Events
CBA University
Industry Representation
Legislative Updates
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Conventions
Schools
Webinars
Banker Regulatory Forums
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CBA University
Industry Representation
Legislative Updates
Member Services
Conferences
Conventions
Schools
Webinars
Banker Regulatory Forums
Compliance
Superior
Products,
Significant Discounts
Products,
Significant Discounts
The 2019 session of the Georgia General Assembly is off to a busy start! Numerous community bankers were on hand to witness Brian Kemp’s inauguration ceremony on Monday. With a new Governor, new Lt. Governor, new Secretary of State, Commissioner of Insurance and numerous new faces in both the House and Senate this session, CBA stands ready to be your voice at the Capitol.
CBA's weekly Legislative Update is your guide to legislation affecting Georgia's community banking industry. Enjoy easy access to the update which will keep you informed on happenings at the Capitol. Click here to read last week’s issue
CBA's weekly Legislative Update is your guide to legislation affecting Georgia's community banking industry. Enjoy easy access to the update which will keep you informed on happenings at the Capitol. Click here to read last week’s issue

Advocacy FIRST: Think Community Banks First!
In this editorial piece, John McNair, CBA President & CEO, emphasizes how community banks are vital to not only the economies of their local communities, but also the overall macro economies of both Georgia and the United States:
"The United States of America features the most robust economy in the industrialized world. That is an undisputable fact. As such, the American economy is the envy of the world and many countries are smartly trying to replicate it. If I may offer a small piece of advice to world leaders trying to grow their respective economies: foster the development of a community banking industry! Read the full article to learn more on the importance of a strong community banking industry.
In this editorial piece, John McNair, CBA President & CEO, emphasizes how community banks are vital to not only the economies of their local communities, but also the overall macro economies of both Georgia and the United States:
"The United States of America features the most robust economy in the industrialized world. That is an undisputable fact. As such, the American economy is the envy of the world and many countries are smartly trying to replicate it. If I may offer a small piece of advice to world leaders trying to grow their respective economies: foster the development of a community banking industry! Read the full article to learn more on the importance of a strong community banking industry.

Donate Now to Rally Around the Bell for Children's Healthcare
We know our banks are already contributing to various charities throughout the year. Please consider contributing to the Leadership Division’s fundraising efforts for Children’s Healthcare’s Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center.
After last year’s record-breaking total of over $76,000, the LD has set themselves a $50,000 goal for this year. They have until June 30th to meet this goal. So far, over $15,000 has been pledged.
There are several ways you and your bank can give and/or help. Please click here and here. Email Peake Wilson at the CBA for more information.
We know our banks are already contributing to various charities throughout the year. Please consider contributing to the Leadership Division’s fundraising efforts for Children’s Healthcare’s Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center.
After last year’s record-breaking total of over $76,000, the LD has set themselves a $50,000 goal for this year. They have until June 30th to meet this goal. So far, over $15,000 has been pledged.
There are several ways you and your bank can give and/or help. Please click here and here. Email Peake Wilson at the CBA for more information.

CBA Makes it Easy to Find Our Member Banks!
Georgia is one of the fastest growing states in the nation and the steady stream of new residents will most likely be looking to establish a relationship with a bank. At CBA, we receive frequent calls from prospects looking to move to a community bank. They know that community banks are led by local people and are known for lower fees, quick decisions, personal service and investing in the community.
We are happy to refer them to our community bank locator. Help us spread the word in your community. Please feel free to share this banner ad and link with your local Chamber, Visitors Bureau or Development Authority.
Georgia is one of the fastest growing states in the nation and the steady stream of new residents will most likely be looking to establish a relationship with a bank. At CBA, we receive frequent calls from prospects looking to move to a community bank. They know that community banks are led by local people and are known for lower fees, quick decisions, personal service and investing in the community.
We are happy to refer them to our community bank locator. Help us spread the word in your community. Please feel free to share this banner ad and link with your local Chamber, Visitors Bureau or Development Authority.

