July 21 - CBA Today eNewsletter - Community Bankers Association of Georgia

In 2020, we lost our dear friend and colleague, Charles "Chuck" Harwell. Chuck was a CBA board member who always supported this event as well as all of our PAC events year after year. Chuck was truly passionate about ensuring community banks had a voice at the Capitol and staying engaged in lobbying for our industry.

Your CBA family would like to respectfully memorialize Chuck for what he stood for and meant to his family, friends, and the community he impacted. We are pleased to present the Charles "Chuck" Harwell Memorial Clay Shoot, which will be held October 21, 2021, at Burge Plantation in Mansfield.

Chuck was the President and CEO of the Community Bank of Dublin-Laurens County and had been in banking since 1994. Prior to his banking career, he worked 10 years with the Georgia Department of Revenue. In addition to completing his undergraduate degrees in Business Management and Accounting at Georgia College, he was a graduate of The University of Georgia’s Graduate School of Banking and Louisiana State University’s Graduate School of Banking. Chuck served on CBA’s Board of Directors for over 10 years and chaired several CBA committees.

The Charlie Curry Memorial Clay Shoot will also be held September 28, 2021 at Wynfield Plantation in Albany. Click here to learn more, register, or sponsor these events.

How Georgia Community Banks Are Supporting Georgia’s $68 Billion
Tourism Industry
Whether looking for relaxation, a bit of exploration, or a change of pace, the Peach State delivers diverse experiences for any age and interest. Visitors can take in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, pan for gold in historic Dahlonega, and enjoy history and nature in Pine Mountain.

A $68.96 billion industry for the state, tourism drives significant business growth and increased revenue for companies operating in Georgia. In the July/August issue of Georgia Communities First, community bankers from across the state share about the hospitality industry in their area, how their bank has been able to assist customers in the hospitality industry, and how those companies are finding creative ways to serve visitors considering the tight labor market. Special thanks to the bankers who participated in the article.

ICBA Launches Fintech Investment Fund
ICBA is forming BankTech Ventures, an investment fund designed to accelerate technology opportunities and adoption at community banks.

Background: Driven by interest from ICBA members, the fund is designed to select, invest, incubate, and fast-track fintech solutions that solve community bank pain points and provide value for the fund’s community bank investors.
Team: ICBA will serve as one of the investment managers and a general partner of the fund, along with partners The Venture Center, Coastal Community Bank, Sunwest Bank, and Hovde Group.
Operations: The team will help community bank investors stay ahead of fintech trends through early access to a vetted network of leading and emerging technology solutions tailored to address community bank needs.

If your bank is interested in learning more, contact Charles Potts.

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:

Century Bank & Trust, Milledgeville – Mr. Derek Williams
Citizens Bank of Americus - Mr. Rick Whaley

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

Signature Bank of Georgia, Atlanta, has shared that Loan Operations Officer, Katy Powell recently attended the World Promotions Inc. Viva! Las Vegas 2021 Dance Competition at the Wynn Encore, Las Vegas, NV. She won the Top Newcomer Honor and placed 4th in the Overall Competition led by dance-pro partner, Maximiliano Panesi, representing Daza Dance Studio, Atlanta.

Colony Bank, Atlanta, announced two new additions to its mortgage banking team. Phillip Casbon has joined as Regional Production Manager and Kim Casbon has joined as Mortgage Operations Manager.

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:

Executive Channel
July 27, 2021 | Macon
Register now for high-level in-person peer connections exclusively offered in CBA’s Executive Channel. The Executive Channel provides a direct connection for Executive Bankers from across the state! CBA has gathered for you a group of industry leaders to share information and guide discussions as we delve into topics such as:

Regulatory and Legal Updates | Legislative and Political Action Updates | Current Community Banking Trends
Current Challenges Facing Community Banks | Financial Trends | M&A Data | Interest Rate Forecast
Executive Management and Board Relations | Strategic Planning, Change Management
Practical solutions, and Expert Knowledge to support Balance Sheet Management, and More
Register here.

Cyber Risk Summit
August 19-20, 2021 | Savannah
The Cyber Risk Summit will cover:

The importance of ongoing awareness of cyber risk. The basics are still the basics - "Why is it still relevant?" Session to focus on Incident Response, using a cyber risk assessment tool/framework to be better prepared and ready.
Governance at a Glance – A 12-month Plan for Information Security and Governance
Securing Office 365 and Cloud Security in Community Banks
Insights From the FBI
Managing Cybersecurity in a Pandemic
15-Layer Security Posture including print security and awareness training for fellow employees Risk-Based Audits and Pen Tests
Regulator Hot Topics and Updates
Elevating Your Fraud Prevention Strategies
And More! Sign up TODAY!

Webinar: FDIC Deposit Insurance Coverage
and Related Matters
August 17, 2021 | 2:00 p.m.
This free webinar* is designed for all levels of bank employees, CPAs, and executives who would like to learn more about FDIC deposit insurance coverage and related matters. CPAs can receive 1 CPE credit (approved by NASBA). This session will cover:

Coverage Background | Basic Coverage Rules | Agency or Custodial Accounts
Coverage for Government Accounts | Examination Preparation | Reciprocal Deposits

Joe DiNuzzo, a former attorney with the FDIC and an expert in FDIC insurance regulations, will lead the session. Read more and register.

FREE Webinar: Bitcoin + Banking is Happening
Tuesday, August 24 | 2:00 PM
Come hear from NYDIG about what's happening in the banking industry and how Bitcoin is being integrated into many bank's offering. The webinar will cover a little about NYDIG, why Bitcoin matters in particular to banks, what kinds of products banks are rolling out, and an understanding of the regulatory landscape impacting banks and their ability to roll out these kinds of products.

Finovate Fall 2021 in New York –
Georgia Presenters and Special Discount
Connect digitally or join in person for Finovate Fall 2021, September 13-15, 2021, at The Marriott Marquis in Times Square, New York. Finovate includes 90+ speakers. 50+ fintech demos, and 100s of meetings. A few presenters from Georgia include Kim Kirk, Queensborough National Bank & Trust; William Mills from William Mills Agency; and Charles Potts, ICBA. Click here for a 20% VIP Discount Code.

Would You Like to Help Your Small Business Customers Reduce Overhead
Expenses by 25%? Meet Outgo 360!
Outgo 360 is an expense analysis and cost reduction company that prides itself on saving small businesses an average of 25% of their fixed expenses. Our team will analyze expenditures and negotiate pricing with current partnerships, all without disruption to ongoing operations. If necessary, we are able to utilize our network of alternative vendors to consider additional options! Included in our assessment is a three-year historical audit of a client’s workers’ compensation program aimed at recouping errors and overcharges.

Allow Outgo 360 to be your risk-free procurement consultant, as we operate on a success-based fee model that allows the small business owner to focus their attention and resources on the growth and management of their company. Contact John Gross at 717-383-9380 or jgross@outgo360.com.

ICBA is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education, and high-quality products and services.

To learn more, contact Scott Brown at 770-605-7054 or visit their website.

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

July 21, 2021