Bernardo Sotelo
When faced with an emergency situation many people get nervous or scared and don’t know what to do. But that wasn’t how Bernardo Sotelo felt when he jumped into action to help his spin class instructor, who collapsed during class at the Frances Meadows Aquatic Center. “At the time I did not feel any type of fear,” said Sotelo. “I was determined to do whatever I could do to help this individual out.”
It was Sotelo’s first time attending the class. After a few minutes into the workout, the instructor collapsed. Sotelo said he observed that the instructor was not breathing, so he told someone to call 911 and then went to grab a defibrillator while another classmate began performing CPR. A shock from the defibrillator didn’t revive the instructor, so Sotelo took over performing CPR until paramedics arrived.
Sotelo is a Bank Associate at Peach State Bank & Trust, Gainesville, and just last year bank staff decided to undergo training in CPR and using a defibrillator. He said the training helped him to stay calm in the situation. “Without the training chances are highly likely that I would’ve been confused and my response would have been very much less,” said Sotelo. As a result, Sotelo believes everyone should be trained in CPR because situations like the one he experienced can happen at any time. Read the full story.
It was Sotelo’s first time attending the class. After a few minutes into the workout, the instructor collapsed. Sotelo said he observed that the instructor was not breathing, so he told someone to call 911 and then went to grab a defibrillator while another classmate began performing CPR. A shock from the defibrillator didn’t revive the instructor, so Sotelo took over performing CPR until paramedics arrived.
Sotelo is a Bank Associate at Peach State Bank & Trust, Gainesville, and just last year bank staff decided to undergo training in CPR and using a defibrillator. He said the training helped him to stay calm in the situation. “Without the training chances are highly likely that I would’ve been confused and my response would have been very much less,” said Sotelo. As a result, Sotelo believes everyone should be trained in CPR because situations like the one he experienced can happen at any time. Read the full story.
Marketing ICS® and CDARS to Georgia Public Funds
FREE Webinar for CBA Member Banks
Wednesday, March 25th OR Thursday, April 16th | 2:30 pm EST
CBA passed generational legislation last year in securing passage of SB157. This new law enables your bank to use ICS®, the Insured Cash Sweep service®, to offer government finance officers in Georgia access to FDIC insurance beyond $250,000 on funds placed into demand deposit accounts, money market deposit accounts, or both. Currently, almost 70 banks have either signed up with Promontory or are in the queue to do so. As a result, millions of new dollars are available for lending and community banks no longer have to endure the time an expense associated with collateralization.
Free for CBA member banks, join Promontory Interfinancial Network for this webinar detailing ICS and CDARS® (which offers large-dollar FDIC insurance eligibility for CDs and which government finance officers in Georgia may currently use to place deposits) – the benefits, how they work, and ways to market the services to government finance officers with Promontory’s ready-to-use materials. Learn more and register.
CBA will be traveling the state to offer in-person training – watch for details coming soon!
FREE Webinar for CBA Member Banks
Wednesday, March 25th OR Thursday, April 16th | 2:30 pm EST
CBA passed generational legislation last year in securing passage of SB157. This new law enables your bank to use ICS®, the Insured Cash Sweep service®, to offer government finance officers in Georgia access to FDIC insurance beyond $250,000 on funds placed into demand deposit accounts, money market deposit accounts, or both. Currently, almost 70 banks have either signed up with Promontory or are in the queue to do so. As a result, millions of new dollars are available for lending and community banks no longer have to endure the time an expense associated with collateralization.
Free for CBA member banks, join Promontory Interfinancial Network for this webinar detailing ICS and CDARS® (which offers large-dollar FDIC insurance eligibility for CDs and which government finance officers in Georgia may currently use to place deposits) – the benefits, how they work, and ways to market the services to government finance officers with Promontory’s ready-to-use materials. Learn more and register.
CBA will be traveling the state to offer in-person training – watch for details coming soon!