The Shutdown's Impact on Financial Services
The government shutdown is now the longest in American history, officially hitting that mark over the weekend. Though only a partial shutdown, it is having an outsize impact on banks, credit unions and mortgage lenders across the country.
Federal regulators encouraged financial institutions to work with consumers affected by the federal government shutdown. The agencies recommended prudent efforts to modify terms on existing loans or extend new credit to help affected borrowers, which they said should not be subject to examiner criticism. Moreover, Federal Housing Administration Commissioner Brian Montgomery noted in a letter that approved mortgagees and lenders are obligated to offer special forbearance to borrowers experiencing loss of income.
While Farm Service Agency offices remain closed, the Agriculture Department has indicated that meat and grain inspections, nutrition assistance programs, and certain other activities will continue during the partial government shutdown. The USDA has also provided a comprehensive plan for operations during the current lapse in funding. Meanwhile, Senate Ag Subcommittee on Appropriations Chairman John Hoeven (R-N.D.) asked Ag Secretary Sony Perdue to deem USDA farm loans “essential” so they can continue to be processed during the shutdown to allow producers enough cashflow to operate. Lastly, for those applying for the Market Facilitation Program, the Agriculture Department will extend the January 15 deadline by the number of days FSA offices are closed. To read more on the shutdown’s impact on financial services, click here.
The government shutdown is now the longest in American history, officially hitting that mark over the weekend. Though only a partial shutdown, it is having an outsize impact on banks, credit unions and mortgage lenders across the country.
Federal regulators encouraged financial institutions to work with consumers affected by the federal government shutdown. The agencies recommended prudent efforts to modify terms on existing loans or extend new credit to help affected borrowers, which they said should not be subject to examiner criticism. Moreover, Federal Housing Administration Commissioner Brian Montgomery noted in a letter that approved mortgagees and lenders are obligated to offer special forbearance to borrowers experiencing loss of income.
While Farm Service Agency offices remain closed, the Agriculture Department has indicated that meat and grain inspections, nutrition assistance programs, and certain other activities will continue during the partial government shutdown. The USDA has also provided a comprehensive plan for operations during the current lapse in funding. Meanwhile, Senate Ag Subcommittee on Appropriations Chairman John Hoeven (R-N.D.) asked Ag Secretary Sony Perdue to deem USDA farm loans “essential” so they can continue to be processed during the shutdown to allow producers enough cashflow to operate. Lastly, for those applying for the Market Facilitation Program, the Agriculture Department will extend the January 15 deadline by the number of days FSA offices are closed. To read more on the shutdown’s impact on financial services, click here.

Community Banks a Source of Strength
The nation’s community banks stand ready to work with Congress to promote policy reforms that advance economic prosperity in every community, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said in an open letter to the 116th Congress. In a full-page letter in Politico, Romero Rainey noted that community banks support pragmatic solutions to pending legislative issues, including regulatory modernization, a level competitive playing field, and consistent security standards.
“ICBA and community bankers look forward to working with the 116th Congress to provide every American an equitable opportunity to take part in our nation’s economic and job growth,” she wrote. Read the letter.
The nation’s community banks stand ready to work with Congress to promote policy reforms that advance economic prosperity in every community, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said in an open letter to the 116th Congress. In a full-page letter in Politico, Romero Rainey noted that community banks support pragmatic solutions to pending legislative issues, including regulatory modernization, a level competitive playing field, and consistent security standards.
“ICBA and community bankers look forward to working with the 116th Congress to provide every American an equitable opportunity to take part in our nation’s economic and job growth,” she wrote. Read the letter.

