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November 16, 2007

Real Estate Bill Considered in U.S. House
As this Bulletin was going to press, the U.S. House of Representatives was beginning debate on legislation introduced by Financial Services Committee chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) and others to address problems mostly existing in the subprime markets.  However, the bill goes far beyond subprime and adds additional regulatory requirements for most banks.  For example, bankers originating mortgage loans must be registered individually with their principal federal regulator.  The bill codifies a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLSR) which has been a longtime project of the state bank regulators.  The bill also adds a new duty of care for anyone making a mortgage loan to ensure the borrower has a reasonable ability to repay the loan and the borrower receives a net tangible benefit.  We continue to express serious concerns about many provisions in the bill and will work with Congress as they wrestle with this complex matter.

Legislative Reception Reminder
Plans are being finalized for GBA’s annual Legislative Reception slated for Wednesday, January 16, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.  Invitations are being mailed to legislators and special guests and we anticipate a great crowd.  Prior to the reception, you will have the opportunity to participate in a private tour of the Aquarium from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  It is crucial that a large number of bankers attend and show their support for the banking industry and the Association by registering a group of representatives from every bank.  If you plan to spend the night, remember that the cut-off date for the special GBA rate of $169 per night at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Centennial Olympic Park is Thursday, December 20.  To reserve your room, you may call the hotel directly at (404) 223-2300 and tell them you are with the Georgia Bankers Association.  With questions about the reception or the hotel, please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.  Register representatives from your bank now and make plans to attend one of the GBA’s most important events of the year.

Last Call for GBA’s Credit Conference
More than 200 bankers have already registered for GBA’s annual Credit Conference being held November 28-29 at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta.  The Conference is planned by GBA’s Credit Committee, chaired by Rick Drews, CEO of Century Bank of Georgia in Cartersville.  The Committee has done an outstanding job of putting together speakers such as Alex Sheshunoff, Roger Tutterow and top state and federal regulators combined with breakout sessions ranging from subjects such as dealing with problem loans, loan participations and real estate trends.  Ample time will be reserved for networking among your peers.  Please register today to participate.

Nominating Committee Seeks Input
GBA’s Nominating Committee is beginning the process of selecting the next banker to begin the rotation through the officer chairs and eventually become the Association’s Chairman.  The Nominating Committee is chaired by GBA’s immediate Past Chairman, Bobby Carmichael, CEO of Commercial Bank and Trust in LaGrange.  If you have an interest in serving, please contact Bobby at (706) 880-2211 to discuss the requirements.  Other members of the committee are past chairs Tom Wiley, Savannah, and Dan Blanton, Augusta, and the 10 Group Chairs: John Helmken, Savannah; Suzanne Anderson, Pelham; Brinson Brock, Ashburn; Wayne Lowrey, Stockbridge; Charles Yorke, Atlanta; Bill Bazemore, Forsyth; Karen Watson, Hiram; Laura Cross, Brunswick; John Lewis, Dahlonega; and Jack Harvey, Washington.

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

• Chuck Haley, President, The Peoples Bank, Eatonton

• Wayne Lazarus, Partner, Stokes, Lazarus & Carmichael, LLP, Atlanta

• Ray Pearson, Partner, McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co., Macon

Thank you for your support.  See this week’s BankPAC Update giving more details about the PAC campaign to date and download this year's  BankPAC contribution forms.  With questions, please call GBA's Elizabeth Chandler at (404) 420-2027.

Annual Convention Early Registration
The 2008 Annual Convention will be held on June 15-18 at the St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach, Dana Point, California and promises to be an educational and memorable event you won’t want to miss!  Attendees will hear nationally known speakers discussing many of the hot issues facing bankers today.  Register early, and we will be happy to invoice your bank.  Please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010 with questions.

