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Check Out Our
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Derek Williams, President & CEO of Century Bank & Trust in Milledgeville, was elected chairman-elect of the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) for 2022—23. His term began March 3 at the conclusion of the ICBA LIVE national convention in San Antonio.
“Community banks serve an integral role in our nation’s financial system, and I’m honored to represent their interests as ICBA chairman-elect,” said Derek. “I look forward to working with ICBA’s leadership to advance ICBA’s advocacy, education and innovation efforts while promoting the benefits that community banking can bring to consumers nationwide.” “Derek is a passionate community leader and a staunch defender of our industry,” said ICBA Chairman Brad Bolton, President, CEO and senior lender of Community Spirit Bank in Red Bay, Ala. “His vision and drive are a powerful combination that has garnered the respect and admiration of his peers. We are fortunate to have his talents and counsel on ICBA’s Executive Committee as we move to affect change and propel our industry forward.” "I am extremely proud, pleased, and excited to announce that Georgia’s own Derek Williams has been elected chair-elect for 2022 and is slated to become the ICBA national chair in 2023,” stated John McNair, CBA President & CEO. “This is an incredible honor for Derek and his family, CBA, and Georgia’s community banking industry! Read release from ICBA. |
Community Bankers and CBA Lobbyists Testify Before House Small Business Committee
Yesterday, CBA’s John McNair and Lori Godfrey testified in front of the House Small Business Committee, chaired by Rep. Mike Cheokas. As the exclusive representatives of Georgia’s community banking industry, John and Lori noted the remarkable accomplishments of community banks in effectively making PPP loans which saved over 1 million jobs in Georgia. Additionally, John and Lori discussed the regulatory burden and competitive disadvantages community banks must overcome to compete. In Georgia, nearly 200 community banks have closed or merged out of existence since 2000, and this continued decline will further reduce access to credit and banking services for small businesses and individuals alike—especially in rural and minority communities. John and Lori strongly urged the committee and the entire legislature to work with CBA to find ways to level the playing field for Georgia’s community banks.
Joining in testimony were Greg Proffitt and Tonya Burnett from Newton Federal Bank. Both discussed the challenges community banks faced over the past few years and highlighted the intense regulatory burden associated with making residential loans. Greg noted that regulatory burden in the post-Dodd Frank era has forced many community banks out of the residential lending business.
CBA was the only banking association to testify and was joined by representatives from the Georgia Association of Realtors. We are grateful for the committee’s interest in this important topic and stand ready to work with all to do what is needed to keep communities and community banks strong. Click here to view the CBA testimony and advance to 44:20.
Yesterday, CBA’s John McNair and Lori Godfrey testified in front of the House Small Business Committee, chaired by Rep. Mike Cheokas. As the exclusive representatives of Georgia’s community banking industry, John and Lori noted the remarkable accomplishments of community banks in effectively making PPP loans which saved over 1 million jobs in Georgia. Additionally, John and Lori discussed the regulatory burden and competitive disadvantages community banks must overcome to compete. In Georgia, nearly 200 community banks have closed or merged out of existence since 2000, and this continued decline will further reduce access to credit and banking services for small businesses and individuals alike—especially in rural and minority communities. John and Lori strongly urged the committee and the entire legislature to work with CBA to find ways to level the playing field for Georgia’s community banks.
Joining in testimony were Greg Proffitt and Tonya Burnett from Newton Federal Bank. Both discussed the challenges community banks faced over the past few years and highlighted the intense regulatory burden associated with making residential loans. Greg noted that regulatory burden in the post-Dodd Frank era has forced many community banks out of the residential lending business.
CBA was the only banking association to testify and was joined by representatives from the Georgia Association of Realtors. We are grateful for the committee’s interest in this important topic and stand ready to work with all to do what is needed to keep communities and community banks strong. Click here to view the CBA testimony and advance to 44:20.
“Change is the Law of Life” – The Changing Landscape of Compliance – Bankers Complete Compliance Officer Bootcamp
Last week 20 bankers participated in CBA’s Compliance Officer Bootcamp on St. Simons Island. We are proud to have offered bootcamp since 2019 to provide our banks with effective training and exercises that continue the growth and development of the knowledge necessary in our changing industry. Our instructor, Leah Hamilton, “has an extraordinary knack for taking complex topics and making them more palatable,” said Jared Johnson, Georgia Primary Bank. “Having the opportunity to observe these compliance professionals interact with the materials, instructor, and each other is the highlight of my career. I thoroughly enjoy seeing our bankers learn and increase their ability to do great things in this industry,” said Kristi Greer, SVP-Director of Professional Development, CBA of GA. “I heard one banker say, I now have a great foundation and I am confident to handle the responsibilities that come with being the compliance officer.”
"I learned so much from Compliance Bootcamp. I went in not knowing very much about it but Leah was so good at explaining everything and getting us involved in several activities. I would recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn more about compliance or someone who just needs a refresher," commented Misty Folker, Bank of Newington.
We, CBA of GA, partner with ProBank Austin to provide excellent compliance education that is up to date and allows attendees to transfer the knowledge to their jobs. Join our Compliance Professionals Package and receive your training benefits.
Last week 20 bankers participated in CBA’s Compliance Officer Bootcamp on St. Simons Island. We are proud to have offered bootcamp since 2019 to provide our banks with effective training and exercises that continue the growth and development of the knowledge necessary in our changing industry. Our instructor, Leah Hamilton, “has an extraordinary knack for taking complex topics and making them more palatable,” said Jared Johnson, Georgia Primary Bank. “Having the opportunity to observe these compliance professionals interact with the materials, instructor, and each other is the highlight of my career. I thoroughly enjoy seeing our bankers learn and increase their ability to do great things in this industry,” said Kristi Greer, SVP-Director of Professional Development, CBA of GA. “I heard one banker say, I now have a great foundation and I am confident to handle the responsibilities that come with being the compliance officer.”
"I learned so much from Compliance Bootcamp. I went in not knowing very much about it but Leah was so good at explaining everything and getting us involved in several activities. I would recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn more about compliance or someone who just needs a refresher," commented Misty Folker, Bank of Newington.
We, CBA of GA, partner with ProBank Austin to provide excellent compliance education that is up to date and allows attendees to transfer the knowledge to their jobs. Join our Compliance Professionals Package and receive your training benefits.