Join Tornado Relief Campaign for Tennessee
Recent tornadoes have caused massive destruction through middle Tennessee and the greater Nashville area. CBA member American Commerce Bank, Bremen, is raising funds for the relief efforts as many are without shelter and other basic necessities. The bank has committed $5,000 to initiate the effort and is seeking to raise $50,000 for the tornado victims. CBA has made a donation to the effort, and we hope all CBA members can contribute to help our neighbors in Tennessee. Please contact Bob Koncerak or Trudy Eller at the bank, teller@americancommercebank.com, who are coordinating with local banks in Cookeville, TN, that are facilitating the efforts.
Unfortunately as Georgians, we all know how devastating weather events like this can be for communities. With your help, we can make a big difference for those affected in Tennessee. Contact the bank to give your support.
Recent tornadoes have caused massive destruction through middle Tennessee and the greater Nashville area. CBA member American Commerce Bank, Bremen, is raising funds for the relief efforts as many are without shelter and other basic necessities. The bank has committed $5,000 to initiate the effort and is seeking to raise $50,000 for the tornado victims. CBA has made a donation to the effort, and we hope all CBA members can contribute to help our neighbors in Tennessee. Please contact Bob Koncerak or Trudy Eller at the bank, teller@americancommercebank.com, who are coordinating with local banks in Cookeville, TN, that are facilitating the efforts.
Unfortunately as Georgians, we all know how devastating weather events like this can be for communities. With your help, we can make a big difference for those affected in Tennessee. Contact the bank to give your support.
Participate in UGA's Mentor Program
As part of its growing relationship with the University of Georgia, CBA is pleased to forward information regarding the UGA Mentor Program: mentor.uga.edu
The UGA Mentor Program, the University's first comprehensive mentorship initiative, is a digital platform which allows students to form mentoring relationships with alumni, regardless of geographic location, who can help make their future a little clearer. "As a mentor for my alma mater (University of Delaware), I have found it highly rewarding to serve in the capacity of a mentor to a student navigating the challenges of college," said John McNair, CBA President & CEO.
Click here to find information on the program and eligibility parameters. Should you enroll in this worthwhile program, please keep us posted regarding your experiences. We would like to include in future publications and social media posts.
As part of its growing relationship with the University of Georgia, CBA is pleased to forward information regarding the UGA Mentor Program: mentor.uga.edu
The UGA Mentor Program, the University's first comprehensive mentorship initiative, is a digital platform which allows students to form mentoring relationships with alumni, regardless of geographic location, who can help make their future a little clearer. "As a mentor for my alma mater (University of Delaware), I have found it highly rewarding to serve in the capacity of a mentor to a student navigating the challenges of college," said John McNair, CBA President & CEO.
Click here to find information on the program and eligibility parameters. Should you enroll in this worthwhile program, please keep us posted regarding your experiences. We would like to include in future publications and social media posts.
'Too Big to Fail' Damages Industry Reputation: Wells Fargo & Fifth Third Bank
While Washington debates whether Wells Fargo's $3 billion fine for defrauding customers with phony accounts is sufficient, the larger question of what to do about the nation’s persistent too-big-to-fail problem must remain the focus. Read the full article from American Banker.
“As if the fraudulent account openings were not enough, Wells Fargo had the audacity to conduct this practice under the banner of their 'Community Banking' division," commented John McNair, President & CEO, CBA of Georgia. "Every community banker in the country should be outraged that Wells Fargo and other large banks are trading off the community bank good name and brand. Community bankers should call this farce out for what it is and immediately demand the same of all banking organizations and industry stakeholders.”
In addition, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently filed a lawsuit against Fifth Third Bank, alleging the bank’s employees opened fake accounts for customers in order to meet aggressive sales targets. The CFPB alleges that some of the fake Fifth Third accounts were actually funded, meaning bank employees moved money from a customer’s existing account to their new one, without their consent. Read more on the Fifth Third Bank lawsuit.
While Washington debates whether Wells Fargo's $3 billion fine for defrauding customers with phony accounts is sufficient, the larger question of what to do about the nation’s persistent too-big-to-fail problem must remain the focus. Read the full article from American Banker.
