GBA e-Bulletin

May 16, 2008

Housing, Farm Legislation Make for Busy May in Washington

The U.S. Congress is keeping up its busy banking-related agenda. On the housing front, the U.S. House last week passed the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 (H.R. 3221) that includes Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank's (D-Mass.) legislation that would allow the Federal Housing Administration to refinance up to $300 billion in new guarantees for troubled subprime mortgage loans. The legislation comes with guarantees from Frank and Rep. Brad Miller (D-N.C.) to include in the bill’s final version new language narrowing the scope of an amendment involving banking regulators' ability to pre-empt state foreclosure laws. At press time this week, the Senate Banking Committee was expected to be debating similar legislation.

On May 14 the House and passed the much anticipated conference report to the five-year reauthorization of the Farm Bill. The report does not include the expansionist provisions from the Farm Credit Service that bankers across Georgia and the country fought so hard against. However, it does include the important provisions to reauthorize commodity programs among many other areas. At press time, the Senate had yet to vote on the bill. While a Presidential veto is expected, the House passed the bill by more than a 3-1 margin, and Senate was also expected to pass the bill with a veto-proof majority.

Governor Signs Credit-Freeze, Other ID Theft Protection Bills

Governor Sonny Purdue this week signed three consumer protection bills of note to the banking industry. The primary headline maker is HB 130, known as the credit-freeze law. The law allows consumers to order the three primary credit bureaus to prohibit access to their personal files, which can prevent identity thieves from opening fraudulent new accounts in the consumers’ name. The bill is among the most consumer-friendly among similar laws nationwide, with fees to freeze or thaw a file capped at $3, free freezes for senior citizens and ID theft victims and 15-minute electronic turnaround on consumer-approved temporary freeze lifts for retailers to check credit if necessary.

The governor also signed two other laws of note. SB 24 increases the penalties for “phishing,” a method used to carry out identity theft through the Internet. SB 388 establishes an identity theft task force within the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and transfers the authority to investigate identity theft to the GBI from the Office of Consumer Affairs.

New Georgia Mortgage Laws Signed

As expected, Governor Purdue this week signed the three state mortgage-related bills that we have reported on in recent weeks’ GBA Bulletins. The Governor signed HB 1093 (satisfaction procedures) and SB 531 (foreclosures) May 13 and SB 355 (acceptable collected-funds equivalency items) on May 14, so those bills are now law. HB 1093 and SB 531 were effective upon the governor’s signature, and SB 355 becomes effective July 1.

Refer back to the memo from GBA’s Joe Brannen in the May 2 GBA e-Bulletin for important information about these pieces of legislation that passed the 2008 General Assembly session. Please call GBA’s Elizabeth Chandler at 404.420.2027 if you have questions.

Georgia’s State Banking Regulator Re-accredited

Congratulations are in order for Rob Braswell, Georgia's Commissioner of Banking and Finance, and Georgia’s entire Department of Banking and Finance, which continues to get high marks for the quality of its supervision of our industry. The Conference of State Bank Supervisors on May 8 awarded the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance its fourth consecutive certificate of accreditation from CSBS. "Commissioner Braswell and his staff are to be congratulated on establishing and maintaining the high standards set by the program.

To maintain their accreditation, state banking departments must work to keep up with the changing industry that they regulate. The Georgia DBF has demonstrated that it has met this challenge," said CSBS President and CEO Neil Milner.

GBA Roundtables Offer Timely Peer Exchange

The GBA Roundtable peer groups, now in their second year, continue to offer a unique opportunity to our member banks during these challenging economic times. Elaine Demarest and Chrys Henderson of Demarest Strategy Group (DSG) serve as facilitators for the President/CEO and the Finance/Operations groups. DSG reports lively and worthwhile discussions at recent sessions about credit quality, regulatory concerns, liquidity and funding measures, capital planning and a host of other topics selected by participants. “The response to date has been very positive from bankers around the state,” said GBA President and CEO Joe Brannen. “Demarest Strategy Group is well qualified to facilitate these peer discussions based on 24 years of bank consultative service in Georgia.”

GBA has room for up to 12 more President/CEO slots in the existing groups if you are interested in joining. We will work to place each new participant into a geographically compatible group to avoid direct market overlaps. The existing Finance/Operations groups are full, but we are exploring the start-up of a new group if up to 12 new Finance/Operations officers show interest in joining. With questions or to sign up, please call GBA’s Chad Wilson at 404.420.2031 or Elaine Demarest at 843.686.5044.

