Oct 20 - CBA Today eNewsletter - COMMUNITY BANKERS ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA

CBA’s Innovation Committee invites you to participate in the Fintech Forum. One of Georgia's most important and fastest-growing industries is financial technology or Fintech. More than 70% of all credit card swipes, debit card payments, and gift card purchases go through Georgia-based companies, earning our region the nickname Transaction Alley.

Hear from Charles Potts, Senior VP and Chief Innovation Officer for the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), as he outlines the importance of fintech for the community banking industry. A preview of the program includes a networking reception on Thursday evening with exhibitor tabletops. Friday includes more networking time with fintech exhibitors, the presentation from Charles Potts; BAAS: Banking as a Service; Regulatory Policy View of Crypto by Brian Lavender, ICBA and a panel on the Georgia based fintech resources TAG, Fintech ATL, ATDC, and Fintech Academy, moderated by Scott Mills, William Mills Agency.

Overnight rooms at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center are available. Contact Lindsay Greene for information on exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities. Learn more and register.

Attorney General Carr Co-signs Letter to
President Biden Opposing IRS Rule
Attorneys General (AG) Chris Carr co-signed a letter from 20 different Attorneys General to President Biden and Secretary Yellen voicing opposition to the recently discussed IRS Rule. Jordan Watson from Attorney General (AG) Carr’s office reached out to CBA’s John McNair, President/CEO, and Lori Godfrey, Executive Vice President, Government and Regulatory Relations on October 7th about the CFPB 1071 requirements and the IRS Rule. CBA has been in numerous discussions with the AG’s office about both of these issues and has provided information to them that ultimately led to AG Carr signing the IRS Rule letter.

“We greatly appreciate the working relationship that we have with AG Carr’s office,” said Ms. Godfrey. “CBA will continue to push back on these requirements on our members’ behalf.” Click here to read the letter. Related Article - The Center Square

Latest from ICBA on IRS Reporting Plan:
ICBA and groups such as the National Association of Realtors and U.S. Chamber of Commerce delivered a joint letter and supporting document to Congress last week dismissing efforts to modify the IRS proposal response to widespread opposition.

Call Alert: ICBA is urging community bankers to speak out against the proposal by calling their lawmakers using an ICBA call alert and customizable script.
ICBA Campaign: Community bankers can also continue using customizable email and social media content to urge consumers to contact Congress in opposition.

CBA’s Education Committee Offers Expert
Guidance for Relevant Programs
CBA Education Committee met in Macon recently to plan community bank training opportunities. The committee collaborates with the CBA’s Professional Development team to ensure ongoing successful, timely, relevant education opportunities for community bankers and CBA associate members. Special thanks to Rhonda Norris, TJS Deemer Dana, LLP, for sponsoring lunch.

Grassroots Advocacy with CBA Bankers
Last week, Lori Godfrey, Chief of Staff, EVP, Government and Regulatory Relations at CBA, was invited by Mani Swarman, Senior Vice President/Commercial Lending, Georgia Primary Bank, Atlanta, to join him for breakfast at the 2021 City of Atlanta Mayoral Forum. According to Lori, “I enjoyed getting to hear all the candidates’ positions on various topics, plus I got to spend some time talking with David Coxon, President & CEO of Georgia Primary Bank. Grassroots advocacy is so important at the state, local and federal level.”

CBA PAC Fund: Thank You!
At CBA, we must constantly build and renew relationships with legislators that understand and support community banking.

Thank you to the following banks for their generous contributions to CBA’s PAC Fund:

The Peoples Bank of Georgia, Talbotton – Mr. Henry Persons
Exchange Bank, Milledgeville – Mr. John Childs
The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro – Mr. Milton Gray

The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro – Special thanks to the following directors and employees for their support: Mr. Alan Barfoot | Ms. Donna Barwick | Ms. Leck Boatright | Ms. Nancy Brewer
Mr. Edward Claxton, III | Mr. Guy Cochran | Ms. Gay Dailey | Ms. Susan Glenn | Mr. Milton Gray
Mr. Matthew Hatchett | Ms. Patti Hendley | Ms. Dana Kirby | Ms. Caroline Nelson | Ms. Gale Rogers
Mr. Greg Sikes | Mr. Dennis Taylor | Mr. Matthew Wood

