May 1 - CBA Today eNewsletter - Community Bankers Association of Georgia

To mark the achievement of CBA's signature bill SB 157 for Municipal Deposits, CBA has announced that Governor Brian Kemp will be signing the bill into law at CBA’s Headquarters tomorrow, Thursday, May 2nd. The signing ceremony will be held in conjunction with CBA's 2nd Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum.

The ceremony will begin promptly at 10:30 am and the scheduled arrival time of Governor Kemp is currently 11:00 am. The Governor will offer some remarks, sign the bill, and be available for a short period of time afterwards to meet with all in attendance. CBA will then host a brief reception featuring various hors d’oeuvres. Georgia community bankers are welcome to attend; however, remaining space is limited, and pre-registration is required to attend. This will be a standing room-only event. To RSVP, please contact Peake Wilson. If you are unable to attend, you are invited to watch CBA's live stream on our Facebook page.

The signing of the bill by Governor Kemp at CBA Headquarters recognizes CBA’s leadership and our efforts in developing the bill itself and our direction throughout the legislative process. Additionally, Governor Kemp understands and appreciates the unique role CBA plays in ensuring that Georgia has a strong and vibrant community banking industry. CBA is honored to host the Governor for this historic event in Georgia’s community banking history.

Georgia Community Bankers Make their Voices Heard at ICBA's Capital Summit
Georgia community bankers gathered in Washington, D.C. this week with nearly 1,000 other community bankers and industry advocates from across the nation for the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) annual Capital Summit. CBA of GA’s delegation met with Sen. Perdue’s staff, Sen. Isakson’s staff and 11 Congressmen or their senior aides in an effort to advance regulatory relief. In addition to meeting with their policymakers, community bankers heard remarks from Chairman of the FDIC Jelena McWilliams; Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID); and Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee Maxine Waters (D-CA).

Community bankers from across the nation advocated regulatory relief, modernizing the Bank Secrecy Act, ending credit union and farm credit system tax subsidies, enhancing customer data security, safe harbor for legal cannabis banking, and reforming the housing-finance system.

Special thanks to James-Bates-Brannan-Groover-LLP for sponsoring the Georgia delegation dinner at Morton’s The Steakhouse, and thanks to Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta for hosting dinner at Woodward Table.

Attendees from CBA’s delegation included Dan Brannan, Partner, James-Bates-Brannan-Groover, LLP, Macon; Paul Bennett, Chairman/CEO, Pineland Bank, Alma; Clark Hungerford, EVP, Vinings Bank, Smyrna; Caric Martin, SVP, Vinings Bank; Stephen Lewis, Senior Lender, First National Bank of Coffee County, Douglas; David Moore, Vice President, ICBA, Southeast Regional Office, Atlanta; Derek Williams, President/CEO, Century Bank & Trust, Milledgeville; George Andrews, President, Unity National Bank, Atlanta; Matt Mingenback, Director of Sales, Fitech, Fort Worth, TX; and John McNair, President/CEO and Lori Godfrey, Director of Legislative/Regulatory Affairs, both with Community Bankers Association of Georgia, Atlanta.

Scenes from the 2019 Capital Summit

Spring Luncheons Cover Robbery Response and Crisis Management
This year’s Spring Regional Luncheon Meetings hosted 200 bankers and associate members in Albany, Milledgeville and Roswell. Mike Burke, Senior Robbery & Crisis Management Consultant, SHAZAM, covered “Robbery: Prepare, Respond, Recover” during which bankers received valuable information they could immediately put into place at their businesses.

“I want to thank SHAZAM for their generosity, and I thank Mike for traveling with us and presenting such a timely and important topic to our attendees,” stated John McNair, President & CEO of CBA. “SHAZAM is an invaluable partner of CBA and of our members. We are very grateful for the strong relationship.”

Mike donated a Crisis Management kit to one lucky banker at each Spring Luncheon:

Albany
John Way, Planters First Bank

Milledgeville
Haynes Standard, First State Bank

Roswell
Jody Lail, Entegra Bank

“I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Dan Brannan, Lyn Schroeder, John Sillay and Michael White, of James-Bates-Brannan-Groover-LLP, and David Wood of Porter Keadle Moore for their updates and insight during our Bankers Only Peer Group Meetings. We had several excellent discussions on a wide variety of topical issues,” stated McNair.

