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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

Lori Godfrey; Sen. Kennedy
On Tuesday, March 26, CBA's priority bill for municipal deposits (SB 157) was put up for a vote on the House floor. The bill unanimously passed the Georgia House of Representatives and will now proceed to Governor Kemp for his signature. This act will help keep local government deposits in local communities and increase the opportunity for lending to customers and businesses.
CBA would like to thank Sen. John Kennedy and Rep. Dale Washburn for carrying SB 157 in their respective chambers. CBA would like to thank the Georgia General Assembly for supporting this legislation, and everyone who worked hard to support this bill, including CBA members for contacting their legislators, the NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businesses), GMA (Georgia Municipal Association), ACCG (Association County Commissioners of Georgia), and Georgia Bankers Association. For more, be sure to check CBA's Advocacy Update.
CBA would like to thank Sen. John Kennedy and Rep. Dale Washburn for carrying SB 157 in their respective chambers. CBA would like to thank the Georgia General Assembly for supporting this legislation, and everyone who worked hard to support this bill, including CBA members for contacting their legislators, the NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businesses), GMA (Georgia Municipal Association), ACCG (Association County Commissioners of Georgia), and Georgia Bankers Association. For more, be sure to check CBA's Advocacy Update.

Announcing CBA’s New Website!
CBA is proud to announce the exciting and fresh new look for our website! The new website will make identifying education programs, finding a service provider and registering for programs that much easier. The website includes the same great content with quick access to the many resources included in CBA membership. The new site also features the popular Community Bank Locator for prospective customers to locate a community bank near them.
CBA's new website will launch this Thursday, March 28. During the launch, CBA's current website will go down momentarily on Thursday morning, and the new website will be online by the afternoon. Be sure to check out the new website at www.cbaofga.com!
CBA is proud to announce the exciting and fresh new look for our website! The new website will make identifying education programs, finding a service provider and registering for programs that much easier. The website includes the same great content with quick access to the many resources included in CBA membership. The new site also features the popular Community Bank Locator for prospective customers to locate a community bank near them.
CBA's new website will launch this Thursday, March 28. During the launch, CBA's current website will go down momentarily on Thursday morning, and the new website will be online by the afternoon. Be sure to check out the new website at www.cbaofga.com!

Megabanks Admit Ditching Local Communities
A new report from the nation’s largest financial institutions confirms they are withdrawing from Main Street communities while community banks reinvest in them. The Bank Policy Institute—which represents the largest banks—reported that while deposit growth in urban areas is higher at megabanks, community banks are more than tripling the deposit growth of their larger competitors in rural communities.
ICBA's Rebeca Romero Rainey said the report shows the local communities hit hardest by the Wall Street financial crisis are being left behind by the entities that caused it while community banks are busy adding new bank offices to meet these areas’ needs. “As the only physical banking presence for one in five U.S. counties, the nation’s community banks will continue their work in fostering economic vitality in every corner of every community, whether urban, suburban or rural,” she said. Read the BPI report. Read more from ICBA.
A new report from the nation’s largest financial institutions confirms they are withdrawing from Main Street communities while community banks reinvest in them. The Bank Policy Institute—which represents the largest banks—reported that while deposit growth in urban areas is higher at megabanks, community banks are more than tripling the deposit growth of their larger competitors in rural communities.
ICBA's Rebeca Romero Rainey said the report shows the local communities hit hardest by the Wall Street financial crisis are being left behind by the entities that caused it while community banks are busy adding new bank offices to meet these areas’ needs. “As the only physical banking presence for one in five U.S. counties, the nation’s community banks will continue their work in fostering economic vitality in every corner of every community, whether urban, suburban or rural,” she said. Read the BPI report. Read more from ICBA.