Georgia Banking School Graduates 67 Bankers

GBA’s annual Georgia Banking School wrapped up May 9 at the University of Georgia in Athens. In all, we had 205 bankers in three classes participating in this year’s session. The 2008 graduating class was 67-members strong. Ross Deckle with Southwest Georgia Bank in Moultrie is this year’s Graduate of Distinction, awarded to the student with the highest grade point average for home study assignments. As part of the honor, Ross receives a 1-year scholarship to the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. Amanda Peebles with Darby Bank & Trust Company in Vidalia is this year’s Honor graduate, awarded to the student with the second-highest grade point average. Honor Roll students (the top 10% of the class) are:

Rebecca Barnette, McIntosh Commercial Bank, Carrollton

Brandon Grimsley, United Community Bank, Blairsville
Jennifer Haggerty, Synovus Financial Corp., Columbus
Brad Sheffield, The National Bank of Walton County, Monroe
Mitch Sheppard, Citizens Bank of Washington County, Sandersville
Lynn Smith, Bank of Coweta, Newnan

For more information about the school, please contact GBA’s Marybeth Jones at 404.420.2032.

Karl Nelson to Speak at Annual Convention

Details are being finalized for GBA’s 2008 Annual Convention scheduled for June 15-18 at the St. Regis, Monarch Beach at Dana Point, Calif. Karl Nelson, Director of Industry and Governmental Relations at Silverton Bank, Atlanta, is on tap to speak on Tuesday, June 17, about liability-based liquidity. Community banks are finding that increasing profits are a difficult reality these days. Many are turning to more aggressive liability-based liquidity concepts to help stop eroding margins.

Regulatory guidance about liability-based liquidity is helping the industry rely more heavily on loans as opposed to investments. Join Karl as he provides information about this guidance and how to take advantage of this issue to enhance your profitability. With questions about the Convention, please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at 404.420.2010. Please click here to register.

Dr. Peter Topping to Provide Leadership Training

Registrations are coming in at a steady pace for Leadership GBA’s 48th annual Leadership Conference slated for July 13-16 at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra, Fla. The Executive Committee has planned a great program you won’t want to miss. And, no Leadership Conference would be complete without leadership training. Dr. Peter Topping, Associate Professor, Goizueta Business School at Emory University, Atlanta, will be on hand Tuesday, July 15, to provide excellent and timely training in this area.

Today's leaders in the banking world must have the competency to effectively deal with paradox and ambiguity. Dr. Peter Topping will offer the framework for utilizing the power of "both/and" thinking for you and your staff. For additional information, please call GBA’s Susie McGehee at 404.420.2010 or Jennifer Stevens at 404.420.2024. Please click here to register.

GBA in the News

The May 6 Savannah Morning News carried an article describing the FDIC’s survey of banks about efforts to attract the estimated 28 million Americans who do not use FDIC insured banks. The article was positive toward banks’ efforts to attract a broad range of customers and encouraged consumers to use full-service banks. David Oliver, GBA’s Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing, weighed in on behalf of Georgia’s Banks. "If you shop around, you're likely to find something that fits your needs," Oliver said in the article.

"Many banks offer low- or no-cost accounts, [as well as] free ATM and debit-card use.” The article also noted GBA’s efforts to provide public education about banking and promoted the soundness of banks as an advantage over payday lenders or check-cashing services. "The safety and security of a bank is worth the peace of mind alone," Oliver said.

Bankruptcy, Garnishments, Liens and Levies Seminar

There’s still space available at GBA’s Bankruptcy, Garnishments, Liens and Levies seminar scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, at the Ramada Plaza in Macon. The registration fee is $195 for members and the instructor is Gary Moser with Moser, Rose & Cox, Valdosta.

Designed for collection officers, compliance officers and operation officers, this one-day seminar will address the changes and modifications in Federal Bankruptcy Law as well as other changes and developments in the area of liens, levies and garnishments. Please click here to register or call GBA’s Courtenay Pope at 404.420.2015 with questions.

Call Reporting Seminar Set for June 4

Just a reminder that GBA will host its Call Reporting seminar on Wednesday, June 4, at the Ramada Plaza in Macon. The registration fee is $195 for members. The seminar is designed for CFOs, operations officers and anyone responsible for preparing call reports. Presented by Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC, Atlanta, this one-day seminar will offer practical techniques to improve your overall reporting process. Topics to be covered include:

Proven organizational techniques to improve speed and accuracy in your bank’s call reporting processes
Hands-on experience in call report preparation
Common mistakes and problems with call reporting.

Please click here to register or call GBA’s Courtenay Pope at 404.420.2015 with questions.