Register for GBA Webinars Today
Just a reminder that GBA will offer the webinars listed below during the week of November 26.  Webinars offer you the opportunity and convenience of having a seminar at your bank.  All you need is a computer, Internet access and a telephone.  All webinars are live and allow time throughout for questions and answers.  The registration fee of $250 allows you access to one website “seat,” one telephone site license and all hand out materials.  If you are unable to attend the webinar but would like to have this information for training purposes, you may also purchase an audio CD, handout materials and a password to view the information online.  Complete details about the webinar, topics being covered and information about the presenters can be found on GBA’s Calendar of Events.  Please call GBA’s Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2015 with questions.

• Beyond Español - A Financial Institution Employee's Guide to Understanding, Attracting and Keeping Hispanic Customers - November 27

• Debit and Credit Card Fraud Prevention - November 29

Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Seminar
GBA will host its Bank Secrecy Act Compliance seminar on Tuesday, December 4, at the Ramada Plaza in Macon.  The registration fee is $195 and Steve Moore, President of Bank Compliance Services, is the instructor.  Designed for BSA officers, compliance officers, and internal auditors, this one day interactive seminar will help bankers to identify “high-risk” accounts as well as acquire comprehensive internal audit and independent review procedures.  Some of the topics to be covered include:

• New Exam procedures for BSA + OFAC+ CIP + Suspicious Activity Reporting

• How to Develop a Risk Assessment + Risk Profile for your Bank

• How to perform customer due diligence and monitor “High-Risk” accounts

• Additional requirements for Money Services Businesses (“MSBs”)

Register now or call GBA’s Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2015 with questions.

Advanced Consumer Lending Seminar
GBA will host is Advanced Consumer Lending seminar on Wednesday, December 12, at the Ramada Plaza in Macon.  Designed for lenders with at least one year’s experience in consumer lending, this advanced class will tackle the more complicated credits requiring an analysis of the customer’s cash position from tax returns. Participants will learn to evaluate the borrower’s ability to repay based on an accurate income position determined by analyzing tax returns.  A variety of different types of self- employed borrowers and a variety of different types of income issues will also be reviewed.  Topics include cash flow analysis for the self-employed borrower and tax return analysis.  Register now or contact GBA’s Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2015 with questions.

Leadership Conference Registration
Leadership GBA will host its 48^th annual Leadership Conference on July 13-16, 2008, at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra, FL.  The Leadership GBA Executive Committee has planned a great program that promises to be educational and enjoyable.  Attendees will receive important information on the issues facing bankers today as well as leadership training.  If you would like to register early, we will be happy to invoice your bank.  With questions, please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010 or Jennifer Stevens at (404) 420-2024.

AIB Catalog Available
The 2008 American Institute of Banking Catalog containing the most current AIB program and product information is available.  You will also find complete information on AIB diplomas and certification plus information on applications for the Institute of Certified Bankers (ICB).  Several of the AIB online programs award college credit through the American Counsel on Education.  AIB has over 175 courses you can complete either online or in a live classroom setting.  Tap into AIB as a great education resource for you and your bank.

Fall 2007 AIB Classroom Courses
Following are two upcoming AIB classroom courses for Fall 2007 and Winter 2008:

• Corrective Action taught by Jeff Kovach of Northwest Georgia Bank, Ringgold
  Beginning November 27, 1 week, $95 (includes textbook)

• Law & Banking:  Applications taught by Cassie Parker of McIntosh State Bank, McDonough
  Beginning January 14, 10 weeks, $195, text $69

AIB classes meet three hours each week for 2 to 15 weeks and are held at a local financial institution.  If you would like to see a specific AIB course offered in your area or if you have questions about AIB classroom courses, please call 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 December 10.  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 Financial Statements, 16 weeks, $485

• Economics for Bankers, 16 weeks, $385

• Financial Accounting*, 16 weeks, $485

• Fundamentals of Consumer Lending, 5 weeks, $230

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

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

• Today's Teller: Developing Basic Skills* (open enrollment), 8 weeks, $295

• Trust Basics, 16 weeks, $385

There is still availability in the following AIB Online classes beginning December 3.  Please register as soon as possible to secure a seat in the class.

