Williams Asks Banks to Connect with GBA
GBA Chairman, Jim Williams, CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust Company in Eastman, spoke at each of GBA's 10 Group Meetings earlier this month.  As part of his presentation, he announced his theme for the year:  GBA Connect.  Jim asked banks to connect legislatively with GBA by being educated on the issues, contacting elected representatives in support of GBA's grassroots initiatives, and contributing to the political action committees.  He asked bankers to connect educationally with GBA by participating in our many educational programs which are known for their high quality as they are planned by bankers for bankers.  And he asked bankers to connect strategically with GBA by participating in the GBA Insurance Trust and GBA Retirement Service plans and by using  GBA's relationships with our Strategic Partners, Associate Members and Bank Counsel Section members as your first option when seeking services for your bank.  "There is strength in numbers.  We all benefit when more banks participate," Jim said.

Lots of Banking News from Washington This Week:

• Examination Cycle Expanded for Certain Institutions
  The federal bank and thrift agencies have issued final rules expanding the range of small institutions eligible for an extended 18-month on-site examination cycle. The final rules allow well-capitalized and well-managed banks and savings associations with up to $500 million in total assets and a composite CAMELS rating of 1 or 2 to qualify for an 18-month (rather than a 12-month) on-site examination cycle.  Until recently, only institutions with less than $250 million in total assets could qualify for an extended 18-month on-site examination cycle.  Please click here for more details.
   

• Regulators Ask for Comments on Garnishments of Federal Benefits
  The federal financial regulatory agencies have requested public comment on a proposed statement encouraging federally regulated financial institutions to follow best practices to protect federal benefit payments from garnishment orders.  Federal law protects federal benefit payments—such as Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income benefits, Veterans’ benefits, Federal Civil Service retirement benefits, and Federal Railroad benefits—from garnishment orders and the claims of judgment creditors subject to certain exceptions, such as garnishment orders relating to alimony or child support payments.  The proposed statement lists best practices followed by financial institutions in this area, invites suggestions on other practices the agencies should consider, and encourages financial institutions to stay apprised of any future guidance issued by the Social Security Administration or Veterans Affairs regarding garnishment practices and of developments in the courts in their jurisdiction regarding garnishment practices.  Please click here to learn more and to comment.
   

• Chambliss Focus of Farm Credit Debate
  GBA’s Elizabeth Chandler was in Washington, D.C. this week calling on the Georgia delegation.  She reports Sen. Saxby Chambliss is continuing to hear from the Farm Credit System supporters who want to expand their reach into traditional mortgage and commercial lending products.  His office also reports hearing from bankers and we appreciate your help.  Sen. Chambliss is the ranking Republican member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and will play a significant role in the final debate.  If you have not yet written your letter opposing this expansion, just click here and by entering your zip code, name and address, a letter will be automatically sent to both Georgia Senators.  Sen. Chambliss is also the kick-off speaker at a joint session of the GBA President/CEO and Bank Counsel Conferences October 8.
   

• Rep. Tom Price Named to New Panel
  Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) has been appointed to serve on the House Financial Services' Capital Markets Subcommittee. Rep. Price also will continue to serve on the Domestic and International Monetary Policy Subcommittee and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.  Rep. Price represents all of Cherokee County as well as North Fulton, East Cobb and North DeKalb Counties.
   

• Rep. Hank Johnson Signs on to Credit Union Bill
  We were disappointed to learn that Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) has cosponsored the Credit Union Regulatory Improvement Act.  Rep. Johnson represents portions of DeKalb, Gwinnett and Rockdale Counties.  The bill expands credit unions’ commercial lending authority while reducing their capital requirements.  If you have not yet written your House member to oppose this bill, simply click here, enter your zip code and name and address and a letter will automatically be sent to your representative.

Credit Union Loan Quality Worse Than Banks'
In a report to their investment clients this week, FIG Partners of Atlanta included a study they had undertaken to compare credit quality among banks and credit unions.  According to founding partner, Chris Marinac, "There are a whopping 8,427 credit unions in the SNL database [we used in the study] (1261 have assets above $100 million as of 6-30-07) their median NPAs-to-Loans ratio is 0.92% while all publicly traded banks had nearly half the level of NPAs at 0.48%."  The report went on to compare all insured banks which includes those not publicly traded and special purpose banks like credit card banks and mortgage lenders, and the NPA number rose to 0.90%, which more closely followed credit union trends.  However, over a thousand credit unions have NPA ratios of 4% or higher.  Please click here to read the report which begins on page 4.

Loan Documentation for Lenders
GBA will host its popular Loan Documentation for Lenders seminar on October 4 at the Macon Ramada Plaza.  Peter Faser of Security Bank, Alpharetta, is the instructor and the registration fee is $195.  Designed for basic level lenders, this essential one-day seminar will cover the basics of loan documentation.  Topics to be discussed include:

• Promissory notes - what they cover and 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 (individuals, partnerships, corporations and LLCs)

• Letters of credit and other documentation-related issues

• Credit Memos and why they are important

Click here to register or call GBA’s Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2015 with questions.

Compliance Peer Group Meeting Slated
The next quarterly meeting of GBA's Compliance Peer Group is scheduled for Thursday, October 4, at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Macon.  Bonnie Reid, CRCM and V.P. Director of Compliance with First Georgia Banking Company, will present a synopsis of the new subprime mortgage lending and HOEPA rules and their affect on Regulation Z.  Ms. Reid will also lead two interactive sessions for roundtable discussion.  Please click here to register or contact GBA's Marybeth Jones at (404) 420-2032 for more information.