“As if the fraudulent account openings were not enough, Wells Fargo had the audacity to conduct this practice under the banner of their 'Community Banking' division," commented John McNair, President & CEO, CBA of Georgia. "Every community banker in the country should be outraged that Wells Fargo and other large banks are trading off the community bank good name and brand. Community bankers should call this farce out for what it is and immediately demand the same of all banking organizations and industry stakeholders.”
In addition, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently filed a lawsuit against Fifth Third Bank, alleging the bank’s employees opened fake accounts for customers in order to meet aggressive sales targets. The CFPB alleges that some of the fake Fifth Third accounts were actually funded, meaning bank employees moved money from a customer’s existing account to their new one, without their consent. Read more on the Fifth Third Bank lawsuit.
Georgia’s community bankers do great things in their communities every day. Here is the latest on community outreach and news from CBA Members:
- CBA recently participated at the recent career fair held at Georgia College & State University. CBA's John & Lisa McNair were joined by Derek Williams, CBA Board Member and President & CEO of Century Bank & Trust, Milledgeville, and the William Mills Agency, to engage with students, share prospective opportunities at community banks, and promote the role community banks play in their communities.
- Jud Moritz, Valdosta Market President of Southwest Georgia Bank, recently presented a $50,000 check to Susan Bowden and Bill Meli at Hospice of South Georgia. This donation has been dedicated to expand the hospice’s thrift store, The Tree House Thrift Shop. Read more.
- During the last two months, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company, Augusta, has held a collection drive for troops overseas, and the items will now be shipped to troops deployed in remote areas. In addition, the Sandersville team is collecting books during March to benefit the Little Free Libraries located throughout the community.
- Colony Bank, Broxton, recently wore gray in celebration of Macy Barfield receiving her last chemo treatment.
- At the Greater Rome Board of Realtors February Membership Luncheon, Bill Temple, Director for Greater Community Bank, Rome, Terri Ainsworth, VP & Mortgage Loan Officer, and other members of the Greater Rome Board of Realtors recently presented a check to Murphy-Harpst Children's Centers. In addition, Rhonda Wallace, Vice President of the bank, recently read with second graders at East Central Elementary School in celebration of Dr. Seuss Week.
- Wade Johnson, EVP of Durden Banking Company, Inc., Twin City, recently gave a class on household budgeting for parents and faculty of the CSRA Head Start Program in Emanuel County.
- Tammy Howell from Flint Community Bank, Albany, recently visited Morningside Elementary School as part of National Read Across America Week.
- United Community Bank, Blairsille, recently received five Greenwich Excellence Awards for middle market and small business banking. Read more.
- Promontory Interfinancial Network has named banking industry veterans Camden Fine and Ed Yingling to its board. In addition, former American Banker Editor-in-Chief, Rob Blackwell, has been named Chief Content Officer and Head of External Affairs.
Marcella Cotter has joined First Chatham Bank, Savannah, as Vice President and Branch Manager of the Downtown (Telfair) Branch.
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Stephanie Courtney, First Chatham Bank, Savannah, has been promoted to Banking Officer.
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Jan Douglass has joined the Bank of Perry, a division of Persons Banking Company, as a Commercial Lender.
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Melinda Davis Lux has joined United Community Banks, Inc. as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.
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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:
Be sure to think of CBA first when it comes to your training and Professional Development needs. Here are some upcoming CBA events:
Deadlines Approaching for Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship
Student Applications are Due to Banks by Friday, April 3rd
All Completed Applications are Due to CBA by Friday, April 10th
To compete, students must be sponsored by a CBA-member community bank. To learn more about this opportunity, please visit the scholarship webpage. We encourage all CBA-member banks to share this program with their local high school guidance counselors. The students will complete their applications and turn them in to you… you then forward them to CBA with your bank information.
Students should submit their application packet to their sponsored bank by Friday, April 3, 2020. The completed applications with the bank's application information should be submitted to CBA no later than Friday, April 10, 2020. Only complete applications will be eligible. Winners will be announced in late April 2020. Click here for more details and to download the applications. Contact Jeremy Thomens for more information.