FDIC v. Loudermilk: Breaking Down the New Georgia Supreme Court Opinion
On March 13, 2019, the Georgia Supreme Court issued a new opinion in FDIC v. Loudermilk, et. al., the FDIC’s case against former directors and officers of The Buckhead Community Bank (“BCB”). The Georgia Supreme Court’s opinion focused on whether directors and officers can be held jointly and severally liable for damages, or whether such damages should be apportioned relative to individual fault. This opinion is ground-breaking because the court concluded that if directors and officers act “in concert” –where the acts of one are the acts of another – that all directors and officers can be held jointly and severally liable, even if one or more was not actually at fault. However, this opinion left open the door of whether the FDIC actually proved joint and several liability in this case, an issue that will be determined in the underlying appeal. This new opinion, and the underlying case history, is important to understand so that bank directors and officers know how to best situate themselves to defend against potential claims. To learn more, click here. Guest article from CBA General Counsel and Associate Member James-Bates-Brannan-Groover-LLP.
On March 13, 2019, the Georgia Supreme Court issued a new opinion in FDIC v. Loudermilk, et. al., the FDIC’s case against former directors and officers of The Buckhead Community Bank (“BCB”). The Georgia Supreme Court’s opinion focused on whether directors and officers can be held jointly and severally liable for damages, or whether such damages should be apportioned relative to individual fault. This opinion is ground-breaking because the court concluded that if directors and officers act “in concert” –where the acts of one are the acts of another – that all directors and officers can be held jointly and severally liable, even if one or more was not actually at fault. However, this opinion left open the door of whether the FDIC actually proved joint and several liability in this case, an issue that will be determined in the underlying appeal. This new opinion, and the underlying case history, is important to understand so that bank directors and officers know how to best situate themselves to defend against potential claims. To learn more, click here. Guest article from CBA General Counsel and Associate Member James-Bates-Brannan-Groover-LLP.
What's Buzzing in Education?
We are buzzing about our enhanced Bank Security & Workplace Violence Conference. Save the date to join us at Lanier Islands Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier on June 13-14, 2019. Be on the look for an email for more on the conference. Register here and learn more.
Hear from our security expert Carol Dodgen as she shares more about this program:
We are buzzing about our enhanced Bank Security & Workplace Violence Conference. Save the date to join us at Lanier Islands Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier on June 13-14, 2019. Be on the look for an email for more on the conference. Register here and learn more.
Hear from our security expert Carol Dodgen as she shares more about this program:

USDA's Broadband and e-Connectivity Funding Opportunities
The USDA recently distributed helpful links and information on broadband and e-Connectivity funding opportunities for rural communities. These include Community Connect Grants for the construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, spectrum, land or buildings used to deploy broadband service, the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program which finances technology to improve access to healthcare and educational services, and much more. Read more from the USDA.
The USDA recently distributed helpful links and information on broadband and e-Connectivity funding opportunities for rural communities. These include Community Connect Grants for the construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, spectrum, land or buildings used to deploy broadband service, the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program which finances technology to improve access to healthcare and educational services, and much more. Read more from the USDA.

Consumer Compliance Examination Manual Updated
The Consumer Compliance Examination Manual (CEM) provides supervisory information to FDIC examination staff that conduct consumer compliance examinations, Community Reinvestment Act performance evaluations, and other supervisory activities. It includes supervisory policies and examination procedures for evaluating financial institutions’ compliance with federal consumer protection laws and regulations. Financial institutions can use the CEM to obtain more information about the FDIC’s examination process. Read more about the March 2019 updates. View the manual.
The Consumer Compliance Examination Manual (CEM) provides supervisory information to FDIC examination staff that conduct consumer compliance examinations, Community Reinvestment Act performance evaluations, and other supervisory activities. It includes supervisory policies and examination procedures for evaluating financial institutions’ compliance with federal consumer protection laws and regulations. Financial institutions can use the CEM to obtain more information about the FDIC’s examination process. Read more about the March 2019 updates. View the manual.

Agencies Update HMDA Guide
Banking regulators issued the 2019 edition of the “Guide to HMDA Reporting.” The 2019 version reflects amendments to HMDA from the S. 2155 regulatory relief law and the 2018 HMDA interpretive and procedural rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Access the guide.
Banking regulators issued the 2019 edition of the “Guide to HMDA Reporting.” The 2019 version reflects amendments to HMDA from the S. 2155 regulatory relief law and the 2018 HMDA interpretive and procedural rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Access the guide.