CBA is grateful for the generosity of our Luncheon Sponsors:

These meetings and golf tournaments benefit CBA’s PAC/PR Funds and we couldn’t be more appreciative of the support we received for these events. The CBA maintains the only state PAC working exclusively for Georgia’s community banks.

Scenes from the 2019 Spring Regional Luncheon Meetings

Debra Weil, CBA LD Chairman, presenting prize to shotgun winner Jim Casper

Three Golf Tournaments & Other Fun Competitions Benefit CBA’s PAC/PR Funds
CBA’s Leadership Division (LD) is one of the most proactive groups in raising funds for the CBA – specifically its Political Action Committee and Public Relations Funds (PAC/PR). Every year, the LD hosts golf tournaments and other events to help raise funds for this worthwhile cause. The CBA maintains the only state PAC working exclusively for Georgia’s community banks.

The Shotgun Raffle winner was drawn at the Albany Spring Luncheon. Congratulations to Jim Casper, Board Member, Community Banking Company of Fitzgerald.

In addition to awarding two winning teams, longest drive and closest to the pin, each tournament invited players to donate to PAC/PR for a chance at a hole-in-one 50/50 and an opportunity to tee up a little closer. Also, Federal Home Loan Bank donated gift baskets to 3 lucky winners.

The golf tournaments were held following all three Spring Regional Luncheon Meetings – Doublegate Country Club, The Club at Lake Sinclair and Country Club of Roswell, respectively. Each tournament concluded with a “cookout” during which participants were able to continue conversations, make new friends and, of course, collect their winnings.

First Place Teams (all participants are listed left to right):

Albany

Randy Hancock, Farmers & Merchants Bank; Ryan Budzinsky, Farmers & Merchants Bank; Jeff Parrish, Farmers & Merchants Bank; Ryan Hancock, Guest

Milledgeville

Ryan Bannon, Tacoma Capital; Caric Martin, Vinings Bank; Carter Yates, CashTrans; Alex Jernigan, SHAZAM; Mike Burke, SHAZAM

Roswell

Lisa McNair (With John McNair); JR Llewellyn, Compensation Advisors; Cyle Reissig, Georgia Rural Development Fund

Second Place Teams:

Albany

Carter Yates, CashTrans; David Wright, Bank of Camilla; Brad Folsom, Moore, Clarke, DuVall & Rodgers; Josh McGalliard, Bank of Camilla

Milledgeville

Clayton Braswell, ATM Response; Zac Frye, Durden Banking Company; Joe Schaefer, Equias Alliance; Scott Couch, STS Group

Roswell

Roy Johnson, Bankers-Insight Group; Ryan Bannon, Tacoma Capital (With John McNair); Jack Clonts, SecureWorks; Ashton Pellicano, Mauldin & Jenkins

Longest Drive Winners:

Albany

Steven Pruitt, Perry & Walters

Milledgeville

Ryan Barrow, Porter Keadle Moore Sponsor Joe Schaefer, Equias Alliance

Roswell

Jack Clonts, SecureWorks

Closest to Pin Winners:

Albany

Jason Rooks, Flint Community Bank

Milledgeville

John Childs, Exchange Bank Sponsor Joe Schaefer, Equias Alliance

Roswell

Alex Jernigan, SHAZAM (With John McNair)

50/50 Winners:

Albany

Cole Woodroof, Planters First Bank

Milledgeville

Sponsor Michael Smith, Eclipse Brand Builders; Lon Langston, Heritage Bank

Roswell

Cyle Reissig, Georgia Rural Development Fund (With John McNair); Sponsor Michael Smith

FHLB Gift Basket Winners:

Albany

Randy Hancock, Farmers & Merchants Bank

Milledgeville

Carter Yates, CashTrans

Roswell

Cyle Reissig (With John McNair)

A few cash winners donated the money back to CBA’s PAC/PR funds. The CBA is very grateful for everyone’s generosity.

Congratulations and thanks go out to everyone who participated!

Thank You to All the Golf Tournament Sponsors!