McWilliams Touts Capital Plan
Policymakers have made the bank regulatory system “way too complicated for the banks that are not that complicated,” FDIC Chairman Jelena McWilliams said. Speaking in Washington, McWilliams said a key priority of hers is simplifying capital requirements for community banks which is required by the S. 2155 regulatory relief law.
The regulators in November proposed a community bank leverage ratio of 9 percent that banks under $10 billion in assets would need to meet to be exempt from all risk-based capital requirements. Responding to the capital proposal, ICBA said the plan needlessly leaves out more than 600 community banks that would be eligible if the ratio were set at 8 percent, as authorized by Congress. Read McWilliams' remarks.
Policymakers have made the bank regulatory system “way too complicated for the banks that are not that complicated,” FDIC Chairman Jelena McWilliams said. Speaking in Washington, McWilliams said a key priority of hers is simplifying capital requirements for community banks which is required by the S. 2155 regulatory relief law.
The regulators in November proposed a community bank leverage ratio of 9 percent that banks under $10 billion in assets would need to meet to be exempt from all risk-based capital requirements. Responding to the capital proposal, ICBA said the plan needlessly leaves out more than 600 community banks that would be eligible if the ratio were set at 8 percent, as authorized by Congress. Read McWilliams' remarks.

Fed Board Names Reserve Bank Board Leaders
The Federal Reserve Board announced the 2019 chairs and deputy chairs of the 12 Federal Reserve Banks. Each reserve bank has a nine-member board of directors, with the Fed board appointing three. Read the 2019 chairs.
The Federal Reserve Board announced the 2019 chairs and deputy chairs of the 12 Federal Reserve Banks. Each reserve bank has a nine-member board of directors, with the Fed board appointing three. Read the 2019 chairs.

2019 Barret School of Banking Graduate School
Now accepting applicants for the 47th Annual Graduate School: May 19-24, 2019
The Paul W. Barret, Jr. School of Banking provides an economical opportunity to grow high potentials by delivering a high level of understanding of all major functions within community banks including analytical, operational, planning, and regulatory areas. With a commitment to providing students with an excellent educational experience, Barret offers the highest caliber professors, facilitators and instructors. Not only do these individuals serve as educators for community banks, many of them are community bankers themselves throughout the Midwest.
About Barret Graduate School
Now accepting applicants for the 47th Annual Graduate School: May 19-24, 2019
The Paul W. Barret, Jr. School of Banking provides an economical opportunity to grow high potentials by delivering a high level of understanding of all major functions within community banks including analytical, operational, planning, and regulatory areas. With a commitment to providing students with an excellent educational experience, Barret offers the highest caliber professors, facilitators and instructors. Not only do these individuals serve as educators for community banks, many of them are community bankers themselves throughout the Midwest.
About Barret Graduate School
- Convenient curriculum – one-week resident sessions means students minimize time away from the bank and their families
- Lecture Series – distinguished speakers lecture during the resident session, past speakers include Coach Tony Dungy, Newt Gingrich, Coach Mike Krzyzewski, Kat Cole, Coach Tony LaRussa, and more

FASB: ‘Weighted-Average’ Method Works for CECL
The Financial Accounting Standards Board said the “weighted-average remaining maturity” method of estimating expected credit losses is one of many acceptable methods for complying with the Current Expected Credit Loss standard.
As FASB notes in a new question-and-answer document, the WARM method uses an average annual charge-off rate as a foundation for estimating credit-loss content. FASB’s accounting standard says there is no preferred method, so bankers will have a wide range of choices. Regulators have said they don’t expect community banks to need to adopt complex modeling techniques or engage third-party service providers to comply. Read FASB’s Q&A.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board said the “weighted-average remaining maturity” method of estimating expected credit losses is one of many acceptable methods for complying with the Current Expected Credit Loss standard.
As FASB notes in a new question-and-answer document, the WARM method uses an average annual charge-off rate as a foundation for estimating credit-loss content. FASB’s accounting standard says there is no preferred method, so bankers will have a wide range of choices. Regulators have said they don’t expect community banks to need to adopt complex modeling techniques or engage third-party service providers to comply. Read FASB’s Q&A.