Environmental Due Diligence: A Practical Guide For Lenders
CBA Webinar | Thursday, April 18, 2019 | 10:00 am
$59 for CBA Members | Presented by Point to Point Environmental
This presentation will begin with an introduction to environmental due diligence and why lenders should be informed, including referencing the regulatory requirements and guidelines, before outlining specific statutes, mechanisms and standard operating procedures. Lenders are provided with practical applications for evaluating when environmental due diligence may be necessary and a guide for selecting the scope and depth of an appropriate inquiry. An overview of developing an effective environmental policy for community banks is followed by case studies and examples of actual property and real word applications. Register today.
CBA Webinar | Thursday, April 18, 2019 | 10:00 am
$59 for CBA Members | Presented by Point to Point Environmental
This presentation will begin with an introduction to environmental due diligence and why lenders should be informed, including referencing the regulatory requirements and guidelines, before outlining specific statutes, mechanisms and standard operating procedures. Lenders are provided with practical applications for evaluating when environmental due diligence may be necessary and a guide for selecting the scope and depth of an appropriate inquiry. An overview of developing an effective environmental policy for community banks is followed by case studies and examples of actual property and real word applications. Register today.

CFPB Updates Council Charters, Seeks Applications
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau updated its advisory committee charters, including the Community Bank Advisory Council. Effective fiscal 2020, the committees will expand their focus to broad policy matters and increase the frequency of in-person meetings from twice to three times per year while continuing their joint public meetings. The CFPB is now accepting membership applications. Read more from the CFPB.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau updated its advisory committee charters, including the Community Bank Advisory Council. Effective fiscal 2020, the committees will expand their focus to broad policy matters and increase the frequency of in-person meetings from twice to three times per year while continuing their joint public meetings. The CFPB is now accepting membership applications. Read more from the CFPB.

Fed’s Bowman Optimistic About Rural America
Federal Reserve Governor Michelle “Miki” Bowman said she is optimistic about the future of rural America. Speaking in Washington, Bowman said rural populations have stabilized following six years of steady declines, rural unemployment and poverty are declining, and agricultural conditions are stable after recent decreases in commodity prices. “The narrative of rural decline is too sweeping and brushes aside the diversity of the rural experience,” she said. Read Bowman’s speech.
Federal Reserve Governor Michelle “Miki” Bowman said she is optimistic about the future of rural America. Speaking in Washington, Bowman said rural populations have stabilized following six years of steady declines, rural unemployment and poverty are declining, and agricultural conditions are stable after recent decreases in commodity prices. “The narrative of rural decline is too sweeping and brushes aside the diversity of the rural experience,” she said. Read Bowman’s speech.

Advice to Community Banks: Resist Urge to Overautomate
At ICBA's annual convention in Nashville, TN, Lee Wetherington, Director of Strategic Insight at Jack Henry & Associates, recounted that shortly after he began house hunting he received an email from a community banker that "just blew me away.” The lender, in an attached video, wished Wetherington a good morning and offered to help with the home buying process. While far from cutting edge, the video demonstrated the marriage of technology and relationship banking that community banks must pursue to compete in an increasingly high-tech market.
“We’ve got to use technology to highlight our emphasis on one-on-one, personal service," Wetherington said, "That’s what every community bank in this room says sets it apart.” Copying big banks that automate as many processes as possible "will not serve community banks going forward,” Wetherington said, referring to that approach as "botomation." Community banks “do not want to emulate that strategy. ... It cuts the heart out of what it means to be a community bank.” Read more in American Banker.
At ICBA's annual convention in Nashville, TN, Lee Wetherington, Director of Strategic Insight at Jack Henry & Associates, recounted that shortly after he began house hunting he received an email from a community banker that "just blew me away.” The lender, in an attached video, wished Wetherington a good morning and offered to help with the home buying process. While far from cutting edge, the video demonstrated the marriage of technology and relationship banking that community banks must pursue to compete in an increasingly high-tech market.
“We’ve got to use technology to highlight our emphasis on one-on-one, personal service," Wetherington said, "That’s what every community bank in this room says sets it apart.” Copying big banks that automate as many processes as possible "will not serve community banks going forward,” Wetherington said, referring to that approach as "botomation." Community banks “do not want to emulate that strategy. ... It cuts the heart out of what it means to be a community bank.” Read more in American Banker.

