Nov 17 - CBA Today eNewsletter - Community Bankers Association of Georgia

CBA’s LEAD (Leadership.Education.Advocacy.Development.) Committee met on Monday in Macon to brainstorm and work on their committee initiatives to support the community banking industry. “We have a passionate group of ambassadors for our industry who have set high standards to bring opportunities to our bankers,” stated Kristi Greer, SVP, Professional Development at CBA.

“I’m so excited to be the Chairman of this year’s LEAD Committee,” stated Brian Bazemore, President/CEO, The Citizens Bank of Cochran/Community Bank of Dublin-Laurens County, Dublin. “This is a wonderful opportunity for bankers to interact, network and help raise awareness and funding for advocacy specifically geared towards Community Banks. We have a great group of leaders involved this year and I look forward to the great things we can accomplish.”

The LEAD committee's purpose is to support the initiatives of the CBA, including member & talent engagement, professional development, advocacy & PAC fundraising, and outreach for talent acquisition and financial literacy. During the meeting, discussion included how to build awareness of the quality resources and valuable tools that the CBA provides to our members. The committee established timelines and goals to continue efforts for ongoing advancement as the committee works together to support the community banking industry. Special thanks to Point to Point Environmental and Barret School of Banking for sponsoring the meeting.

Digital Transformation Is No Longer Optional — It’s Necessary
Is your bank striving for better technology, better innovation, and better experiences for your customers? If so, don’t miss CBA’s upcoming Fintech Forum, December 13 & 14, at the Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center.

In addition to first-rate presenters and exhibitors, hear from representatives from the four major fintech organizations in Georgia and the resources they offer your bank.

Moderated by Scott Mills, William Mills Agency, the panel will include Kristin Slink, ATDC; Charles Freund, FLEETCORE representing Fintech Atlanta; Tommy Marshall, Georgia Fintech Academy, and Mike Morris, Wipfi, representing TAG. Register today!

Panel Moderator
Scott Mills
William Mills Agency

Kristin Slink
ATDC

Charles Freund, FLEETCOR
Fintech Atlanta

Tommy Marshall
Georgia Fintech Academy

Mike Morris, Wipfli
TAG

CBA Welcomes New Associate Members
The Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA) would like to welcome new Associate Members who were recently approved by the Board of Directors. Throughout the year, CBA’s Board reviews and approves quality vendors who provide products and services to CBA members. For more information on becoming an associate member, click here or contact Lindsay Greene.

Carputty
Mr. Patrick Bayliss
Fintech
Atlanta, GA

Community Bankers Webinar Network
Mr. Larry Williams
Bank Training
Helena, MT

DataOceans, LLC
Mr. Fred Soller
Technology
Peachtree Corners, GA

Finzly
Mr. Booshan Rengachari
Fintech
Charlotte, NC

Fiveash-Stanley, Inc.
Mr. Bryan Fiveash
Government Affairs
Atlanta, GA

Foresight Research
Mr. Steven Bruyn
Advertising/Marketing
Rochester Hills, MI

Merchants Credit Bureau, Inc.
Mr. Brian McKinney
Credit Reporting
Augusta, GA

KlaraVis
Ms. Amanda Miller
Technology
Roanoke, VA

The Burke Group
Mr. Drew Stelling
Bank Consulting
Atlanta, GA

Meet the "Ladies of Learning" in the Current Issue of Georgia Communities First Magazine
Executing professional development programming to nearly 2,000 community bankers and vendor partners in multiple locations and multiple delivery channels is no small feat. CBA’s “Ladies of Learning” deliver first-rate educational programs with a smile. What’s their secret? A love for learning, a love for community bankers, and knowing students come away from a CBA program with information to help them succeed in their job. To learn more about this high-energy, organized, and customer-oriented team, click here.

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:

First State Bank, Wrens – Mr. Lee Clark
Planters First Bank, Cordele – Mr. Eli Tinsley
Greater Community Bank, Rome – Special Thanks to the following directors and employees for their support: Mr. Robert Berry | Mr. Paul Brock | Mr. Barry Henderson | Mr. Kenneth Jones, Jr. | Mr. David Lance
Ms. Donna McEntyre | Mr. Wayne Robinson | Mr. Russell Smith | Ms. Beth Tilley | Mr. Edwin Watters

Sympathies
CBA offers our sincere sympathy to the family, friends and former associates of Bobby Shepard, retired President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Planters First Bank, Cordele, who passed away on November 5, 2021. Read more.

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

River City Bank announces a full-service branch opening in Blairsville. Read more.
Century Bank & Trust, Milledgeville, is leading the way in Baldwin County Relay for Life fundraising. Century Bank & Trust President and CEO Derek Williams calls it a labor of love. Century Bank recently donated $13,690 to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event. “We have had a team since 1999,” Williams said. “Between 2003 and this year, our staff has raised more than $195,000 for ACS. We consider it our privilege to be a part of Baldwin County’s Relay for Life efforts. Each dollar raised brings us one step closer to a cure.” Pictured: Jessi Lynch, Derek Williams, President/CEO, Tammy Lee, Amber English

Marissa Jordan has joined Oconee State Bank, Watkinsville, as Vice President – SBA Portfolio Manager.

John Henrie, FDIC Regional Director, Atlanta, has announced he will retire on November 30, 2021.

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:

Marketing Roadmap: Advancing Your Strategic Marketing Plan for 2022
Tuesday, December 7, 2021 | STREAM
This interactive workshop will engage you in a strategic marketing planning process that meets you where your bank is today while looking toward tomorrow. This will be very useful for bank marketers looking to expand their scope (i.e., new methods of digital advertising, etc.) while engaging their management teams in trying new platforms and strategies.

You will learn successful best practices strategies to apply as you plan for 2022, and the session will include a work packet that each participant can complete for themselves and utilize for their own teams. Register here.

ALLL and CECL: The New Accounting Standard Required to Calculate
and Maintain the Allowance for Loans and Lease Losses
Thursday, December 9, 2021 | In-Person or STREAM
The specific topics to be covered in this seminar include:

How CECL Addresses Major Concerns with the Current (“ALLL”) Methodology and Why It Is Proven to Be Ineffective in Recognizing Losses on a Timely Basis
Effective Dates of CECL Implementation Based upon the Type and Size of Financial Institutions and the Impact of COVID-19 on the Implementation Schedule for Banks
How Should an Institution Apply the New Accounting Standard upon Initial Adoption of CECL in Light of the Aftermath of COVID-19
Acceptable Methods for Estimating Allowance Levels Under CECL?
What Can Financial Institutions Do Now to Prepare for the Adoption of CECL?
Reinforce Concepts with a CECL Case Study

After completing this course, the participant will have an enhanced understanding of the importance of creating and maintaining an adequate Allowance that is legally defensible and ensures the bank is operating in a safe and sound environment under the CECL Methodology. Register today.

SHAZAM pioneered the PIN-debit point-of-sale transaction, still used worldwide today. We’re the only nationwide independent, member-owned debit network, processor and core provider supporting community banks and credit unions. Since we don’t answer to shareholders, we can reinvest profits in technologies our clients need as they serve the next generation of consumers. SHAZAM ensures our clients have the products and services they demand and expect in a cost-effective way. Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Iowa, we are a leader in payments and financial technology, with a simple mission: Strengthening community financial institutions.

To learn more, contact Alex Jernigan at 229-861-3802 or visit their website.

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

November 17, 2021