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Industry Representation
Legislative Updates
Member Services
Conferences
Conventions
Schools
Webinars
Banker Regulatory Forums
Compliance
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Sadly, Hurricane Michael had a devasting impact on many counties in South Georgia. While many counties were deemed eligible for FEMA designation, some that had severe impact were initially left out. As a result, a CBA member contacted us for help. CBA’s Lori Godfrey immediately reached out to Senator Perdue and Congressman Bishop and described the urgent need to include more counties for FEMA designation. Crops were destroyed, homes damaged severely, some places still with no power, internet, phones, etc. Massive clean-up costs to homeowners & businesses and lack of resources in our cities and county to assist, meaning hardship on every citizen in the impacted counties. Later that afternoon, CBA was notified that the seven additional counties had been approved by FEMA for individual assistance. Thank you to Senator Perdue and Congressman Bishop for making this happen so quickly for our citizens in Georgia! Click here for more information regarding FEMA.
Additionally, CBA has established a charitable web site to help those impacted in the area. Click here to contribute.
Additionally, CBA has established a charitable web site to help those impacted in the area. Click here to contribute.

USDA Provides Hurricane Michael Victims Relief & Recovery Aid
The USDA is prepared to provide food, emergency housing, community, as well as farmer and rancher assistance to individuals and small businesses affected by severe storms and flooding. The USDA continues to work with Georgians affected by severe storms and flooding regarding requests for various assistance, waivers and flexibilities in administering federal nutrition assistance programs. Karen Davis, Director, Business and Cooperative Programs, USDA Rural Development in Athens, has shared several resources for Georgians, especially those in agricultural community.
Find the Closest USDA/Farm Services Offices: USDA Service Centers are designed to be a single location where customers can access the services provided by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Rural Development agencies. This web site provides the address of a USDA Service Center and other Agency offices serving our area along with information on how to contact them. Additional information can be found on the USDA disaster information page.
According to Ms. Davis, under the USDA Rural Development Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan program, the USDA has not heard if there will be any funds made available for the damage due to hurricanes. Lenders can request servicing actions on existing guaranteed loans, such as, deferrals or interest-only payments if that will assist a business that has been impacted by the storms. Under the Small Business Administration umbrella, there are disaster funds available: click here to learn more. For more information, contact Karen Davis at (706) 552-2559, Karen.Davis@ga.usda.gov or visit www.rd.usda.gov/ga.
The USDA is prepared to provide food, emergency housing, community, as well as farmer and rancher assistance to individuals and small businesses affected by severe storms and flooding. The USDA continues to work with Georgians affected by severe storms and flooding regarding requests for various assistance, waivers and flexibilities in administering federal nutrition assistance programs. Karen Davis, Director, Business and Cooperative Programs, USDA Rural Development in Athens, has shared several resources for Georgians, especially those in agricultural community.
Find the Closest USDA/Farm Services Offices: USDA Service Centers are designed to be a single location where customers can access the services provided by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Rural Development agencies. This web site provides the address of a USDA Service Center and other Agency offices serving our area along with information on how to contact them. Additional information can be found on the USDA disaster information page.
According to Ms. Davis, under the USDA Rural Development Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan program, the USDA has not heard if there will be any funds made available for the damage due to hurricanes. Lenders can request servicing actions on existing guaranteed loans, such as, deferrals or interest-only payments if that will assist a business that has been impacted by the storms. Under the Small Business Administration umbrella, there are disaster funds available: click here to learn more. For more information, contact Karen Davis at (706) 552-2559, Karen.Davis@ga.usda.gov or visit www.rd.usda.gov/ga.

State Regulators Sue OCC Over Fintech Charter
The Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) filed a complaint against the OCC to prevent it from granting special-purpose national bank charters to nonbank financial technology companies. The complaint renews a CSBS suit that was dismissed in May because the OCC at the time had not yet determined whether to move ahead with the charter. The CSBS is now seeking court action based on the OCC’s announcement earlier this year that it is accepting applications. Read more from the CSBS.
The Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) filed a complaint against the OCC to prevent it from granting special-purpose national bank charters to nonbank financial technology companies. The complaint renews a CSBS suit that was dismissed in May because the OCC at the time had not yet determined whether to move ahead with the charter. The CSBS is now seeking court action based on the OCC’s announcement earlier this year that it is accepting applications. Read more from the CSBS.