FREE Webinar: Bank Investment Strategies for 2nd Quarter 2019
Thursday, April 11, 2019 | 11:30 AM ET
The Baker Group, a CBA Endorsed Member Company, is hosting a complimentary webinar on investment strategies for the 2nd quarter.
General topics will include:
Thursday, April 11, 2019 | 11:30 AM ET
The Baker Group, a CBA Endorsed Member Company, is hosting a complimentary webinar on investment strategies for the 2nd quarter.
General topics will include:
- Economic Update and Fed Policy Outlook
- Industry Trends and Regulatory Hot Button Issues
- Current Investment Strategy Recommendations
- Interest Rate Risk and Liquidity Management Guidance
Clark Hungerford CBA’s Advocacy Committee Chair Vinings Bank, Smyrna |
With nine standing committees, CBA offers member community banks a way to strengthen their association first-hand. The Committee Chair, along with committee members provide valuable feedback and guidance on the needs, challenges and opportunities of Georgia’s community banks. This week, we are pleased to feature the chair of the Advocacy Committee, Clark Hungerford, President & Chief Credit Officer of Vinings Bank, Smyrna. CBA invited Clark to participate in a Q&A so you can learn about his bank, how his role on the committee helps other CBA members, and more. Click here to read the full feature. If you are interested in serving on CBA’s Advocacy Committee, please contact Lori Godfrey.

First Port City Bank Donates to Memorial Hospital and Manor
As part of the Georgia HEART rural hospital tax credit program, First Port City Bank, Bainbridge, has contributed $131,207 to Memorial Hospital and Manor. Georgia HEART helps rural and critical access hospitals increase their ability to provide for the health care needs of thousands of Georgians. Read more.
As part of the Georgia HEART rural hospital tax credit program, First Port City Bank, Bainbridge, has contributed $131,207 to Memorial Hospital and Manor. Georgia HEART helps rural and critical access hospitals increase their ability to provide for the health care needs of thousands of Georgians. Read more.

Southwest Georgia Bank Sponsors YEA! Investor Pitch Event
Southwest Georgia College, Moultrie, recently sponsored the YEA! Investor Panel Pitch Event “Shark Tank”-style event hosted at Valdosta State University. Eleven students from the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce's Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) presented business plans before a panel of judges comprised of local leaders of industry. Jud Moritz, Regional President of Southwest Georgia Bank served on the panel of investors.
Based on the appeal and merit of the students’ presentations, investors determined the amount of real funds to allocate to each student’s business/social movement. After hearing all pitches, investors select one business to advance to the national Young Entrepreneurs Academy Saunders Scholars Competition, where they will compete with students across the United States for college scholarships. Read more.
Southwest Georgia College, Moultrie, recently sponsored the YEA! Investor Panel Pitch Event “Shark Tank”-style event hosted at Valdosta State University. Eleven students from the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce's Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) presented business plans before a panel of judges comprised of local leaders of industry. Jud Moritz, Regional President of Southwest Georgia Bank served on the panel of investors.
Based on the appeal and merit of the students’ presentations, investors determined the amount of real funds to allocate to each student’s business/social movement. After hearing all pitches, investors select one business to advance to the national Young Entrepreneurs Academy Saunders Scholars Competition, where they will compete with students across the United States for college scholarships. Read more.

HCF Presents Scholarship Grant to Clayton State University
The Heritage Community Foundation recently presented a $2,000 grant to Clayton State University. The grant will provide support for the university’s program that assists qualified students with funds to help them complete their academic program. Read more.
The Heritage Community Foundation recently presented a $2,000 grant to Clayton State University. The grant will provide support for the university’s program that assists qualified students with funds to help them complete their academic program. Read more.

First Landmark Banks Sponsors Charity Clay Tournament
First Landmark Bank, Marietta, was a Gold Sponsor at the 2019 Atlanta Charity Clays tournament. All proceeds from the tournament went to Atlanta Children's Charities.
First Landmark Bank, Marietta, was a Gold Sponsor at the 2019 Atlanta Charity Clays tournament. All proceeds from the tournament went to Atlanta Children's Charities.

Century Bank & Trust Sponsors Soup Kitchen Banquet
Century Bank & Trust, Milledgeville, recently sponsored the 4th Annual St. Patrick's Day Banquet supporting the Cafe Central Soup Kitchen, a ministry helping to feed those in need in the community.
Century Bank & Trust, Milledgeville, recently sponsored the 4th Annual St. Patrick's Day Banquet supporting the Cafe Central Soup Kitchen, a ministry helping to feed those in need in the community.

OSB Features Gwinnett Team's Community Involvement
In their blog, Oconee State Bank, Watkinsville, highlighted the many ways their Gwinnett team works hard to serve their community. In addition to being nominated for the IMPACT Regional Business award from the Gwinnett Chamber, the bank serves many leadership positions in their communities, including the Rotary Club of Sugarloaf, Corners Outreach, Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, CBA's Leadership Division, and many others. Read the blog.
In their blog, Oconee State Bank, Watkinsville, highlighted the many ways their Gwinnett team works hard to serve their community. In addition to being nominated for the IMPACT Regional Business award from the Gwinnett Chamber, the bank serves many leadership positions in their communities, including the Rotary Club of Sugarloaf, Corners Outreach, Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, CBA's Leadership Division, and many others. Read the blog.