Student Applications are Due to Banks by Friday, April 3rd
All Completed Applications are Due to CBA by Friday, April 10th
To compete, students must be sponsored by a CBA-member community bank. To learn more about this opportunity, please visit the scholarship webpage. We encourage all CBA-member banks to share this program with their local high school guidance counselors. The students will complete their applications and turn them in to you… you then forward them to CBA with your bank information.
Students should submit their application packet to their sponsored bank by Friday, April 3, 2020. The completed applications with the bank's application information should be submitted to CBA no later than Friday, April 10, 2020. Only complete applications will be eligible. Winners will be announced in late April 2020. Click here for more details and to download the applications. Contact Jeremy Thomens for more information.
Early Bird Pricing: Compliance Officer Boot Camp
Tuesday-Friday, June 23-26, 2020 | Holiday Inn Resort, Jekyll Island
Register and pay by March 31 to receive early bird pricing - $1,295
Compliance touches every aspect of banking – from product and service development, delivery, maintenance, servicing, and cessation. Yet, there is little training or orientation to what is involved in being a Compliance Officer, Manager, Specialist or Analyst. This three- and half-day seminar will provide comprehensive insight on what you should be doing and how to do it to be an effective Compliance Officer. Learn more and register.
Tuesday-Friday, June 23-26, 2020 | Holiday Inn Resort, Jekyll Island
Register and pay by March 31 to receive early bird pricing - $1,295
Compliance touches every aspect of banking – from product and service development, delivery, maintenance, servicing, and cessation. Yet, there is little training or orientation to what is involved in being a Compliance Officer, Manager, Specialist or Analyst. This three- and half-day seminar will provide comprehensive insight on what you should be doing and how to do it to be an effective Compliance Officer. Learn more and register.
CBA's Social Media Bootcamp
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 | Idle Hour Country Club, Macon
Your institution is contemplating or has already entered the world of Social Media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. Now what? What are the advertising rules? Exceptions? What regulations are triggered? What are the regulatory risks? What should our Social Media Program look like? The Social Media Boot Camp will answer those questions and more. Join this full-day seminar to learn the ins and outs of the regulations and guidance that should be considered to avoid costly products or risk when leveraging social media for marketing and/or customer feedback. Learn more and register.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 | Idle Hour Country Club, Macon
Your institution is contemplating or has already entered the world of Social Media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. Now what? What are the advertising rules? Exceptions? What regulations are triggered? What are the regulatory risks? What should our Social Media Program look like? The Social Media Boot Camp will answer those questions and more. Join this full-day seminar to learn the ins and outs of the regulations and guidance that should be considered to avoid costly products or risk when leveraging social media for marketing and/or customer feedback. Learn more and register.
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SHAZAM delivers the tools community financial institutions need to compete with a level of personal service and reliability unmatched in the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) industry. As a member-owned and controlled network we answer directly to our financial institutions and focus on responding to their needs. SHAZAM is a not-for-profit organization and is not driven by profits or shareholder revenues. Instead, we are focused on delivering the products, services and pricing that make our participants' debit card programs competitive.
To learn more, contact Alex Jernigan at 229-861-3802 or visit https://www.shazam.net/. |
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Here are some of the latest national news stories relevant to community banking and the financial services industry:
- Agencies, lawmakers to banks: Work with customers affected by coronavirus
- Agencies issue guidance on pandemic planning
- Fed cuts rates amid coronavirus downturn
- Beige Book: Overall Activity Expands, but Coronavirus Concerns Weigh
- GA DBF Issues February 2020 Bulletin
- Panel proposes legislation for LIBOR contracts
- CFPB launching advisory opinion program
- Fed publishes CRA data tables
- OCC issues FAQs on third-party relationships
- J. Crew, T-Mobile and Carnival announce breaches
- Mnuchin: Cannabis conflict ‘a problem’
- Agencies finalize CECL policy statement
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