingray City and have the experience of a lifetime with these gentle creatures.  Relax and take in one of Grand Cayman’s most beautiful sights on a sunset sail charter down Seven Mile Beach or board the Atlantis submarine where 10,000 watts of illumination reveal a secret world of brilliant colors and strange nocturnal creatures of the night on Monday evening.  On Tuesday, experience the magic of the Caribbean aboard a genuine Glass Bottom Boat, embark on a snorkel safari, visit Stingray City or take an underwater tour on a submarine.  If you would like to participate in any of these activities, just complete the online registration form.  We will be happy to invoice your bank.  With questions about the activities, please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.

Convention Sponsorships Available
Annual Convention sponsorships are still available for reservation to associate members.  If you would like to sponsor or co-sponsor an event or wish to receive an updated list of available sponsorships, call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.

National Teach Children to Save Day Scheduled for April 24
Many young Americans don’t know the financial facts of life.  For many schools, financial education, like art or music classes, is a luxury they just can’t afford.  At present, as many as 86% of students have never taken a course in personal financial education. 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 24, bankers nationwide will trade in their balance sheets for blackboards and teach young people their financial ABCs on National Teach Children to Say Day.  “Bankers are experts at money management so it’s a natural fit for us to be involved in financial education efforts,” said Leadership GBA President Jay Forrester of Georgia Bank & Trust Company in Augusta.  “Just as your local firefighters and police officers are knowledgeable in community safety courses, we have the knowledge and skills to fill the financial education gap.  We should do everything we can on National Teach Children to Save Day to help fill that gap and prepare our children for a positive financial future.”  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 in the kits 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 website.  If you have any questions about National Teach Children to Save Day, please call GBA’s Jennifer Stevens at (404) 420-2024 or PEP Chairman Pete Garrett with Bank of Upson in Thomaston at (706) 647-5426.  Please join your colleagues in reaching even more students and make this one of the most successful educational events in GBA and ABA history.

Analyzing Commercial Financial Statements Seminar Slated for April 4-5
GBA will host its Analyzing Commercial Financial Statements seminar on Wednesday, April 4th – Thursday, April 5th at the Ramada Plaza, Macon (formerly Crowne Plaza) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The registration fee is $295 per person and Mike Allen, President of Georgia Trust Bank, Buford, will be the speaker.  Designed for entry-level commercial lending officers, credit trainees and analysts, this two-day workshop is designed to introduce and utilize a comprehensive and consistent approach to analyzing commercial financial statements.  Emphasis is placed on a practical methodology to assist bankers in evaluating the creditworthiness of a company.  Some of the topics to be covered include:

• Cash Flow Analysis: Various approaches to measure cash flow and evaluate repayment of debt

• A Systematic Framework for Applying Ratio Analysis:  Liquidity, leverage, debt service

• Financial Projections

• Case Studies for Practical Application of Concepts Discussed

• Early Warning Signals:  Discussion of issues that contribute to problem accounts  

Please click here to register online or call GBA’s Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2015 or Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010 with questions.

Loan Documentation for Lenders Seminar Rescheduled to April 12
GBA’s Loan Documentation for Lenders seminar originally slated for March 29 has been rescheduled to Thursday, April 12.  It will be held at the Holiday Inn, Cartersville and Peter Faser, is the instructor.  Designed for lenders and loan documentation support personnel, this essential one-day seminar will lead participants through a case study covering the basics of loan documentation.  Some of the topics to be covered include: 

• Recognizing  your lenders and their liabilities

• Differentiating makers, co-makers, endorsers and guarantors

• Promissory notes - what they cover and what are the events of default

• Analyzing a UCC search

• Reviewing a title insurance policy

• Identifying collateral and perfecting a lien on personal property and real estate

• Identifying and  preparing documents for the borrower Protecting against tax liens

• Letters of credit and other documentation-related issues

• Credit Memos and why they are important

Register online or contact GBA’s Courtney Pope or Susie McGehee with questions.

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.  The 2006-2007 Agriculture Committee has planned an exciting agenda.  Topics include market trends and the economy, analyzing Ag credits, FSA Guaranteed Lending, current legal issues, commodity hedging, and GPS potential savings.  A block of rooms has been reserved until April 16 so call (912) 638-3631 as soon as possible to make your reservations.  With questions, please call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032 or click here to register online.