CBA Announces 2019 Hester Scholarship Recipients
The Community Bankers Association of Georgia is pleased to announce and congratulate the winners of the annual Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship. The 2019 scholarships were open to Georgia high school seniors who intend to enter a Georgia college, university or technical school in the fall semester of 2019. Applications were submitted to the association through CBA member community banks. Only four $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year.

The scholarship is named for the late Jan Hester, daughter of Lalia and the late Julian Hester, long-time CEO of the CBA. The scholarship program began in 1991 and is based on academic merit, not financial need. To compete, students must write a short essay on the characteristics of a community bank, and the continuing benefits they offer to their communities. In addition to supporting community banking, this scholarship fund is an opportunity to pass on the positive qualities both Julian and Jan Hester exemplified to further the development of tomorrow’s generations. Each winner receives $1,000 to the Georgia college, university or technical school of their choice. Congratulations to the 2019 Hester Scholarship winners:

Sam Collins
University of Georgia
Affinity Bank, Atlanta

Haley Hulsey
University of Georgia
Rabun County Bank, Clayton

Caroline Duncan
University of Georgia
Renasant Bank, Johns Creek

Taylor Pearson
University of Georgia
The Claxton Bank

Each applicant was required to write an essay on community banking and what it means to their community. These essays can be found on the Hester Scholarship webpage.

CBA also thanks the panel of judges Chris Cochran, Affinity Bank, Atlanta; Kelly Maxwell, Vinings Bank, Smyrna; Elyse Kellert, CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services, Inc., Atlanta; Ashli Matson, Crescent Mortgage Company, Atlanta; Dr. Don Sabbarese, Kennesaw State University (ret.)

CBA Announces 2019 Walraven Scholarship Recipient
The Community Bankers Association of Georgia is pleased to announce the winner of the 2019 J. Steven Walraven Memorial Scholarship. Congratulations to Kaylyn Rawlings, Loan Administrator, OneSouth Bank (formerly Bank of Early) in Blakely. Kaylyn was nominated by Kim Davis Wilson, President & CEO, OneSouth Bank. Kaylyn is attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) where she is majoring in Business to expand her knowledge and better excel in her banking career. This $500 scholarship is awarded to a Georgia community bank employee attending a college or university within the state of Georgia. The goal of the scholarship is to assist those employees interested in furthering their education to enhance their career in community banking.

The scholarship is named for the late J. Steven Walraven, a former community bank president who dedicated much of his life to his community and community banking. His wife Rebecca and their sons have developed the scholarship in his memory. Much of Steve's life was dedicated to improving his community and community banking.

All applicants were required to write an essay on community banking and how it enables bankers to give back to their communities. The winning essay can be found on the Walraven Scholarship webpage.

2019 J. Steven Walraven Memorial Scholarship Winner
Kaylyn Rawlings, Loan Administrator, OneSouth Bank, Blakely
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC)

CFPB Changes Policies on Civil Investigative Demands
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced policy changes affecting Civil Investigative Demands, which are investigational subpoenas the bureau uses to gather information about suspected violations of consumer financial protection laws. Under the reforms, CIDs will provide more information about potential violations, specify activities subject to CFPB authority, and account for recent court decisions. The policy changes are the CFPB’s first response to its 12 requests for information issued last year. Read more from the CFPB.

OCC Proposes Rulemaking on OREO Activities
Last week the OCC published a notice of proposed rulemaking on other real estate owned (OREO) activities for national banks and federal savings associations. OREO refers to real estate acquired in satisfaction of debts previously contracted and real estate no longer used or planned to be used to conduct banking activities. The proposed rule would:

clarify and streamline the OCC’s existing OREO rule for national banks.
update the regulatory framework for OREO activities at federal savings associations.
make technical amendments to the capital rules, including on provisions related to OREO.

To read more from the OCC, click here.