CFPB Adds ‘No-Action Letter’ Proposal to Innovation Page
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau updated its innovation webpage to include its “No-Action Letter” policy. The bureau last month proposed revisions to the policy, setting up an avenue for banks and fintechs to innovate without fear of the bureau issuing an enforcement action. Since the policy was first adopted in 2014, the bureau has only issued one no-action letter. The proposed revisions would amend the 2014 policy to streamline the application process. Visit Bureau’s innovation page.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau updated its innovation webpage to include its “No-Action Letter” policy. The bureau last month proposed revisions to the policy, setting up an avenue for banks and fintechs to innovate without fear of the bureau issuing an enforcement action. Since the policy was first adopted in 2014, the bureau has only issued one no-action letter. The proposed revisions would amend the 2014 policy to streamline the application process. Visit Bureau’s innovation page.

Reserve Bank Net Income Drops in 2018
The Federal Reserve Banks paid approximately $65.4 billion of their estimated 2018 net income to the U.S. Treasury, according to preliminary results from the Fed. The reserve banks’ 2018 estimated net income of $63.1 billion is a $17.6 billion decline from 2017, primarily due to a $12.6 billion increase in interest expense associated with reserve balances held by depository institutions. Read more from the Fed.
The Federal Reserve Banks paid approximately $65.4 billion of their estimated 2018 net income to the U.S. Treasury, according to preliminary results from the Fed. The reserve banks’ 2018 estimated net income of $63.1 billion is a $17.6 billion decline from 2017, primarily due to a $12.6 billion increase in interest expense associated with reserve balances held by depository institutions. Read more from the Fed.

CFPB: QM, Servicing Rules Reducing Foreclosures
More than half of mortgage loans originated during 2005-2007 and foreclosed within two years had features that the Qualified Mortgage rule restricts, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said. However, these loans had largely disappeared from the market prior to the adoption of the 2013 QM rule, the agency said in a five-year assessment of the regulation.
In a separate report on its RESPA mortgage-servicing rule, the CFPB said delinquent loans were less likely to proceed to foreclosure after it took effect in 2014. The report estimates that at least 127,000 fewer borrowers who became delinquent that year would have recovered within three years if the rule had not been implemented. Read the QM assessment. Read the RESPA report.
More than half of mortgage loans originated during 2005-2007 and foreclosed within two years had features that the Qualified Mortgage rule restricts, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said. However, these loans had largely disappeared from the market prior to the adoption of the 2013 QM rule, the agency said in a five-year assessment of the regulation.
In a separate report on its RESPA mortgage-servicing rule, the CFPB said delinquent loans were less likely to proceed to foreclosure after it took effect in 2014. The report estimates that at least 127,000 fewer borrowers who became delinquent that year would have recovered within three years if the rule had not been implemented. Read the QM assessment. Read the RESPA report.

Calling All Bankers: Complete ‘State of Advocacy’ Survey
ICBA is urging community bankers from the board room to the frontline to complete a brief survey on their personal and professional contacts with members of Congress. The 10-minute “State of Advocacy” survey gathers information that is instrumental in advancing the industry’s advocacy goals. “Advocacy is everyone’s responsibility,” ICBA’s Aaron Stetter writes. “Whether you’re a community bank president, employee, or director, you have a direct stake in making sure lawmakers in Congress hear your voice.” Take the survey.
ICBA is urging community bankers from the board room to the frontline to complete a brief survey on their personal and professional contacts with members of Congress. The 10-minute “State of Advocacy” survey gathers information that is instrumental in advancing the industry’s advocacy goals. “Advocacy is everyone’s responsibility,” ICBA’s Aaron Stetter writes. “Whether you’re a community bank president, employee, or director, you have a direct stake in making sure lawmakers in Congress hear your voice.” Take the survey.