Register for GBA Webinars Today

Just a reminder that GBA will offer the following webinars during the week of May 19:

Compliance 101 – May 20
Frontline Fundamentals – May 20
Lending Essentials: Business Entities – May 20
Making Training Stick! – May 22
Opening Accounts for Non-Resident Aliens – May 22

All webinars are live and allow time for questions and answers. The $250 registration fee gives you access to one web site “seat,” one telephone site license and all handout materials. If you can’t attend the webinar, you may buy the audio CD, handout materials and a password to see the information online. With questions, please call GBA’s Courtenay Pope at 404.420.2015.

Register Today for AIB Online Courses

There won’t be any new AIB online classes beginning the week of May 26, June 2or June 9. Classes will resume June 16. Please register two weeks in advance to secure a seat in the class. These courses are instructor-facilitated with weekly assignments, and 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
Today's Teller: Developing Basic Skills* (open enrollment), 8 weeks, $295

Please see the AIB Online Course Schedule for a complete listing or call GBA’s Alison Moreau at 404.420.2034 with questions.

Last Call: AIB Analyzing Financial Statements

Beginning June 3, AIB will offer its popular 10-week Analyzing Financial Statements course. Peter Faser of Security Bank will teach the course at Cornerstone Bank, Atlanta. Class will meet every Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. until August 5. The registration fee is $195 plus the cost of the textbook, which is $75.

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. Please click here to register.

Calling All PEP Report Cards

Just a reminder that the May 31 deadline to report your Personal Economics Program (PEP) contacts is quickly approaching. Our 2007-2008 PEP goal is at least 50,000 contacts, and we need your help to achieve it. When you report your visits and presentations, you help meet the growing financial education needs in the state of Georgia. Financial literacy has never been more important to our residents, and participating in the PEP program is great way for you to strengthen your reputation in the community. You may also earn an Outstanding PEP Award for yourself and/or your bank. It is easy to ensure that you and/or your bank are given the credit that’s due. When you return from a visit to your school or any other group presentation, take a few short minutes to complete a PEP Report Card.

By completing and returning this form, you let GBA and the ABA Education Foundation know that your bank is willing to do more in 2007-2008 to help provide financial literacy in your community. PEP materials and brochures to assist you with your presentations are available through GBA and ABA. Topics include personal financial management, credit responsibilities and many others. With questions, please contact GBA’s Jennifer Stevens at 404.420.2024. Report your PEP contacts today!

Marketing Solutions for Your Bank

Financial Marketing Solutions (FMS) is a Strategic Partner of the GBA, offering banks niche branding and marketing, solely serving the financial services industry. With a primary goal of encouraging clients to tap into the power of “brand” in a fresh new way, FMS empowers banks across the country to take their marketing to the next level – maximizing marketing dollars and delivering measurable results to the bank’s bottom line.

Through a strategic discovery process, FMS partners with your bank to narrow corporate initiatives into real and attainable goals, uncover and enhance your brand, create an identifiable image, and develop customized marketing tools that integrate seamlessly throughout all locations. For more information, please call FMS’s Sean Hockenbery at 615.591.2073 or GBA’s Chad Wilson at 404.420.2022.

Eliminate Paper Titles for Vehicle and Mobile Home Collateral Management

Decision Dynamics Inc. (DDI), a recently approved Strategic Partner, is the supplier of the Premier eTitleLien™ product, a leading web-based computer program that enables lienholders to exchange lien and title information with the Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division and the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, thus eliminating the need to obtain paper titles for vehicle and mobile home collateral management. When liens are released, a paper title is mailed to the owner (or designated name/address) by the appropriate titling agency.

Premier eTitleLien™ provides a number of additional services, including: electronic request for a paper title, electronic generation of title application forms, Lien Alert Processing, VIN verification, and VIN valuation. For more information, please call DDI’s Ann Gunning at 803.808.0117 or GBA’s 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 call GBA’s Kenyetta Parks at 404.420.2035.

Some of the Services Available Through GBA Services, Inc.

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

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

Atlanta - Rockbridge Commercial Bank
Melissa Miller has joined the bank as Vice President and Commercial Bank and Arron Roach as Credit Analyst.

Gainesville - Peach State Bank
Abit Massey has joined the bank as Chairman of the bank’s Community Development Board.

Norcross - First Security National Bank
Steve A. Morgan has joined the bank as Vice President and Controller.

Ringgold - Northwest Georgia Bank
Michael Pope has joined the bank as a Raymond James Financial Advisor at the bank’s Hixson office.

Statesboro - First Southern National Bank
Sarah Chester has been promoted to Assistant Banking Officer and Deposit Specialist.

David Beaubien, President of Citizens Bank of Bulloch County in Statesboro, and other Citizens bankers presented a PEP program to Bulloch Academy's third-grade class on National Teach Children to Save day April 24. Don't forget to report your PEP presentations.