Brad Serff Volunteers at Rise Against Hunger Event
Brad Serff, President & CEO of Providence Bank, Alpharetta, Chair of CBA's Member Services Committee and 2016-2017 CBA Chairman, joined Stacey Kenard Inglis, Assistant City Manager of the City of Milton, at the recent Rise Against Hunger event held at Cambridge High School. Along with more than 100 other volunteers, they helped prepare 26,000 packaged meals to help fight hunger in Swaziland. The event was sponsored by the Milton Rotary Club
Brad Serff, President & CEO of Providence Bank, Alpharetta, Chair of CBA's Member Services Committee and 2016-2017 CBA Chairman, joined Stacey Kenard Inglis, Assistant City Manager of the City of Milton, at the recent Rise Against Hunger event held at Cambridge High School. Along with more than 100 other volunteers, they helped prepare 26,000 packaged meals to help fight hunger in Swaziland. The event was sponsored by the Milton Rotary Club
![]() 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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March, April & May 2019
1st Quarter Compliance Program – TRID: Facing the Challenges
Remaining Dates:
Wednesday, March 27 - Rome
Thursday, March 28 - Macon
Training the Credit Analyst
Tuesday-Wednesday, April 16-17 - Atlanta
Compliance Roundtable
Thursday, April 18 - Atlanta
2019 TRID: The Basics
Tuesday-Wednesday, April 23-24 - Duluth
Compliance with Construction Loans
Thursday, April 25 - Macon
2nd Quarter Compliance Program – ACH Processing & Compliance
Tuesday, May 7 – Savannah
Wednesday, May 8 – Tifton
Thursday, May 9 – Macon
Tuesday, May 21 – Duluth
Wednesday, May 22 - Rome
4th Annual Senior Retail Banking Officer Forum – Session II
Wednesday, May 15 - Atlanta
2019 Branch Management Series – Session II: Leading, Developing & Engaging The Team
Thursday, May 16 - Atlanta
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)
April & May 2019
2019 Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship
DUE DATES:
Student to Bank by Friday, April 5, 2019
Bank to CBA by Friday, April 12, 2019
April Spring Regional Luncheon Meetings & PAC/PR Golf Tournaments
All 3 Meetings will be followed by Golf and Cookout Dinner!
Registration is open!
South - Tuesday, April 23 – Doublegate Country Club, Albany
Central – Wednesday, April 24 – The Club at Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville
North – Thursday, April 25 – The Country Club of Roswell
2nd Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum – Safety & Soundness
Thursday, May 2 - Atlanta
Community Bank Leadership Academy – Session II
Tuesday-Wednesday, May 14-15 - Macon
2019 Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship
DUE DATES:
Student to Bank by Friday, April 5, 2019
Bank to CBA by Friday, April 12, 2019
April Spring Regional Luncheon Meetings & PAC/PR Golf Tournaments
All 3 Meetings will be followed by Golf and Cookout Dinner!
Registration is open!
South - Tuesday, April 23 – Doublegate Country Club, Albany
Central – Wednesday, April 24 – The Club at Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville
North – Thursday, April 25 – The Country Club of Roswell
2nd Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum – Safety & Soundness
Thursday, May 2 - Atlanta
Community Bank Leadership Academy – Session II
Tuesday-Wednesday, May 14-15 - Macon
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
Training the Credit Analyst
Tuesday-Thursday, April 16-18 - Atlanta
10th Annual Spring Regional Luncheon Meetings
4/23 - Albany
4/24 - Milledgeville
4/25 - Roswell
TRID: The Basics
Tuesday-Wednesday, April 23-24 - Duluth
Compliance with Construction Loans
Thursday, April 25 - Macon
Training the Credit Analyst
Tuesday-Thursday, April 16-18 - Atlanta
10th Annual Spring Regional Luncheon Meetings
4/23 - Albany
4/24 - Milledgeville
4/25 - Roswell
TRID: The Basics
Tuesday-Wednesday, April 23-24 - Duluth
Compliance with Construction Loans
Thursday, April 25 - Macon
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