Four Proven Ways to Accelerate New Accounts
When it comes to help with managing money, there’s a lot of competition out there. Consumers have plenty of choices. They can turn to any of more than 12,000 U.S. banks and credit unions. Unfortunately, many financial institutions rely on serendipity when it comes to account holder acquisition. They think if they have a branch location somewhere along consumers’ work or Saturday errand routes, then new account holders will come. However, you shouldn’t take a “maybe” approach to account holder acquisition. Instead, be strategic and aggressive when it comes to growing your account holder portfolio. Read the full article. Guest article from CBA Endorsed Member Company Harland Clarke.
Give your front-line employees and opportunity to enhance their skills by participating in one of CBA's educational programs: Sr. Retail Forum, Branch Management Series, The Basics of Traditional & Roth IRAs, Business Development Workshop and more.
When it comes to help with managing money, there’s a lot of competition out there. Consumers have plenty of choices. They can turn to any of more than 12,000 U.S. banks and credit unions. Unfortunately, many financial institutions rely on serendipity when it comes to account holder acquisition. They think if they have a branch location somewhere along consumers’ work or Saturday errand routes, then new account holders will come. However, you shouldn’t take a “maybe” approach to account holder acquisition. Instead, be strategic and aggressive when it comes to growing your account holder portfolio. Read the full article. Guest article from CBA Endorsed Member Company Harland Clarke.
Give your front-line employees and opportunity to enhance their skills by participating in one of CBA's educational programs: Sr. Retail Forum, Branch Management Series, The Basics of Traditional & Roth IRAs, Business Development Workshop and more.

Road to Mortgage Success & Compensation for Loan Officers
FREE Webinars from CBA Associate Member LenderSelect
LenderSelect is offering several webinars for the first quarter which include how to ensure a successful and timely mortgage origination, performing a detailed borrower financial analysis, and reviewing compensation strategies for loan officers.
Click here to learn more about "Road to Mortgage Success: 1003 Application Review & Risk Mitigation Analysis Part 1" on January 22; click here to learn more about Part 2 of "Road to Mortgage Success" on February 21; and click here to learn more about "Compensation Strategies for Loan Officers That You Need to Know" on March 21.
Lenders, let us support your professional development by refreshing or building on your knowledge by attending CBA's Consumer Lending School or Commercial Lending School.
FREE Webinars from CBA Associate Member LenderSelect
LenderSelect is offering several webinars for the first quarter which include how to ensure a successful and timely mortgage origination, performing a detailed borrower financial analysis, and reviewing compensation strategies for loan officers.
Click here to learn more about "Road to Mortgage Success: 1003 Application Review & Risk Mitigation Analysis Part 1" on January 22; click here to learn more about Part 2 of "Road to Mortgage Success" on February 21; and click here to learn more about "Compensation Strategies for Loan Officers That You Need to Know" on March 21.
Lenders, let us support your professional development by refreshing or building on your knowledge by attending CBA's Consumer Lending School or Commercial Lending School.

Retirement Announcement
Congratulations to John J. Cole Jr., EVP and COO of Southwest Georgia Bank, Moultrie, on his retirement effective December 31, 2018. John first joined the bank in 1976 and will continue to serve on the bank's Boards of Directors. Read more.
Congratulations to John J. Cole Jr., EVP and COO of Southwest Georgia Bank, Moultrie, on his retirement effective December 31, 2018. John first joined the bank in 1976 and will continue to serve on the bank's Boards of Directors. Read more.

