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October 26, 2007

Farm Bill Reported
The Senate Agriculture Committee has completed markup on the 2007 Farm Bill, and the bill is expected to be considered by the full Senate soon.  The bill is significant for Georgia agriculture and we have been following the bill closely and supporting its passage.  However, we have been opposing the aggressive expansion plans sought by the Farm Credit System (FCS).  Thanks to the grassroots work of bankers across Georgia and the country, the bill does not include the FCS language.  FCS members and their supporters have already begun contacting all members of the U.S. Senate urging their support of a possible amendment on the floor that would expand their authority.  Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss, the ranking republican member on the Agriculture Committee, is the focus of their efforts and is considering offering the amendment.  "Sen. Chambliss has been open to our concerns and addressed the issue directly when he spoke at GBA's recent President/CEO and Bank Counsel Conferences.  We will continue our efforts in opposing the FCS amendment and for passage of the bill," said GBA Chairman Jim Williams, CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust Company in Eastman.  With questions, please contact GBA's Elizabeth Chandler at (404) 420-2027.

House Considers Legislation to Reform Subprime Mortgage Lending
House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) and other Democrat members have introduced legislation, H.R. 3915. to mostly address subprime mortgage lending issues.  Among other things, the bill would establish a federal duty of care, prohibit steering, and call for licensing and registration of mortgage originators, including brokers and bank loan officers.  The bill also would set a “reasonable ability to repay” standard for mortgage loans and create limited liability to secondary-market buyers who securitize loans that do not meet the bill’s standards.  A hearing on the bill was held this week.  American Bankers Association Chairman, Brad Rock, CEO of the Bank of Smithtown (NY), testified on behalf of the banking industry.  GBA’s fair lending counsel, Don Lampe of Womble Carlyle Sandridge and Rice, PLLC, also testified.  The GBA Board of Directors met recently to discuss a number of issues facing the industry, and the potential fallout from the subprime meltdown was tops among their concerns.  “Mr. Frank’s bill is the first of many we expect to see both in Washington and in the General Assembly,” said GBA Chairman Jim Williams.  “Mr. Frank’s bill is a good first step addressing some of the more egregious problems in subprime.  However, we will need to ensure the bill does not increase the regulatory burden on our members who had little to do with this crisis,” Jim said.  At the GBA, we have been focusing on the important role our members play in serving the needs of traditional mortgage borrowers and are encouraging consumers to seek out their local, regulated institutions as their first option when seeking a mortgage.  We are working on a more concerted public awareness campaign on this issue, so please be looking for more information about this campaign soon.

Analyzing Personal Financial Statements – November 1
GBA will host Analyzing Personal Financial Statements & Tax Returns on Thursday, November 1, 2007, at the Ramada Plaza in Macon.  The registration fee is $195 and Mike Allen, President and CEO of Georgia Trust Bank, Buford, will lead the workshop.  Designed for credit analysts, branch managers, consumer lenders and entry level commercial lenders, this program will cover step-by-step the process of analyzing personal financial statements and tax returns, including how to:

• Identify the borrower’s ability to repay your loan from a cash flow analysis

• Identify new cross-selling opportunities

• Spot fraudulent tax returns

• Develop a pattern of logical, analytical thinking

• Examine a personal tax return for hidden information

• Develop an adjusted net worth

• Make valid credit decisions based on careful analysis

• Identify if income is continuing, verifiable, and recurrent

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

Bank Security Seminar Scheduled for November 7
GBA will host its Bank Security Seminar on Wednesday, November 7 at the Ramada Plaza in Macon.  The registration fee for each workshop is $195 per person.  Charles Williams, President of Marketing Advertising Consulting Services in Eastman will lead the seminar.  Designed for bank security officers, bank training officers, branch administration, this one-day workshop is devoted to security topics of most concern to financial institutions.  Topics to be covered are:

• Bank Robbery: Robbery trends, robbery response before, during & after the bank robbery and the Employee Assistance Program

• Physical Security:  Alarms & Cameras, Vaults & Safes, Card Access, Biometrics, Bandit Barriers & Dye Packs, ATMs (Lighting & Landscaping) and Facility Risk Assessment will be covered

• Employee Safety:  Developing a Workplace Violence Program, identifying threats and dealing with problem employees and customers plus much more

With questions, please contact GBA’s Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2015.  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 5.  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.