FDIC to Launch Innovation Office to Help Banks
The FDIC will set up an office of innovation to foster a more welcoming environment for banks to adopt financial technology changes, the agency's chief said last week. FDIC Chairman Jelena McWilliams said that federal bank regulators could do a better job of encouraging institutions to innovate, which is partly why the most dynamic changes are occurring outside the banking industry.
"We have created the regulatory framework where we have actually discouraged banks from innovating for a number of years,” McWilliams said. “So innovation has been happening outside of the banking primarily and a very small percentage of it has happened within the community banks in particular that don’t have the resources, nor are they able to enforce the compliance mechanisms in place that would be needed where the regulators would look positively at innovation.” Read more in American Banker.
The FDIC will set up an office of innovation to foster a more welcoming environment for banks to adopt financial technology changes, the agency's chief said last week. FDIC Chairman Jelena McWilliams said that federal bank regulators could do a better job of encouraging institutions to innovate, which is partly why the most dynamic changes are occurring outside the banking industry.
"We have created the regulatory framework where we have actually discouraged banks from innovating for a number of years,” McWilliams said. “So innovation has been happening outside of the banking primarily and a very small percentage of it has happened within the community banks in particular that don’t have the resources, nor are they able to enforce the compliance mechanisms in place that would be needed where the regulators would look positively at innovation.” Read more in American Banker.

FDIC to Remove Annual Disclosure Statement Requirement
Last week the FDIC published a notice of proposed rulemaking to rescind and remove Part 350 of its regulations, which is entitled Disclosure of Financial and Other Information by FDIC Insured State Nonmember Banks. Consistent with the objectives of Section 2222 of the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996, which includes the elimination of unnecessary regulations, the FDIC is requesting public comment on the proposed rescission and removal of Part 350. Read more from the FDIC.
Last week the FDIC published a notice of proposed rulemaking to rescind and remove Part 350 of its regulations, which is entitled Disclosure of Financial and Other Information by FDIC Insured State Nonmember Banks. Consistent with the objectives of Section 2222 of the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996, which includes the elimination of unnecessary regulations, the FDIC is requesting public comment on the proposed rescission and removal of Part 350. Read more from the FDIC.

ICBA Commends Agencies for Swift Exam, Policy Statement Rules
ICBA commended the federal banking agencies for quickly implementing provisions of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act via interim final rules. In separate comment letters, ICBA recognized agency rules extending eligibility for the 18-month examination cycle and the Federal Reserve’s policy statements for small bank and savings and loan holding companies.
In a joint interim final rule effective immediately, the agencies raised the qualifying asset threshold for the 18-month exam cycle from $1 billion to $3 billion, as authorized by the law. The Fed did the same for its policy statement while making conforming revisions to Regulations Q and Y to ensure the update applies immediately. Read the comment letters.
ICBA commended the federal banking agencies for quickly implementing provisions of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act via interim final rules. In separate comment letters, ICBA recognized agency rules extending eligibility for the 18-month examination cycle and the Federal Reserve’s policy statements for small bank and savings and loan holding companies.
In a joint interim final rule effective immediately, the agencies raised the qualifying asset threshold for the 18-month exam cycle from $1 billion to $3 billion, as authorized by the law. The Fed did the same for its policy statement while making conforming revisions to Regulations Q and Y to ensure the update applies immediately. Read the comment letters.

Agencies Release 2017 CRA Data
Community Reinvestment Act reporters in 2017 accounted for roughly 72 percent of small business loans and 30 percent of small farm loans, according to federal banking regulators. Reported small business loans declined last year due to the acquisition of a large retail credit card portfolio by a single institution in 2016, though the dollar amount of reported originations rose by approximately 1 percent. Reported small farm originations rose 13 percent, with the dollar amount increasing by 3.4 percent. Read more from the FDIC.
Community Reinvestment Act reporters in 2017 accounted for roughly 72 percent of small business loans and 30 percent of small farm loans, according to federal banking regulators. Reported small business loans declined last year due to the acquisition of a large retail credit card portfolio by a single institution in 2016, though the dollar amount of reported originations rose by approximately 1 percent. Reported small farm originations rose 13 percent, with the dollar amount increasing by 3.4 percent. Read more from the FDIC.