Small Solutions, Big Results – Kim Kirk Featured in Independent Banker Magazine
A digital office solutions provider needed critical support with its daily processes in the wake of the pandemic. When major financial institutions proved ineffective, a Georgia community bank stepped up to the plate with its own accessible blend of virtual and tech resources.
For example, the answer to an innovation challenge may require fewer shiny solutions in favor of a strategic process shift, according to Kimberly Kirk, executive vice president and chief operations officer at $2 billion-asset Queensborough National Bank and Trust Co., Louisville.
“Innovation is process-driven,” says Kirk. “It doesn’t have to be some big, massive thing. It’s small things every day that help our customer experience.” Read entire article.
A digital office solutions provider needed critical support with its daily processes in the wake of the pandemic. When major financial institutions proved ineffective, a Georgia community bank stepped up to the plate with its own accessible blend of virtual and tech resources.
For example, the answer to an innovation challenge may require fewer shiny solutions in favor of a strategic process shift, according to Kimberly Kirk, executive vice president and chief operations officer at $2 billion-asset Queensborough National Bank and Trust Co., Louisville.
“Innovation is process-driven,” says Kirk. “It doesn’t have to be some big, massive thing. It’s small things every day that help our customer experience.” Read entire article.

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:
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:
- Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC, Atlanta - Mr. Doug Mims

Thank you for supporting the community banking industry in 2021 through our first t-shirt fundraiser. Monies raised are used to support advocacy efforts at our state capitol. CBA’s LEAD Committee has designed a new t-shirt for 2022. Don’t miss the chance to order this one-of-a-kind t-shirt! Join your fellow bankers by wearing these to increase awareness of our industry brand. Read more about this year’s design, see bank photos from 2021, and learn about CBA’s PAC/PR Fund and how you can order your shirt! Don’t miss out!
Georgia’s community bankers do great things in their communities every day. Here is the latest on community outreach and news from CBA Members:
- Stokes Carmichael & Ernst LLP (“SCE Law”) is proud to announce and celebrate its 50th Anniversary as a law firm this year! This achievement—which few law firms can claim—is a testament to the firm's success and longevity. "We are proud of the firm's experience and our legal work for our clients. Also, we are proud of our people -- attorneys and staff -- who genuinely like working with one another," said Managing Partner Michael Ernst. "That combination makes coming to work every day all worth it."
- Georgia Banking Company, Atlanta - Keeping runners hydrated on race day, GBC’s Mallory Maunder, Arlene Mckoy, Wanda Weegar and Fabiola Jerome had the pleasure of volunteering at the 8th Annual Suwanee Half Marathon and Old Town 5k presented by Performance Race Services along with the City of Suwanee. Proceeds from each race will benefit the Suwanee Public Arts Program.
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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:

Compliance Program I:
How to Ensure Compliance with Deposit Regulations
Live STREAM - March 22, 2022
Macon - March 23, 2022
Tifton - March 29, 2022
Statesboro - March 30, 2022
Register today.
How to Ensure Compliance with Deposit Regulations
Live STREAM - March 22, 2022
Macon - March 23, 2022
Tifton - March 29, 2022
Statesboro - March 30, 2022
Register today.

HR Rap Session
March 18, 2022 | Macon or STREAM
Performance “Build Your Bench Strength.” How to Use 9-Box for Employee Identification, Succession Planning, and More.
Register here.
March 18, 2022 | Macon or STREAM
Performance “Build Your Bench Strength.” How to Use 9-Box for Employee Identification, Succession Planning, and More.
Register here.