OCC Requests Comment on Fiduciary Capacity Definition
On Monday, the OCC published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) inviting comment on possible revisions to the OCC’s fiduciary regulations, 12 CFR 9 and 150. Specifically, the ANPR requests comment on whether the OCC should update the regulatory definition of “fiduciary capacity” to make it more consistent with recent developments under state laws. The ANPR also requests comment on the potential addition of new provisions to OCC regulations to establish certain basic requirements for non-fiduciary custody activities of national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches and agencies, which are not currently addressed by specific OCC rules. The ANPR has a 60-day comment period, ending on June 28, 2019. Read more from the OCC.

CFPB Seeks Feedback on Remittance Rule
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau requested information on its final rule on remittance transfers following its five-year review of the rule. The rule mandates remittance disclosures, error-resolution procedures, and cancellation and refund policies for companies that send international money transfers on behalf of consumers. The CFPB is requesting feedback on (1) whether to propose changing the remittance transfer providers covered by the rule and (2) the expiration of a temporary exception allowing certain institutions to provide estimates of exchange rates and fees. Read more from the CFPB.

Patrick Dix,
Vice President, Strategic Alliances,
SHAZAM

Stop Selling and Start Connecting: Why Your Marketing Program Isn't Working
Friday, June 7th

It’s not enough to be your community’s “Hometown Bank.” You can’t just tell a potential customer it’s “your people” that make the difference. The number of years you’ve been in business doesn’t mean anything to your potential customer. Information is coming at your customers and your potential customers faster than ever. The volume can turn to white noise if you don’t stop and pay attention to how you target customers. This session explores the ways digital media is changing the way we market to customers, the new ways customers are digesting the information you serve up and how you can differentiate your message by connecting with customers instead of trying to sell to them.

Group Rate Deadline Extended to May 14th!
For single/double occupancy – Resort View, $299 per night; Courtyard View, $329 per night; Ocean View, $359 per night. All rates are subject to state and local taxes at the time of check-in (currently 10%) plus $2, per night Chamber of Commerce fee. The resort service charge is $22 per night and has many inclusions such as self-parking. Contact Peake Wilson at the CBA for more information. The group rate is available for up to 3 days prior and 3 days after event. The deadline to receive the discounted rate is Tuesday, May 14, 2019. For reservations, click here or call toll free at (888) 444-6664 and reference “Community Bankers Association of Georgia” to receive the discounted rate.

Join us and your peers and lead the way to Hilton Head at CBA's 41st Annual Leadership Division Convention & Mini-Trade Show, Thursday- Sunday, June 6-9, 2019 at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC. Learn more and register.

FDIC Hosting Free Seminars on Deposit Insurance Coverage
The FDIC will conduct four identical live seminars on FDIC deposit insurance coverage for bank employees and bank officers between May 15 and December 9. In addition to a comprehensive overview of FDIC deposit insurance rules, the seminars will cover signature card requirements for joint accounts, prepaid cards, bank trade names, health savings accounts, and 529 accounts. The seminars are free, but advance registration is required. Learn more from the FDIC.

How to Deal with Difficult People
CBA Webinar | Tuesday, May 6, 2019 | 2:00 p.m.
$59 for CBA Members | Presented by The James Paul Group

Difficult people. It seems like they are everywhere, aren’t they? In traffic. In the grocery store. At the ballgame. Yet, for some reason we are often surprised and dismayed that they are also located in the cubicle next door and in the office down the hall. If you work with people, you will eventually work with difficult people. However, difficult doesn’t necessarily mean bad. Sometimes, difficult just translates to different. If you are struggling to lead a challenging team mate or work with a not-so-accommodating colleague, you will not want to miss this webinar. After this session, attendees can expect to:

Learn how to understand difficult colleagues
Minimize frustrations and conflict
Work with difficult people rather than against them

Click here to register and learn more about this webinar.

Stephen Lewis
CBA’s Agricultural Committee Chair
First National Bank of Coffee County, Douglas

Read the Feature

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 Agricultural Committee, Stephen Lewis, Senior Lender for First National Bank of Coffee County, Douglas. CBA invited Stephen 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 Agricultural Committee, please contact Kristi Greer or Lori Godfrey.

Huge Success for Flint Community Bank's 5K & Fun Run
Flint Community Bank, Albany, hosted their 2nd Annual Saved by the Bell 5K & Fun Run on Saturday, April 27th as part of CBA's Leadership Division initiative benefiting the Aflac Cancer Center for Children in Atlanta. In addition, half of the proceeds from the event benefits Malachi Russell, son of a former bank employee. The bank is very grateful for all those who participated and gave generously to the event. You can click here to see the race results.