Leadership Conference Plans Finalized
Leadership GBA will host the 47th Annual Leadership Conference on July 15-18 at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra, Florida.  In keeping with Leadership GBA’s theme, “Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,” this year’s executive committee has planned a great program packed with an impressive group of speakers.  To help you manage the constant changes in our industry, you will receive important information on the economy and remote deposit, participate in roundtable discussions and as always, a legislative update.  You will also receive excellent leadership training from Taye Cairnes with Taye H. Cairnes, Inc., Charlotte, NC. The event will also include several social and sporting activities to give you the opportunity to network with your colleagues.  With questions about the Conference or Leadership GBA in general, please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010 or Jennifer Stevens at (404) 420-2024.  Come take advantage of this excellent opportunity to learn and network with your peers.  Please click here to register online.

AIB Classroom Courses
AIB classes meet three hours each week for two 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. Following are the upcoming AIB classroom courses:

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

• Economics for Bankers, taught by Kevin Taylor of Northwest Georgia Bank, Ringgold
  Beginning April 2, 10 weeks, $195, text $79

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

• Commercial Lending, taught by Steve McFarland of Gwinnett Community Bank, Duluth
  Beginning April 12, 10 weeks, $195, text $90

Register Today for AIB Online Courses
Just a reminder that the following AIB online classes begin on April 16.  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

• Analyzing Bank Performance, 7 weeks, $695

• Consumer Lending, 16 weeks, $385

• Financial Accounting*, 16 weeks, $485

• Managing the Bank’s Investment Portfolio*, 6 weeks, $545

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

• 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 April 9.  Please register as soon as possible to secure a seat in the class.

• Analyzing Financial Statements*, 16 weeks, $485

• Principles of Banking, 16 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.

Economic Newsletter Available
GBA Retirement Services would like to announce a weekly economic newsletter, Economics Today, that is available through Reliance Trust Company.  The publication is written by Arnie Dill, Reliance Trust Company’s Consulting Economist.  You can also set up your email address to receive this information each week by emailing Mandy Richards.  The newsletter is a great resource for getting a concise summary of the economy and stock market.  Please contact GBA’s Mandy Richards at (404) 420-2025 for information on how GBA Retirement Services and Reliance Trust Company can help 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.  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.

Affinion Group: Customer Appreciation Program
Affinion Group, a Strategic Partner of the Georgia Bankers Association, offers banks $1,000 of complimentary accidental death and dismemberment insurance through their Customer Appreciation Program at no cost to the DDA, credit card, and mortgage customers. Additionally, at the time of the offering, the customer has the option to purchase additional amounts of insurance at a low monthly charge. Currently over 4600 financial institutions have decided to implement the Customer Appreciation Program. They range in size from small rural community banks to money center banks. There is no cost to the bank to offer the program. Not only does this program help increase profitability by increasing fee income, it also helps retain core accounts. For more information, please contact Affinion’s Bill Lowe at (800) 251-2148, Ext. 2562, or GBA’s Chad Wilson at (404) 420-2022.

Thumbprint Signature Program
GBA’s Thumbprint Signature Program was designed to help banks lower their losses encountered by check fraud.  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. To find out more information or to order this unique program, please contact 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.
 

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:

Alpharetta - Alpha Bank & Trust Congratulations to CEO Joe Briner, officers, directors and staff on the recent opening of the bank’s new financial center. Columbus - Synovus Congratulations to CEO Richard Anthony for being named to the list of 'Top 100 Banks' by USBanker magazine. Hiawassee - Bank of Hiawassee Congratulations to Bob Anderson on his recent selection as a ‘Top 50 U.S. Investment Representative’ by Bank Investment Consultant magazine. Lawrenceville - Embassy National Bank Congratulations to new President Alec Dudley, the officers, directors and staff on the bank’s recent opening.  Martha Sue Watkins has joined the bank as Senior Vice President, Operations and Retail Banking. Macon - Security Bank of Bibb County Randy Wright has been promoted to Executive Vice President for Private Banking and Mel Jamison to Executive Vice President for Commercial Lending.  Peter Faser has joined Security Bank Corporation as Senior Vice President of Correspondent Banking and John Bearden as Vice President of Correspondent Banking to head the holding company’s new Correspondent Banking Division. Ringgold - Northwest Georgia Bank Donna Beck has joined the bank as Assistant Vice President – Branch Manager at the Fort Oglethorpe office and Christopher Drake has been named Assistant Vice President – Assistant Branch Manager at the new Hixson office. Villa Rica - Community Bank of West Georgia Brenda L. Dangle has been promoted to Vice President, Commercial Lending.

Anderson Jamison Drake

Wright Beck Dangle

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