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

“What a treat to stand in front of our BSA/AML professionals last week to see them fully engaged in the Community Bankers Association’s 14th Annual School at the King & Prince Resort on St. Simons Island. As CBA’s Director of Professional Development, I am honored to serve these excellent team members of our community banks. These bankers pour into their roles and job responsibilities each day through requirements of the regulations and policies to ensure they are doing what is best for their banks and customers.” Kristi Greer, SVP - CBA of GA.

Our lead instructor & program facilitator, Dianne Barton, President, Performance Solutions, Inc., opened the program by covering four key trends for 2020—2021, lots of updates from FINCEN, and of course, the updates and impacts of BSA Reform-National Defense Authorization Act. Last week’s school also included:

Updates & hot topics from the OCC & GA State Banking Department
Updates from FINCEN manual
Emerging payment trends
Cannabis Banking in GA & Marijuana-Related Business Updates
High risk products and Services
Risk Assessments
Cryptocurrency
Human Trafficking
Roundtable activities and knowledge sharing to support in-house bank policy and procedures
20 CPEs towards ACAMS Approved
Plus, door prizes, a scavenger hunt, great food, networking, and ongoing knowledge building.

Sebrina Sweeney, President & Founder, The Sweeney Compliance Group, LLC brought additional value and benefits to our school participants this year by sharing several tools that can be used to enhance BSA due diligence. We want to thank Sebrina and all our instructors who participated and shared knowledge last week. Special thanks to the many sponsors.

Hear what the students had to say:
“Everything was Great!” - Judy Cunningham, Farmers State Bank
“Always love attending CBA events!” - Taylor Digby, First Port City Bank
“I always leave the BSA school feeling re-inspired!” - Ashley Lanier-Elston, First National Bank of Coffee County
“CBA always provides excellent & trending topics.” - Sherrie Williams, Carver State Bank

Save the Date: The 15th Annual Advanced BSA/AML Officer School Will Be August 22-26, 2022 at the King & Prince.

Town Hall Talk is Next Week in Calhoun!
The Day at the Dome is coming to you! CBA is proud to partner with NFIB to present Town Hall Talks. These events are a grassroots alternative to the Day at The Dome. They will provide community bankers the opportunity to engage their legislators in a Q&A session and hear perspectives on legislative issues that may impact your community bank.

Next week’s Town Hall Talk will be held September 9, 2021, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. and includes lunch. Attending legislators to date include Rep. Joseph Gullet, Rep. Rick Jasperse, and Sen. Jason Anavitarte. Regulators include Commissioner Kevin Hagler and Commissioner John King. Register today!

Fight IRS Reporting Mandates
Policymakers in Washington are advancing a proposal that would require community banks and other financial institutions to report customer deposit and withdrawal information to the Internal Revenue Service.

This ICBA-opposed proposal would require you to report your customers’ bank account information and activity directly to the IRS regardless of their consent or tax liability. This overreaching proposal would fundamentally redefine the relationship among community banks, their customers, and the IRS.

To help inform community bank customers of the potential effects of this proposal, ICBA has created a specific landing page for your customers and customizable communications resources your bank can use to raise customer awareness.

We encourage you to use these resources to inform your customers so they can make their collective voices heard in Washington with a customizable message to members of Congress.

September is National Preparedness Month
In recognition of National Preparedness Month in September, CBA and ICBA are sharing simple steps to help prepare for the worst and alleviate financial concerns ahead of a natural disaster or emergency.

Below are several tips to help bank customers plan for the unexpected and regain their financial footing once the crisis passes.

Prepare backup communications plans if both cellular and landline services falter.
Store digital and paper copies of critical documents in a safe deposit box. These include a driver’s license, passport, military ID, bank and investment account information, proof of occupancy, a mortgage deed, insurance policies, and three years of tax returns.
Make copies of personal documents—marriage license, birth certificates, adoption papers—for safekeeping and alert a relative, trustee, or attorney of their location.
Print contact information for trustees, guardians, and executors and store them away for safe keeping.
Create an inventory of personal and household valuables and use photo or video documentation to help assess their value and determine replacement costs.
Contact your insurance agent or visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website, to determine if you need a flood insurance policy. FEMA also offers a guide with checklists to help prepare for emergencies and natural disasters.