Help raise funds for cancer research by supporting CBA's Rally Around the Bell fundraiser. Donate a minimum of $50 and be entered for a chance to win $5,000. The winner will be drawn at CBA's 41st Annual Leadership Division Convention & Mini-Trade Show on Saturday, June 8th at Hilton Head Island, SC. You do not have to be present to win. Contact Peake Wilson to purchase your raffle tickets. Learn more about the fundraiser.

Heath Fountain Walks a Mile in Her Shoes
Colony Bank, Fitzgerald, recently sponsored the 10th Annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes”, a benefit walk for the Lily Pad SANE Center. The Lily Pad advocates for victims of sexual and other forms of abuse.

At the walk, men are provided red high heels and women are asked to bring their favorite heels and everyone walks a mile in those shoes to raise awareness of sexual violence. This year, the bank was represented by President and CEO Heath Fountain and his family.

Signature Bank of Georgia Cleans Up Community Park
Signature Bank of Georgia, Sandy Springs, recently teamed up with the Sandy Springs Conservancy to participate in the 17th Annual Volunteer for a Better Sandy Springs Community-Wide Clean Up where the bank cleaned up the trails at Morgan Falls Overlook Park.

Cadence Bank Recognizes Entrepreneur of the Year at UGA Awards Luncheon
Cadence Bank, in collaboration with the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC), recently recognized Will Harris as Entrepreneur of the Year at UGA's 2019 Public Service and Outreach awards luncheon. Harris is a fourth-generation cattleman and owner of White Oak Pastures in Bluffton. The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is sponsored by the bank, and recognizes a company that has exhibited significant growth in business, benefited from a variety of formal learning opportunities through the SBDC, and served as a public advocate of business ownership. The award was presented to Harris by Alan Thomes, managing director of SBA Banking at the bank. Read more.

Thomasville National Bank Supports Spark Thomasville
Thomasville National Bank recently supported the first year of Spark Thomasville, a new “Shark Tank” style program that encourages future entrepreneurs from the community. In addition to supporting program, Janet Liles and Joel Barrett from the bank served as judges.

Renasant Bank - Lawrenceville
Dr. Gary Butler has been elected to the bank's Board of Directors. Read more.

Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company, Inc. - Martinez
Walter Massingale has joined the bank as Senior Vice President and Commercial Lender for the Augusta market.

Greater Community Bank - Rome
Daniel Simpson has been named Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager.

Branded Suite of Banking Products

Shanna James is Vice President, Regional Director at Kasasa, the award-winning financial technology and marketing technology provider. Based in Austin, Texas with 350 employees, Kasasa is committed to driving results for more than 700 community financial institutions by attracting, engaging, and retaining consumers. Kasasa does this through branded retail products, world class marketing, and expert consulting. The company reinvented checking and is now reinventing lending through its latest patent-pending offering, Kasasa Loans™.

For more info, contact Shanna at 706-206-8120 or shanna.james@kasasa.com, or visit www.kasasa.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.

May & June 2019

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

Compliance Roundtable - South Georgia
Thursday, May 16 - Tifton

Bank Security & Workplace Violence Conference
Thursday-Friday, June 13-14 – Lake Lanier

Compliance Officer Bootcamp
Tuesday-Friday, June 18-21 - Braselton

Universal Banker
Tuesday-Wednesday, June 25-26 - Macon

2019 Branch Management Series – Session III: Growing the Retail Branch
Thursday, June 27 - Atlanta

Ongoing Webinars & Online Training

Webinars
Featured Webinar – How to Deal with Difficult People
Tuesday, May 6, 2019, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

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)

May & June 2019

2nd Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum – Safety & Soundness
Thursday, May 2 - Atlanta

Community Bank Leadership Academy – Session II
Tuesday-Wednesday, May 14-15 - Macon

41st Annual Leadership Division Convention & Mini-Trade Show
Thursday-Sunday, June 6-9 – Hilton Head Island, SC

MAY 1, 2019