2022 Media Kit Now Available
Looking to increase your brand in 2022? CBA’s 2022 Media Kit is now available. Click here to learn more about opportunities to advertise in CBA’s bi-monthly magazine, weekly e-newsletter, 2022 member directory, website, and more. The Media Kit includes advertising rates, a 2022 editorial calendar, and other details as you plan for maximum exposure in the coming year! Contact Lindsay Greene for more information.

Georgia’s community bankers do great things in their communities every day. Here is the latest on community outreach and news from CBA Members:

Legacy State Bank, Loganville, contributed $472 to Loganville’s Student Success Alliance through their Casual Change for Charity program! Employees have the option to donate to the program and in return, they have the option to wear jeans on Fridays. Casual Change for Charity serves many organizations throughout the year in Walton County.

Beverly Wyatt, Vice President, The Bank of Soperton, is celebrating her 50-year anniversary with the bank.

Zab Mendez has joined North Georgia National Bank, Dalton, as Senior Vice President and Dalton Market President.

Alyson Graham has joined Ameris Bank, Atlanta, as Senior vice President and Head of Personal Trust Services.

Colony Bank, Columbus and Eastman, announces it has acquired three Allstate agencies that have merged into Colony Insurance, the Bank’s consumer insurance subsidiary. Colony also announced the addition of Scott Martin as an insurance agent in Eastman. Colony acquired the Allstate agencies from Tony DuShane, Jody Reese, and M.C. Phillips.

Think CBA First for Your Professional Development Needs!
Be sure to think of CBA first when it comes to your training and Professional Development needs. Here are some upcoming CBA events:

PAC/PR Wine & Bourbon Tasting
October 25, 2021 | The Buckhead Club, Atlanta
• Registration proceeds benefit CBA's PAC/PR Fund. Bourbon & Wine Tasting with Hors d'oeuvres.
• Governor Brian Kemp will be in attendance.
• Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel Group Rate $169/night
• Register here.

Compliance Lending School
October 25-28, 2021 | Jekyll Island | In-Person or STREAM
Click here for the full agenda.
Registration for the compliance lending school includes Micro Learning: HMDA-Updates and New Reporting Thresholds Virtual Live STREAM-10/28/2021

Click here to register.

Micro Learning: HMDA-Updates and
New Reporting Thresholds
October 28, 2021 | In-Person or STREAM
Join us for a ninety-minute Micro Learning (STREAM) where we will tackle one of HMDA’s important topic areas: the applicants.

All HMDA reportable institutions must collect and report specific information about the applicants’ identity and creditworthiness. The information required to be reported requires effective procedures at the application as well as an understanding of the institution’s underwriting procedures. We will break down common problem areas, address key concepts, and discuss sample scenarios to help you confidently navigate this notoriously problematic area. Register today!

AG Lending Summit
November 9, 2021 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Barret School of Banking’s Ag Lending Summit will include “must haves” for successful Ag lenders in today’s Ag Economy; to not only survive but to thrive.

Topics covered include: Crop Insurance in the Farm’s Financials; Ag Economic Update; Ag Lending Panel Discussion; Farm Loan Liquidity; and Ag Lending Update. Learn more.

FHLBank Atlanta Heirs' Property Funders' Forum
FHLB Atlanta invites your bank to participate as a potential funder in the Heirs’ Property Funders’ Forum on December 2, 2021. The forum seeks to connect capital, human, and organizational resources with scaled solutions in 22 states and the District of Columbia. More information about the forum is located here .

Fitech Payments is a merchant services provider that was founded to serve community banks exclusively. With their relationship-first approach, Fitech has been able to assist community banks in being more competitive with merchant services resulting in growth for the bank and adding many benefits for their business customers.

To learn more, contact Matt Mingenback at 316-518-8850 or visit their website.

Here are some of the latest news stories relevant to community banking and the financial services industry:

October 20, 2021