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November 9, 2007

Farm Bill Debate Slowing in Senate
The U.S. Senate began deliberations of the 2007 Farm Bill this week only to run into numerous hurdles for quick action.  A veto threat from the President, questions about increased taxes and spending, and a parliamentary challenge from the ranking Democrat about less than unanimous positions on amendments quickly bogged down the debate.  While GBA has been supportive of most of the bill and has encouraged its adoption, we have also been asking our members to advocate strongly to not support adding provisions which would greatly expand the Farm Credit System (FCS) at the expense of the banking industry.  The amendment would raise the city population to 7,500 where FCS could make mortgage loans and expand the system's ability to make biofuel loans. Our thanks to the American Bankers Association for making available to our members the ABA online system to send letters in opposition the amendment.  To quickly send a letter to both Sen. Chambliss and Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), please click here, fill out the requested information, and your letters will be automatically generated.

House Committee Reports Bill in Response to Subprime Meltdown
The House Financial Services Committee reported a bill introduced by Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) and others that is  intended to address the recent problems in subprime lending.   H.R. 3915 is entitled the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act and GBA has joined the American Bankers Association and others in expressing serious concerns about the legislation.  Before reporting the bill to the full House, the committee adopted an amendment that addressed some of our concerns; however, many remain.  In a meeting with Chairman Frank earlier this year, GBA former Chairman, Bobby Carmichael, CEO of Commercial Bank & Trust in LaGrange and GBA President Joe Brannen both encouraged caution in any legislation that might be passed.  Both referred to the virtual disappearance of the traditional mortgage market when the Georgia General Assembly passed similar legislation several years ago.  Anyone reading the new federal bill will see many of the same issues we dealt with in Georgia.  "We have alerted the Georgia House delegation of our concerns and will continue to work to improve the bill," said GBA Senior Vice President for Government Relations, Elizabeth Chandler.  "It will be most difficult for Congress to pass a bill of this magnitude that does not disrupt tradition markets.  We are also extremely concerned about adding to the already huge regulatory burdens our members face every day; and the bill as written, will do just that unless it is modified substantially," she concluded.  Among other things, the bill would require the registration of bank employees who originate mortgages through the bank's primary regulator; create minimum standards for all mortgages, including requiring creditors to determine that borrowers have a reasonable ability to repay loans; and expand the scope of the Homeownership Equity Protection Act.

Regulators Adopt Final Rules on Affiliate Marketing
Our members with affiliates that intend to share customer information among each other will want to carefully review the final regulations issued by the FDIC, the other federal financial institution regulatory agencies, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Trade Commission.  This week, the agencies jointly published the final rules to implement the affiliate marketing provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) as amended by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act.) The final rules implement Section 214 of the FACT Act, which generally prohibits a person from using information received from an affiliate to make a solicitation for marketing purposes to a consumer, unless the consumer is given notice and a reasonable opportunity and a reasonable and simple method to opt-out of making such solicitations.

Marketing Conference a Success
Bank marketing professionals from around the state gathered November 1-2 at The King & Prince on St. Simons Island to discuss industry best practices in their field.  Outstanding speakers, networking opportunities and peer group discussions were highlights of the event.  Our thanks to Committee Chair, Bob Montgomery, South Georgia Banking Company, Moultrie, and the entire Marketing Committee for their help in planning an outstanding and successful event.  A special thank you to South Georgia Banking Company and Atlantic Southern Bank, Macon, for each providing $500 for the grand prize drawings.  Please click here for scenes from the Conference.

Legislative Reception Plans Well Under Way
The GBA’s annual Legislative Reception will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2008, at the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Prior to the reception, you will also have the opportunity to participate in a private tour the Aquarium from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  A block of rooms has been reserved for the night of January 16 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Centennial Olympic Park, one block from the Aquarium; the negotiated rate is $169 per night for a single or double room.  You may reserve a room by calling the hotel directly at (404) 223-2300.  To reserve your room, you may call the hotel directly at (404) 223-2300 and tell them you are with the Georgia Bankers Association.  These rooms will be held until Thursday, December 20, 2007.  With questions about this event, please contact GBA’s Susie McGehee at (404) 420-2010.  Please click here to register.

Last Call for UCC Update Seminar - November 14
There is still space available at GBA’s UCC Update seminar scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, at the Ramada Plaza in Macon.  Designed for senior lenders, junior lenders, bank attorneys, compliance officers and  loan review personnel, this one-day, interactive seminar will cover documentation of loans secured by personal property, perfection of security interests in personal property, bank’s responsibilities and actions after default, and obligations between debtor and creditor after foreclosure and sale of personal property.  Some of the topics to be covered include:

• Expanded scope

• Types of collateral, including deposit accounts

• Types of transactions

• National financing statement forms

• Filing requirements, including electronic filing, and other means of perfection

• Default and enforcement rules

• Deficiency collections

With questions, please contact GBA’s Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2015.  Please click here to register.

Credit Conference Room Block Deadline November 14
The block of rooms being held at the Sheraton Suites Galleria for Georgia bankers attending the Credit Conference on November 28-29 at The Cobb Galleria expires after November 14.  Take advantage of the GBA special rate by calling the hotel directly at (770) 955-3900.  With questions or to register for the conference, please contact Marybeth Jones at (404)420-2032.  Please click here to register.

Financial Risk Management Conference
GBA’s Financial Risk Management Conference is scheduled for January 30-31, 2008 at the Cobb Galleria, Atlanta.  Thanks to Tom Redding, Committee Chair and SVP/CFO of The First State Bank in Stockbridge, and the other members of the Asset/Liability Management Committee for coordinating an informative agenda.  A block of rooms has been reserved at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel until January 2.  For reservations, call the hotel directly at (770) 953-4500.  For more information, please call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032.  Please click here to register.