Southeast Firms Report Rising Costs
The Federal Reserve has released their latest Beige Book report of regional economic conditions. According to the Beige Book, businesses across the Southeast are reporting rising nonlabor costs, and the most recent surveys show that firms expect their input costs to increase more quickly over the next year. Unit costs in September were up 2 percent over the past year, according to Southeast businesses in the Atlanta Fed's Business Inflation Expectations survey. Survey respondents said they expect costs to rise 2.2 percent over the next year. Read more from the Atlanta Fed. To read the full report, click here.
The Federal Reserve has released their latest Beige Book report of regional economic conditions. According to the Beige Book, businesses across the Southeast are reporting rising nonlabor costs, and the most recent surveys show that firms expect their input costs to increase more quickly over the next year. Unit costs in September were up 2 percent over the past year, according to Southeast businesses in the Atlanta Fed's Business Inflation Expectations survey. Survey respondents said they expect costs to rise 2.2 percent over the next year. Read more from the Atlanta Fed. To read the full report, click here.

Bran Thompson Reelected as ICBA Georgia Delegate
Congratulations to Bran Thompson, CEO of South Georgia Bank, Glennville, for being elected to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board for his second term as the Federal Delegate for Georgia. In addition to helping shape and advocate ICBA’s national policy positions and programs, Bran’s duties include being a liaison between community bankers in Georgia and ICBA staff and leadership in Washington, D.C. Bran's three-year term begins March 22, 2019.
Congratulations to Bran Thompson, CEO of South Georgia Bank, Glennville, for being elected to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board for his second term as the Federal Delegate for Georgia. In addition to helping shape and advocate ICBA’s national policy positions and programs, Bran’s duties include being a liaison between community bankers in Georgia and ICBA staff and leadership in Washington, D.C. Bran's three-year term begins March 22, 2019.

John McNair Named to Barret School Board of Regents
John McNair, President & CEO Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA), has been named to the Board of Regents for the Barret School of Banking. The Barret School of Banking is a non-profit independent school created by and governed by a Board of Regents, whose members are executives from banks and other firms involved with the financial services industry. The mission of the School is to provide an adult learning experience for the career-oriented individual in commercial banking or a related financial services industry business. The school includes a one-week session each May, where students are in residence for 40-plus hours of classroom instruction. The 47th Annual Graduate Session of the Paul W. Barret, Jr. School of Banking will be held May 19-24, 2019 at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN. Read the full press release.
John McNair, President & CEO Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA), has been named to the Board of Regents for the Barret School of Banking. The Barret School of Banking is a non-profit independent school created by and governed by a Board of Regents, whose members are executives from banks and other firms involved with the financial services industry. The mission of the School is to provide an adult learning experience for the career-oriented individual in commercial banking or a related financial services industry business. The school includes a one-week session each May, where students are in residence for 40-plus hours of classroom instruction. The 47th Annual Graduate Session of the Paul W. Barret, Jr. School of Banking will be held May 19-24, 2019 at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN. Read the full press release.

SBA Hosting Veteran Small-Biz Week
The Small Business Administration announced that National Veterans Small Business Week kicks off next Monday, November 5. The event will spotlight various aspects of the veteran business community, including aspiring and current veteran and military business owners as well as organizations that provide entrepreneurial training. Learn more from the SBA.
The Small Business Administration announced that National Veterans Small Business Week kicks off next Monday, November 5. The event will spotlight various aspects of the veteran business community, including aspiring and current veteran and military business owners as well as organizations that provide entrepreneurial training. Learn more from the SBA.