• Managing a Successful Branch, Part I -- November 6

• HMDA Reporting Requirements -- November 6

• Safe Deposit Fundamentals -- November 6

• Construction Lending -- November 8

• Complying with RESPA's Section 8 Rules -- November 8

• Mortgage Lending, Part II -- November 9

Fall 2007 AIB Classroom Courses
Following are the upcoming AIB classroom courses for Fall 2007.  AIB classes meet three hours each week for 1 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.

• 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)

Register Today for AIB Online Courses
Just a reminder that the following AIB online classes begin on November 19.  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, $295

• General Accounting*, 16 weeks, $485

• Money & Banking, 16 weeks, $385

• Principles of Banking Accelerated, 10 weeks, $315

• Supervisor Certificate, 16 weeks, $695

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

• Trust Operations, 15 weeks, $385

There is still availability in the following AIB online classes beginning November 12.  Please register as soon as possible to secure a seat in the class.

• Analyzing Financial Statements*, 16 weeks, $485

• Economics for Bankers, 16 weeks, $385

• Financial Accounting*, 16 weeks, $485

• Marketing Financial Services, 16 weeks, $385

• 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.

Georgia Banking School Special
The class of 2008 is now forming.  For the past 3 years, the first year class has met its capacity of 70 and waiting lists were formed.  Take advantage of the annual “Early Bird Special” available to first year students who register for the Georgia Banking School before January 1, 2008.  Please call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032 for details.

401(k) Retirement Plan Administration and Investments Seminar
The annual 401(k) Administration and Investment seminar will be held on Friday, December 7, at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta.  Topics to be covered include investment review, 401(k) testing, year-end census submission, and legal updates.  The information presented is most beneficial to current Trust members but if you would like more information, please contact Mandy Richards at (404) 420-2025.  Please click here to register.

2007 GBA Salary Survey Complete
We appreciate everyone’s participation in this year’s survey.  The completed survey has been sent to those banks that participated in the compilation.  If you were unable to participate but would still like to purchase a copy, please call or email your request to GBA’s Kenyetta Parks at (404) 420-2035.  Pricing is based on participation.

2008 Holiday Decals Hot Off The Press
The 2008 Holiday Decals have arrived  Those who are on our standing order list should have received their order this week. The window decals not only provide a professional appearance but also contain the 10 holiday closings recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank in accordance with FDIC rules.   If you are not currently on our standing order list and would like to receive a set, please call quickly; we have sold out over the last 5 years.  To order, please call GBA’s Kenyetta Parks at (404) 420-2035.

Telecommunications for Your Bank
NationsLink Communications, Inc., a Valdosta, GA based company, is a converged communications provider specializing in consultative solutions with the latest technology and most competitive pricing in the industry for business customers.  Proudly serving approximately 50 banks, NationsLink has been a GBA Strategic Partner since 1998.  Through NationsLink’s multi-vendor relationships, banks can be assured of an un-biased telecommunica-tions solution.  NationsLink’s services include: integrated T-1 with integrated voice and internet, PRI service, Internet T-1, basic telephone services, LAN to LAN connectivity (connecting multiple sites), teleconferencing services, calling cards, VoIP services, telephone systems (all types including VoIP systems) and data networks.  If you are considering making a change to your telecommunications system, whether it is the service provider and/or your telephone system, NationsLink can provide your bank an unbiased solution through multi-vendor relationships.  For more information or for a free no-obligation analysis, please contact NationsLink’s Michael Woodruff at (800) 546-5875 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:

Alpharetta - Bank of North Georgia Evelina Noble has joined the bank as Assistant Bank Office Manager in the bank's Roswell office.  Chris Settles has been promoted to Retail Marketing Coordinator and Bank Officer and Sonya Julius Cummings to Bank Office Manager in the bank's Galleria office. Athens - Bank of Athens Jenny Wofford has joined the bank as Banking Officer and Branch Manager. Atlanta - Cornerstone Bank Charles Yorke has been named President. Augusta - Georgia Bank & Trust Carrie Thigpen has joined the bank as Vice President and Trust Officer. Carrollton - McIntosh Commercial Bank Jesse Cunningham has joined the bank as Risk Manager. Glennville - South Georgia Bank Jean Shaw has joined the bank as Vice President. Jasper - Crescent Bank Billy Johnson has been promoted to Assistant Vice President and BSA Officer. Macon - Atlantic Southern Bank Congratulations to CEO Mark Stevens, officer, directors and staff on the recent opening of its new branch in Rincon.	Noble Wofford	Settles Thigpen	Cummings Cunningham
	Atlantic Southern Bank, Rincon