ICBA has developed a Crisis Preparedness page which includes the latest news, agency responses, media resources, and information on hurricane preparedness, and more.

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

Team members at Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co., Swainsboro, recently honored their local seniors by putting together gifts for the residents at Pruitt Health.
American Commerce Bank, N.A., Bremen, is proud to sponsor the Bremen Takedown Club’s First Annual Cornhole Classic. We wish the Blue Devils a successful season!
Vinings Bank, Smyrna, recently hosted a 90th birthday celebration for Rev. Dr. Nelson Price. Enjoy the article covering the celebration.

Amanda Moore, Pineland Bank, has been promoted to the position of Lobby Manager for the bank’s Kingsland and St. Marys locations.

Dee Cook has joined Legacy State Bank, Loganville as Senior Vice President, Commercial Lender.

Konue Xiong has joined Signature Bank, Sandy Springs, as Vice President and Senior Government Guaranteed Processing and Compliance Manager.

Sydney Nelson has joined Planters First Bank, Hawkinsville as Accounts Payable Clerk.

Whitney Davis was promoted to AVP/Executive Assistant - Portfolio Manager, at Planters First Bank, Cordele.

Daisy Guarchaj, was promoted to Universal Banker at Planters First Bank, Cordele.

Georgia Primary Bank, Atlanta, announces the following promotions:
Mani Swarnam has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Team Lending Leader.
Jennifer Clifton has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Market Executive.
Dale Earnhart has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Manager of Loan Administration.
Jackie Hart has been promoted to Senior Vice President, SBA Administration.
Andy Odom has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Information Technology.
LeeHester Rhodes has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Director of Retail Services.
Pamela Wilson has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Credit Analyst Team Leader.

Mani Swarnam

Jennifer Clifton

Dale Earnhart

Jackie Hart

Andy Odom

LeeHester Rhodes

Pamela Wilson

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:

April Farlow

WINSPIRE: From Ladies to Legends
We invite you to attend our WINSPIRE program to promote individual personal development. We have planned a day to celebrate, encourage & inspire ladies in community banking. We will hear from UGA Lady Dawgs Basketball coach Joni Taylor. April Farlow, a motivational speaker & performance coach, who founded Lydia’s Place, will bring a fun, interactive session to encourage us to live our best life while lifting up others. We will have a table etiquette session during our learning lunch. And don’t miss the relaxation session including a sound bath and stretching.

Join us for a day to share our appreciation for your hard work in community banking. Register today!

PAC/PR Advocacy After-Hours
After WINSPIRE, join us at the Foundry! Your registration includes a presentation on the history of jewelry making and different beads and gems. Then, we will have a jewelry-making session where each attendee will make a necklace and bracelet with the beads of their choice. Followed by refreshments, networking, a presentation from Lori Godfrey on CBA PAC efforts, and lastly, you'll hear from and visit with female legislators. You won't want to miss CBA's PAC/PR Advocacy After-Hours! Register today!

Webinar: FDIC Deposit Insurance Coverage
and Related Matters
September 14, 2021 | 11:00 a.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.

Webinar: Big 3 Core Vendors
September 22, 2021 | 2:00 p.m.
The Big 3 Core Vendors own 75% of Core Market. This webinar will discuss which Big 3 Core Platforms dominate the bank market and help you negotiate your core agreement from a position of strength and teach you tactics to secure a favorable core processing contract. Read more and register.

AgoraEversole offers comprehensive marketing services and solutions to community banks across Georgia. Digital marketing services offered include the GETSocial Social Media Program, Website Design, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), Digital Advertising, and other related marketing services. The traditional program serves needs for newspaper, radio, collateral pieces, etc. Serving almost 100 banks across 15 states, AgoraEversole is your ideal partnership to grow your brand and market share!

To learn more, contact Chris Bates at 601-366-7370 or visit their website.

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

September 1, 2021