The Main Hidden Complexities of CECL
With the approach of the current expected credit loss model, or CECL, community financial institutions seem to have a grasp on the changes that they should be aware of come CECL implementation deadlines. Institutions will need to project credit losses over the life of the loan, and most are aware of the challenges they might face regarding available data, loss-rate methodologies and economic forecasting. Additionally, the standard is clear on the new way purchased credits and assets held for sale will need to be modeled.
Given that it’s been two years since the standard was released and given the abundance of CECL training resources that are now available, banks and credit unions might think they know all of what’s to come under CECL. However, these institutions should understand, and expect, the complexities that arise when the theory of the standard collides with the reality of community institution experience. Read the full article. Guest article from CBA Associate Member Sageworks.
With the approach of the current expected credit loss model, or CECL, community financial institutions seem to have a grasp on the changes that they should be aware of come CECL implementation deadlines. Institutions will need to project credit losses over the life of the loan, and most are aware of the challenges they might face regarding available data, loss-rate methodologies and economic forecasting. Additionally, the standard is clear on the new way purchased credits and assets held for sale will need to be modeled.
Given that it’s been two years since the standard was released and given the abundance of CECL training resources that are now available, banks and credit unions might think they know all of what’s to come under CECL. However, these institutions should understand, and expect, the complexities that arise when the theory of the standard collides with the reality of community institution experience. Read the full article. Guest article from CBA Associate Member Sageworks.

Balance Sheet Funding Strategies
FREE Webinar from CBA Endorsed Member Company The Baker Group
Thursday, November 13, 2018 | 11:30 a.m. EST
The Baker Group is hosting a complimentary webinar on balance sheet funding strategies. General topics will include:
FREE Webinar from CBA Endorsed Member Company The Baker Group
Thursday, November 13, 2018 | 11:30 a.m. EST
The Baker Group is hosting a complimentary webinar on balance sheet funding strategies. General topics will include:
- Industry Liquidity and Wholesale Funding Trends
- Comparison of Various Funding Options
- Understanding Marginal Cost of Funds
- Local CD Specials vs. Brokered CD Market
- Funding and Regulatory Considerations

Providence Bank Voted Best Bank in North Atlanta
Congratulations to Providence Bank, Alpharetta, for being voted Best Bank three years in a row at the 2018 Best of North Atlanta Gala. The awards were presented by Appen Media Group, and cover 100 different categories with over 23,000 total entries. See all the winners.
Congratulations to Providence Bank, Alpharetta, for being voted Best Bank three years in a row at the 2018 Best of North Atlanta Gala. The awards were presented by Appen Media Group, and cover 100 different categories with over 23,000 total entries. See all the winners.

Harland Clarke and CBA Mark 30-Year Partnership
Harland Clarke and Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA) are celebrating a milestone in their shared efforts to bring outstanding benefits and extra value to members of CBA member banks. Recognized for more than a century as a leading provider of checks and related products, Harland Clarke offers a broad portfolio of strategic solutions to help community banks meet the needs of customers while generating revenue. The company offers payment tools such as checks and cards; lifecycle marketing solutions; critical communications; and promotional products for businesses. CBA’s relationship with Harland Clarke began in 1988 with one of its legacy companies, the John H. Harland Company. Pictured are (l-r) Ryan Busenitz, Senior Market Executive, National Markets Division, Harland Clarke; John McNair, President & CEO of CBA; and Chuck Rector, Director, National Markets Division, Harland Clarke.
Harland Clarke and Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA) are celebrating a milestone in their shared efforts to bring outstanding benefits and extra value to members of CBA member banks. Recognized for more than a century as a leading provider of checks and related products, Harland Clarke offers a broad portfolio of strategic solutions to help community banks meet the needs of customers while generating revenue. The company offers payment tools such as checks and cards; lifecycle marketing solutions; critical communications; and promotional products for businesses. CBA’s relationship with Harland Clarke began in 1988 with one of its legacy companies, the John H. Harland Company. Pictured are (l-r) Ryan Busenitz, Senior Market Executive, National Markets Division, Harland Clarke; John McNair, President & CEO of CBA; and Chuck Rector, Director, National Markets Division, Harland Clarke.

First Port City Bank Collects Supplies for Students
In the aftermath of hurricane Michael, First Port City Bank, Bainbridge, is collection school supplies for children in both Decatur and Seminole counties. School supply donations can be dropped off at any bank location in Bainbridge or Donalsonville. The bank will be acception donations until November 19, 2018.
In the aftermath of hurricane Michael, First Port City Bank, Bainbridge, is collection school supplies for children in both Decatur and Seminole counties. School supply donations can be dropped off at any bank location in Bainbridge or Donalsonville. The bank will be acception donations until November 19, 2018.