• Commercial Lending, 16 weeks, $385

• Consumer Lending, 16 weeks, $385

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

• Managing the Bank’s Investment Portfolio*, 6 weeks, $595

• Principles of Banking, 16 weeks, $385

• 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.

GBARS Welcomes New Member
GBA Retirement Services, Inc. is pleased to welcome to the Trust: Brookhaven Bank, Atlanta, Laurice Tatum, CEO.  The programs offered through the GBA Master Pension and 401(k) Profit Sharing Trust provide flexibility to meet the needs of any bank or associate member who may be looking at add or change their qualified retirement plan.  The Master Trust provides high quality, affordable pension, profit sharing, and Section 401(k) programs for banks and associate members of all sizes.  Please contact Mandy Richards at (404) 420-2025 for more information on how GBA can help design a retirement plan for your bank.

Strengthen Customer Ties at Your Bank
Harland Clarke, a GBA Strategic Partner, is a leading provider of checks and related products, contact center services, e-commerce, and direct response marketing solutions to financial institutions throughout the U.S.  Annually, Harland Clarke produces more than 10 billion checks and deposit tickets in a variety of formats through a network of sixteen electronically linked manufacturing facilities and customer service centers across the nation. Harland Clarke provides valuable products and services that meet your customers’ unique needs. From multiple convenience channels such as Internet and phone to targeted marketing to individual account holders, their innovative technologies are taking customer relationships to new heights.  Harland Clarke’s vision is “to be the premier resource for our partners in the delivery of passionate customer care” by helping their partners attract, grow, and retain profitable customer relationships built on the checking account.  For more information, please contact Harland Clarke’s Pat McMahon at (800) 382-0818, ext. 2823, or GBA’s Chad Wilson at (404) 420-2022.

Overdraft Privilege Program
Established in 1976 by Chairman William H. Strunk, Strunk and Associates, L.P. is a financial institution advisory service recognized nationally for its innovative design, development, and implementation of sustainable profit improvement solutions, most notably the Strunk “Overdraft Privilege Program,” for the financial services industry.  The firm’s reputation is built on more than 30 years of providing expert and objective advisory services to thousands of financial institutions, and has recently received the exclusive endorsement of the GBA as a Strategic Partner.  If you are interested in better customer service and increased non-interest income, you will want to learn more about Strunk and Associates’ Overdraft Privilege Program.  For more information, please contact Strunk’s Bob Shifflett at (540) 828-3314, or GBA’s Chad Wilson at (404) 420-2022.

Talent Management
TalentQuest is an online talent management system and a Strategic Partner of the Georgia Bankers Association.  TalentQuest specializes in consulting services to assist banks in selecting, managing, developing and retaining the best employees at all levels of the organization. For more information, please contact Jon Naphin at (404) 965-5221 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.

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.

Add GBA to Your Whitelist
A bonus of getting the e-Bulletin is the number of links that are included, which is a great way to keep your employees informed of significant industry information, trends and events.  In order to receive this publication, your bank’s email controls must be set to accept GBA’s e-publications.  Please confirm with your systems administrator that the GBA is on your whitelist.  To add email addresses to our distribution list, please send the name and email address of each person you want added to Lydia Thomas.

Newsmakers:

Alpharetta - Bank of North Georgia April Hamby has been promoted to Vice President. Atlanta - Cornerstone Bank Charles K. Yorke has joined the bank as President and R. Alan Thomes as Senior Vice President.  Chris Burnett is Chief Executive Officer. Hiram - WestSide Bank Kristie Bright has joined the bank as Head Teller and Jennifer Witt as Teller. Savannah - First Chatham Bank Congratulations on the bank’s newly earned status as an SBA Preferred Lender by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  Quandrant Financial, Inc., the bank’s commercial and capital markets lending division, ranks among the top ten SBA lenders in Georgia. Warner Robins - Atlantic Southern Bank Bill Gresham has been promoted to Mid South Regional President and J. Stan Cook to Senior Vice President, Retail Banking.	Hamby	Gresham	Cook