Branch Manager Training
Registrations are coming in for the Branch Managers Institute scheduled for October 16-18 at the Macon Ramada Plaza.  Designed for Branch Managers, Assistant Branch Managers, Supervisors or anyone charged with branch administration responsibilities, this dynamic, interactive program includes approximately twenty hours of intense training.  Taye Cairnes, President of Taye Cairnes, Inc., in Charlotte, NC, is the instructor.  Topics to be covered include recruiting, training and development, coaching, sales leadership, cross selling and keeping your staff on the right path.  If you strive to keep your managers on the competitive edge, this program is exactly what you are looking for.  Please click here to register or contact GBA’s Courtenay Pope at (404) 420-2010 with questions.

Marketing Conference Room Block to be Released Next Week
The block of rooms being held for Georgia bankers attending the Marketing Conference, slated for November 1-2 at The King & Prince Beach Resort, expires after October 1.   Take advantage of the special rate by calling the hotel directly at (912) 638-3631.  The Marketing Committee chaired by Bob Montgomery of South Georgia Baning Company in Moultrie, has done an outstanding job in planning a conference any bank marketing professional should attend.  With questions or to register for the conference, please contact Marybeth Jones at (404)420-2032.

Register for GBA Webinars Today
Just a reminder that GBA will offer the webinars listed below during the week of October 1.  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.

• Check Holds & Endorsements – October 1

• ECOA & Fair Housing Acts Frequently Asked Questions – October 4

• IRA Basics – October 4

Register Today for AIB Online Courses
Just a reminder that the following AIB Online classes begin on October 22.  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

• General Accounting*, 16 weeks, $485

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

• Managing Funding, Liquidity, and Capital*, 6 weeks, $595

• Principles of Banking Accelerated, 10 weeks, $315

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

There is still availability in the following AIB Online classes beginning October 15.  Please register as soon as possible to secure a seat in the class.

• Analyzing Financial Statements*, 16 weeks, $485

• Financial Accounting*, 16 weeks, $485

• Introduction to Agricultural Lending, 8 weeks, $375

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

• Principles of Banking, 16 weeks, $385

• Problem Loan Workouts, 6 weeks, $295

• Trust Basics, 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.

For Sale
NDP600 12-pocket Proof Machine.  Three years old and still under maintenance contract.  Contact Judy Drummond of The Bank of Perry at (478) 987-2554 for information.

Approximately ten desks and credenzas, cherry/mahogany finish.  Used only one year in temporary facility.  Contact Tren Watson of WestSide Bank, Hiram, at (770) 445-1855.

Clark Consulting Helps Optimize Bank Performance
With over 2,100 banking clients, Clark Consulting leads the industry in helping banks optimize performance through strategic planning; compensation; benefits and profitability consulting; bank-owned life insurance (BOLI); and benefit administration support services.  Endorsed as a Strategic Partner of the GBA, Clark Consulting’s seamless, consultative approach has benefited our member banks and their shareholders for over 10 years.  Clark’s banking consultants have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing bank executives, the changing landscape of compensation and benefits, and the complexities involved in developing a competitive BOLI portfolio.  For more information, please contact Clark Consulting’s Bill Cunningham at (877) 362-6917 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.

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.

Bond and D&O Insurance	Human Resources Solutions
Checking Club Programs	Internet Loan Closing Program
CRM	Job Bank
Discounted Check Program	Marketing
Discounted Local & Long Distance Program	Non-Qualified Executive Benefits (BOLI)
Financial Industry Pre-Employment Assessments	Pledging Pool Program
FinCrime	Record Retention Guide
Financial Marketing Solutions (FMS)	Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation
Georgia Financial Directory	Strunk & Associates, L.P.
Georgia Laws Code Book	Thumbprint Signature Program
Holiday Decals	Trust and Investment Services

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:

Cartersville - Bartow County Bank Congratulations to President Gary Fox on receiving the American Bankers Association's National Marketing Award. Developed by GBA Strategic Parter Financial Marketing Solutions of Franklin, TN, the bank's marketing campaign was recognized as one of the year's most impressive and was selected from among banks of its size nationwide. Covington - McIntosh Commercial Bank Michelle Green has joined the bank as Business Development Marketing Representative. Cuthbert - First State Bank of Randolph County Our sympathies to the family of CEO Charlie Curry on the recent death of his aunt Isabelle Curry who is the widow of former GBA President C.W. (Bill) Curry. Johns Creek - Century Security Bank Robin Sandlin has joined the bank as Vice President, Commercial Lending and Danny Pian as Assistant Vice President and Business Development Officer. Macon - Atlantic Southern Bank Melanie Barton has joined the bank as Vice President, Commercial Lending.  Colleen Cook has been promoted to Vice President and Compliance Officer and Susan Hutton is Branch Manager of the bank's Darien office. Ringgold - Northwest Georgia Bank Beejal Amin has joined the bank as Business Development Officer in the Fort Oglethorpe office. Villa Rica - Community Bank of West Georgia Frank Boone has joined the bank as Senior Vice President and Senior Commercial Lender; Wanda McLarty as Vice President and Commercial Lender; and Andrea Cole as Assistant Vice President and Loan Assistant.

Green Hutton McLarty

Barton Amin Cole

Cook Boone

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