South Georgia Banking Company Raises Funds for Peanut Proud
As part of Georgia Peanut Bank Week, all branches of South Georgia Banking Company, Tifton, collected donations for the Peanut Proud fund. All donations benefited areas hit hard by Hurricane Michael. The bank also paid tribute to local farmers who work tirelessly in spite of natural disasters.
As part of Georgia Peanut Bank Week, all branches of South Georgia Banking Company, Tifton, collected donations for the Peanut Proud fund. All donations benefited areas hit hard by Hurricane Michael. The bank also paid tribute to local farmers who work tirelessly in spite of natural disasters.
CBA Testimonial
Glenn L. Copeland of Citizens Community Bank, Valdosta, speaks on his experience with BFS Group, a CBA Endorsed Member Company.
Glenn L. Copeland of Citizens Community Bank, Valdosta, speaks on his experience with BFS Group, a CBA Endorsed Member Company.
Meet the CBA Team!
Can you guess which CBA team member this is? Get to know us with a member of our team featured each month!
Can you guess which CBA team member this is? Get to know us with a member of our team featured each month!
United Community Bank - Blairsville Melissa Ekeberg, Financial Advisor/Advisory Services Program Manager, has been named to the LPL Advisor Council. Read more. |
Greater Community Bank - Calhoun Trent Frix, former long snapper for the UGA Bulldogs, has joined the commercial lending team. Read more. |
Wade Connor is Regional Director of Pentegra, a leading provider of retirement plan and fiduciary outsourcing solutions to organizations nationwide. Founded in 1943 by the FHLBs to run a Defined Benefit Pension plan for the original FHLBs, Pentegra has been a bank specific retirement plan provider for over 75 years and works with over 700 community banks nationwide. Pentegra is one of the few retirement plan providers that can offer a bank and their board outsourcing of all principal fiduciary liability (Trustee, 3(16) Named Plan Administrator, and Named Fiduciary). Pentegra has a number of platforms available for 401(k), ESOP, KSOP, and Defined Benefit Pension plans sponsored by community banks in Georgia. Preferred pricing is available for CBA member banks.
For more information, contact Wade at wade.connor@pentegra.com or (914) 821-9578, or visit www.pentegra.com.
For more information, contact Wade at wade.connor@pentegra.com or (914) 821-9578, or visit www.pentegra.com.
![]() 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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Fourth Quarter 2018
8th Annual Southeast Financial Human Resource Conference
Thursday-Friday, November 1-2 - Atlanta
RESCHEDULED – 3rd Quarter Compliance Program:
Complying with Deposit Regulations
Tuesday, November 6 - Savannah
2018 Branch Management Series – Session IV
Raising the Bar for Sustainable Growth
Thursday, November 8 - Atlanta
4th Quarter Compliance Program – AML / BSA
Tuesday, December 4 – Savannah
Wednesday, December 5 – Tifton
Thursday, December 6 – Macon
Monday, December 10 – Duluth
Tuesday, December 11 - Rome
Ongoing Webinars & Online Training
Webinars
Click here to view webinar listing and to register.
On-Line Training
Click here for on-line training with OnCourse Learning.
(OnCourse Learning is a CBA Endorsed Member Company)
Fourth Quarter 2018
4th Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum – Compliance
Thursday, November 1 - Atlanta
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.
4th Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum – Compliance
Thursday, November 1 - Atlanta
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
Southeast Financial Human Resource Conference
Thursday-Friday, November 1-2 - Atlanta
4th Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum
Thursday, November 1 - Atlanta
Branch Management Series IV: Raising the Bar for Sustainable Growth
Thursday, November 8 - Atlanta
Southeast Financial Human Resource Conference
Thursday-Friday, November 1-2 - Atlanta
4th Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum
Thursday, November 1 - Atlanta
Branch Management Series IV: Raising the Bar for Sustainable Growth
Thursday, November 8 - Atlanta
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