Lynn Harton & Rick Davis Named in "50 Most Influential People"
Lynn Harton, President & CEO of United Community Bank, Blairsville, was named in Greenville Business Magazine’s "50 Most Influential People of 2018." The article acknowledged the bank's repeat recognition by Forbes magazine as one of the top performing banks in the country, by J.D. Power as best in class for customer service in the Southeast, and by American Banker for being one of the top 100 banks to work for in the U.S.
The list also names Rick Davis, CEO of Elliott Davis, a CBA Associate Member. The article describes Rick as a strong advocate of giving back to the community and his focus on a culture that incorporates community engagement as a top priority. Read the full article.
Lynn Harton, President & CEO of United Community Bank, Blairsville, was named in Greenville Business Magazine’s "50 Most Influential People of 2018." The article acknowledged the bank's repeat recognition by Forbes magazine as one of the top performing banks in the country, by J.D. Power as best in class for customer service in the Southeast, and by American Banker for being one of the top 100 banks to work for in the U.S.
The list also names Rick Davis, CEO of Elliott Davis, a CBA Associate Member. The article describes Rick as a strong advocate of giving back to the community and his focus on a culture that incorporates community engagement as a top priority. Read the full article.
![]() The CBA has been recognized on a national level for its invaluable educational programs and corporate events. The CBA has a variety of options for all positions in a community bank…from the teller line to the board room. We invite you to join us for one of the upcoming programs. For more options, click here for the CBA Calendar. For assistance with Education Programs, contact Kristi Greer. For assistance with Corporate Events, contact Peake Wilson.
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January – February 2019
January
4th Annual Senior Retail Banking Officer Forum, Session I
Thursday, January 24 – Atlanta
Train the Trainer
Tuesday, January 29 - Macon
February
Competitive, Long-term Fixed Rates for Farm Customers
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 - CBA Webinar
Protect Your Reputation – Risk, Response, Reputation
Thursday, February 7 - Augusta
Consumer Lending School
Monday-Friday, February 11-15 – Atlanta
Mastering HMDA
Wednesday, February 13, 2019 - Macon
The Basics of Traditional & Roth IRAs
Thursday, February 21, 2019 - Atlanta
20th Biannual BSA Officer School – The Basics
Tuesday – Thursday, February 26-28 – Atlanta
2019 TRID: The Basics
Tuesday – Wednesday, February 26-27 – Macon
Advertising Compliance Bootcamp
Thursday, February 28, 2019 - Macon
Ongoing Webinars & Online Training
Webinars
Click here to view webinar listing and to register.*
*Note: Scroll down to find the new 2019 webinar offerings. The 2018 recorded webinars listed first are still available for purchase.
On-Line Training
Click here for on-line training with OnCourse Learning.
(OnCourse Learning is a CBA Endorsed Member Company)
February 2019
Grass Roots Day at the Dome - NEW Schedule & Format!
Wednesday, February 13 - Atlanta
1st Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum – Compliance Focus
Thursday, February 14 - Macon
2019 Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship
Reminder – the 2019 Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship Applications are now available! Bankers, get your team together and spread the word within your communities! More information can be found online.
Grass Roots Day at the Dome - NEW Schedule & Format!
Wednesday, February 13 - Atlanta
1st Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum – Compliance Focus
Thursday, February 14 - Macon
2019 Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship
Reminder – the 2019 Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship Applications are now available! Bankers, get your team together and spread the word within your communities! More information can be found online.
We are community banking.
1900 The Exchange, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (770) 541-4490 / (800) 648-8215 | Fax: (770) 541- 4496 • www.cbaofga.com
1900 The Exchange, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (770) 541-4490 / (800) 648-8215 | Fax: (770) 541- 4496 • www.cbaofga.com
Upcoming Events
2019 Senior Retail Banking Officer Forum - Session I
Thursday, January 24 - Atlanta
Train the Trainer
Tuesday, January 29 - Macon
Protect Your Reputation: Risk, Response, Reputation
Thursday, February 7 - Augusta
Consumer Lending School
Monday-Friday, February 11-15 – Atlanta
2019 Senior Retail Banking Officer Forum - Session I
Thursday, January 24 - Atlanta
Train the Trainer
Tuesday, January 29 - Macon
Protect Your Reputation: Risk, Response, Reputation
Thursday, February 7 - Augusta
Consumer Lending School
Monday-Friday, February 11-15 – Atlanta
Connect with us on social media!