Georgia Deposit Documentation
March 24, 2022 | Macon or STREAM
A full-day seminar on laws and regulations affecting financial institutions' deposits, with special emphasis on Georgia law.
What is the difference between "joint with rights of survivorship" and "tenants in common"? What is a revocable living trust, and how do we document it? Do we really need a corporate resolution? How do we open accounts for minors?
Have you or someone at your institution asked these questions and others like them? If so, don't miss this seminar.
The focus is on the day the account is opened. It provides hard to get state law requirements for ownership and documentation. Attendees learn the "why" behind standard operating procedures. The program also covers CIP procedures and IRS Reporting compliance issues. Register today.
March 24, 2022 | Macon or STREAM
A full-day seminar on laws and regulations affecting financial institutions' deposits, with special emphasis on Georgia law.
What is the difference between "joint with rights of survivorship" and "tenants in common"? What is a revocable living trust, and how do we document it? Do we really need a corporate resolution? How do we open accounts for minors?
Have you or someone at your institution asked these questions and others like them? If so, don't miss this seminar.
The focus is on the day the account is opened. It provides hard to get state law requirements for ownership and documentation. Attendees learn the "why" behind standard operating procedures. The program also covers CIP procedures and IRS Reporting compliance issues. Register today.

Have you checked out the new blog, “Innovation Circuit,” a repository of innovation news, resources, and happenings for Georgia’s community banks?
“For quite some time, CBA’s Innovation Committee has partnered with the four major fintech organizations in Georgia,” stated John McNair, President & CEO of Community Bankers Association of Georgia. “The Innovation Circuit includes upcoming events from these organizations, news, podcasts, guest articles and more—all in one place.”
The new blog has RSS feeds from ATDC, Fintech Atlanta, Georgia Fintech Academy and TAG. The Innovation Committee, chaired by Chris Stanley, Atlantic Capital Bank, is extremely involved with the four organizations.
The Innovation Circuit and a weekly innovation e-blast are sponsored by Atlas Platform by Streetshares, Genesys Technology Group and ProcessMaker.
“For quite some time, CBA’s Innovation Committee has partnered with the four major fintech organizations in Georgia,” stated John McNair, President & CEO of Community Bankers Association of Georgia. “The Innovation Circuit includes upcoming events from these organizations, news, podcasts, guest articles and more—all in one place.”
The new blog has RSS feeds from ATDC, Fintech Atlanta, Georgia Fintech Academy and TAG. The Innovation Committee, chaired by Chris Stanley, Atlantic Capital Bank, is extremely involved with the four organizations.
The Innovation Circuit and a weekly innovation e-blast are sponsored by Atlas Platform by Streetshares, Genesys Technology Group and ProcessMaker.

The Pitched Battle SMB Banking
Guest Article from CBA Associate Member Monit
To paraphrase Hemmingway, “How do you lose customers? Gradually, then suddenly.” Customer satisfaction of small-to-medium size businesses (SMBs) with their primary financial institution has been on a decline for years and SMB churn is increasing, according to Aite Group and FIS. Click here for article.
Guest Article from CBA Associate Member Monit
To paraphrase Hemmingway, “How do you lose customers? Gradually, then suddenly.” Customer satisfaction of small-to-medium size businesses (SMBs) with their primary financial institution has been on a decline for years and SMB churn is increasing, according to Aite Group and FIS. Click here for article.

Cybersecurity Executive Order Mandates Certain Organizations Boost Defenses Against Cyberattacks
Guest Article from CBA Associate Member DefenseStorm
The Biden administration has issued one of the most wide-reaching orders mandating most federal agencies to patch hundreds of cybersecurity vulnerabilities considered major risks for damaging intrusions including data breaches or compromise of government computer systems. Click here for article.
Guest Article from CBA Associate Member DefenseStorm
The Biden administration has issued one of the most wide-reaching orders mandating most federal agencies to patch hundreds of cybersecurity vulnerabilities considered major risks for damaging intrusions including data breaches or compromise of government computer systems. Click here for article.
Bank Compensation Consulting (BCC) is a national consulting firm that was formed in June of 2004. BCC specializes in assisting banks with the evaluation of their compensation programs. Their team of consultants and service personnel collectively have over 250 years of experience, working with more than 600 banks in 40 states. They have a highly dedicated and experienced staff that is committed to providing assistance with the accurate and timely reporting of benefits and BOLI to banks, auditors, examiners and plan participants. BCC’s team includes CPAs, CFPs, attorneys, MBAs, a former bank president and a former Texas Bankers Association Chairman.
Contact John Gianacaci at 609-915-9168 or visit their website. |
Here are some of the latest news stories relevant to community banking and the financial services industry:
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