We’re gearing up for GBA’s annual visit to discuss critical banking issues with the Georgia Congressional delegation and top regulatory officials in Washington, D.C. This year’s GBA contingency is 22 members strong. In addition to the annual meeting with the state’s Congressional delegation, the agenda for the May 20-22 visit includes meetings with the Federal Reserve, FDIC, OCC, American Bankers Association and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. “This annual trip is a crucial part of GBA’s advocacy and grassroots action,” said GBA chairman Jim Williams, CEO of Citizens Bank and Trust in Eastman.

When the qualifying period to run for legislative and statewide offices ended May 2, there were few surprises among those who qualified as an incumbent, a challenger or not at all.  Of 180 seats in the state House, there are 15 retirements, 57 challenged races and 108 unopposed members for the primary and general elections.  In the state Senate, there are two retirements, 28 challenged races and 26 unopposed members running for re-election.  U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss qualified for re-election as the sole Republican in that race and drew five Democrats vying for their party’s nomination.  All in all, the balance of power between parties is not expected to shift much; and at first glance, it appears that the banking industry can expect most of our friends to be re-elected.  However, the GBA will remain vigilant in support of candidates that support banking.

Georgia Banks Recognized for Return on Assets

The American Banker newspaper has published a nationwide list of the top 150 performing community banks and thrifts by Return on Average Assets in the fourth quarter. 
 

Just a reminder that the room block for GBA’s 2008 Annual Convention will expire Tuesday, May 13.  GBA’s premier event will be at the St. Regis, Monarch Beach in the Dana Point, California.  If you have not already done so, please make your reservations by calling the hotel directly at 800.722.1543.  Be sure to let them know you are with the Georgia Bankers Association Annual Convention group to get the discounted room rate.

The registration deadline for the tours and activities offered at the 2008 Annual Convention is Thursday, May 15.  If you would like to participate in any of the activities, you may register online.  We will be happy to invoice your bank. 

Just a reminder that during the 2008 Annual Convention in June, GBA would like to honor Georgia bankers who have devoted 50 years or more of service to the banking industry. Please help us properly recognize the bankers who have reached this important milestone by sending a letter or an e-mail to GBA’s Susie McGehee with the following information:

The Rural Development and Lending Conference is scheduled for May 15-16 at the Savannah Riverfront Marriott.  Frank Cox with Ameris Bank in Moultrie chairs the Agriculture Committee this year, and they have planned an exciting agenda.  Please call the hotel directly at 912.233.7722 to make your reservations.

Details are being finalized for the 48^th annual Leadership Conference scheduled for July 13-16 at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra, Florida.  Several social and sporting events have been planned to give you the opportunity to network with your colleagues.  These networking opportunities have proven to be a valuable asset to you and your bank for years to come.   We will kick off the conference with our Sunday evening reception and dinner.  It will feature a great buffet and many fun activities for the entire family.  And, no Leadership Conference would be complete without the traditional golf tournament.  The scramble tournament will be Monday afternoon.

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!

There’s still space available at GBA’s Internal Audit seminar scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, at Idle Hour Country Club in Macon.  The registration fee is $195 for members, and Mike Thomas with Crowe Chizek and Company, LLC is the instructor.  Designed for internal auditors, audit committee members, operations officers, compliance officers and internal control personnel, this one-day seminar will cover many of the basic concepts related to community bank internal controls and internal audit techniques.

Topics to be discussed include: 

• Essentials of Risk-Based Auditing

• Effectively Managing the Internal Audit Plan

• Primary Internal Controls/Audit Techniques

• Building an Anti-Fraud Framework.

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

Just a reminder that GBA will offer the following webinars during the week of May 12: 

• Checks & Holds for Tellers, Part 2 – May 12

• Appraisal Requirements – New Rules and Developments – May 13

• Regulation Z: An Overview – May 13

• Safe Deposit Series, Part 2: Legal Documents & Issues – May 14

• Successful Collecting & AR Management – May 14

• Opening New Accounts II – May 15

There won’t be any new AIB online classes beginning the week of May 26, June 2 or 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.

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. 

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.  Participants will get a detailed, line-by-line review of how to complete each schedule of a Call Report.  Appropriate items to be reported and relationships between schedules will be discussed as part of the review.

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.

Status of Important Banking Cases

• ELC Bankers’ Toolkit

• ELC Employment Compliance Assessments

• ELC Affirmative Action Plans

• ELC Harassment Management Program

• ELC Workplace Violence Prevention Program

• ELC Disability Management Program

Whatever the reason – lack of time, lack of internal resources, or the high cost of outside counsel and consultants, ELC can take care of your bank’s needs. For more information, please contact ELC’s Steven Greene at 770.306.3371, or GBA’s Chad Wilson at 404.420.2022.

Some of the Services Available Through GBA Services, Inc.

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Georgia Bankers Association • 50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 1050, Atlanta, GA 30303 • Phone 404.522.1501 • Fax 404.522.9848 • www.gabankers.com