Register for GBA Webinars Today
Just a reminder that GBA will offer the webinars listed below during the week of November 12.  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.  With questions, please call GBA’s Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2015.

• Compliance Issues for Real Estate Lending – November 13

• Truth in Lending: Home Equity Lines of Credit – November 13

• Prospecting & Getting Referrals – November 14

• Managing a Successful Branch, Part 2 – November 15

• Commercial Loan Documentation, Part I – November 16

Fall 2007 AIB Classroom Courses
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.  Following are the upcoming AIB classroom courses for Fall 2007:

• Coaching for Success taught by Jeff Kovach of Northwest Georgia Bank, Ringgold
  Beginning November 13, 1 week, $95 (includes textbook)

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

• Law and Banking: Applications taught by Cassie Parker of McIntosh State Bank, Jackson
  Beginning January 14, 2008, 10 weeks, $195, textbook $69

Register Today for AIB Online Courses
Just a reminder that the following AIB online classes begin on December 3.  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

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

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

• Principles of Banking, 16 weeks, $385

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

• Understanding Your Construction Borrower, 10 weeks, $385

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

• Banking Today, 5 weeks, $295

• General Accounting*, 16 weeks, $485

• Money & Banking, 16 weeks, $385

• Principles of Banking Accelerated, 10 weeks, $315

• Supervisor Certificate, 16 weeks, $695

• Trust Operations, 15 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.

Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Seminar Scheduled for December 4
Bank Secrecy Act compliance is much more than completing CTRs, SARs, and a $3,000 Log.  It includes a risk assessment of the Bank’s customers to identify “high-risk” accounts as well as comprehensive internal audit and independent review procedures.  BSA Officers and Risk Managers have more responsibilities than ever to satisfy regulatory expectations.  Many banks are struggling with the volume of this work.  To help with these monumental tasks, GBA will host its Bank Secrecy Act 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 seminar, 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”)

To register for this seminar, click here.  With questions, contact GBA’s Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2015.  Please click here to register.

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.

Welcome New Participant
The GBA Insurance Trust, Inc. Board of Directors welcomes to the Trust Georgia Primary Bank, Atlanta, Mark DiLuzio, 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.

Latest Bank to Link
Welcome to Brookhaven Bank, Atlanta, Laurice Tatum, CEO, as the latest bank to link to GBA’s website.  Please contact Lydia Thomas at (404) 420-2039 when your bank is ready to be linked.

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.

The “Crowe Report on Branch Performance” is Now Available
Developed through the participation of 91 institutions of varying asset sizes, this report brings together data from 1,994 branches in 32 states.  The results of this study are not available anywhere else.  With unique analysis of performance by demographics and operating style, this report will provide you valuable insight into branch performance and enable you to see how each of your branches stacks up compared to the distribution of performance in the industry.  Use this important report to:

• Discover achievable improvement opportunities;

• Gain visibility into operating practices that will have the greatest impact on sales and balances;

• Learn what level of employee activity is reasonable;

• Identify which customer demographics offer the greatest sales potential by product;

• Find out how much incentive compensation will deliver bang for the buck.

Please click here to purchase your report today.

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.

Newsmakers:

GBA Members Recognized Among “Best Places to Work”
Congratulations to three GBA members for being recognized in the current edition of Georgia Trend as being among the Best Places to Work in Georgia:  Bank of North Georgia, Kessel Stelling, CEO; Kilpatrick Stockton LLP, Richard Cheatham, Partner; and Mauldin & Jenkins, Barry Cohen, Partner.  In another story in this edition, United Bank, Griffin’s John Rainwater is highlighted for the role he is playing as Chairman of the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce and how the community is embracing a new development for seniors.  John also serves on the Leadership GBA Board of Directors.

Alpharetta - Bank of North Georgia Andrea Latimer has been promoted to Cash Management Sales Officer for the bank's southern region in Covington. Atlanta - Georgia Primary Bank Congratulations to Mark DeLusio, CEO, and the officers, directors and staff on their official opening October 22. Cleveland - Mountain Valley Community Bank Mindy L. Clark has joined the bank as Assistant Vice President, Consumer Lending. Dublin - Citizens Bank of Laurens County Maury Beasley has joined the bank as Vice President and Loan Officer. Duluth - KeyWorth Bank Congratulations to Jim Pope, CEO, and the officer, directors and staff on their official opening October 15. Hiawassee - Bank of Hiawassee Michael T. Blubaugh has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer; Larry K. Pitchford to Executive Vice President, Human Resources; and Gwendolyn A. Christian to Executive Vice President, Credit Administration. LaFayette - Bank of LaFayette Bob D. (Dave) Gilbert, Jr. has been named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Charles M. Gilbert has been named Vice Chairman and C. Henry Gilbert has been named President. Marietta - Highland Commercial Bank Congratulations to the bank and CEO Jim Powell on the recent presentation of a MacPherson Clan Scottish tartan banner by Men Abiding in Christ (MAC) Ministries. Ringgold - Northwest Georgia Bank Rhonda Edwards has joined the bank as Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager and Gretchen Collins as Assistant Branch Manager in the bank’s new Ooltewah-Collegedale office. Winder - The Peoples Bank Margaret Whieldon has joined the bank as Executive Vice President, Marketing.	Latimer Collins	Clark Edwards	Beasley
	Shown left to right: Jim Powell, Pat MacPherson and Greg Griggs