December 20, 2017
Events
CBA University
Industry Representation
Legislative Updates
Member Services
Conferences
Conventions
Schools
Webinars
Banker Regulatory Forums
Compliance
CBA University
Industry Representation
Legislative Updates
Member Services
Conferences
Conventions
Schools
Webinars
Banker Regulatory Forums
Compliance
Superior
Products,
Significant Discounts
Products,
Significant Discounts

Congress is close to the finish line in passing a major tax overhaul, and bankers are still clear winners from the compromise worked out between House and Senate negotiators. But the bill also still includes some caveats that might give certain institutions pause.
The centerpiece of the final reform bill, which was unveiled Friday and that Congress is expected to pass later this week, is a reduction of the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. The lower rate will provide a sudden boost to banks' bottom line.
“All things considered, banks are decidedly and unambiguously one of the clearest beneficiaries of the GOP tax reform package,” wrote Isaac Boltansky, an analyst at Compass Point Research & Trading in a note to clients. Click here to read more from American Banker.
The centerpiece of the final reform bill, which was unveiled Friday and that Congress is expected to pass later this week, is a reduction of the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. The lower rate will provide a sudden boost to banks' bottom line.
“All things considered, banks are decidedly and unambiguously one of the clearest beneficiaries of the GOP tax reform package,” wrote Isaac Boltansky, an analyst at Compass Point Research & Trading in a note to clients. Click here to read more from American Banker.

GA's Rep. Scott Introduces Bill to Expand Access to Capital
The Community Bank Access to Capital Act of 2017 (H.R. 4562) was introduced by House Financial Services Committee members French Hill (R-Ark.) and David Scott (D-Ga.). This legislation includes several provisions that would:
The Community Bank Access to Capital Act of 2017 (H.R. 4562) was introduced by House Financial Services Committee members French Hill (R-Ark.) and David Scott (D-Ga.). This legislation includes several provisions that would:
- exempt community banks with $50 billion or less in assets from the Basel III capital rules,
- exempt publicly held community banks with less than $1 billion in assets from the Sarbanes-Oxley Act’s internal control attestation requirements,
- raise the consolidated asset threshold under the Federal Reserve’s Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement from $1 billion to $3 billion, and
- revise the Securities and Exchange Commission definition of “non-accredited” investors to attract new investors.

Take Action Now: Community Bank Regulatory Relief
ICBA has launched a multifaceted campaign urging full Senate passage of bipartisan legislation to provide substantial community bank regulatory relief. Community bankers can use ICBA's "Recipe for Regulatory Relief" alert to call on their senators to take up and pass the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (S. 2155).
The legislation, which the Senate Banking Committee has approved on a bipartisan 16-7 vote, includes numerous provisions from ICBA's Plan for Prosperity regulatory relief platform. While the committee vote was an important step, community bankers must continue urging lawmakers to deliver the bipartisan bill to the president's desk to be signed into law.
If enacted into law, S. 2155 would:
ICBA has launched a multifaceted campaign urging full Senate passage of bipartisan legislation to provide substantial community bank regulatory relief. Community bankers can use ICBA's "Recipe for Regulatory Relief" alert to call on their senators to take up and pass the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (S. 2155).
The legislation, which the Senate Banking Committee has approved on a bipartisan 16-7 vote, includes numerous provisions from ICBA's Plan for Prosperity regulatory relief platform. While the committee vote was an important step, community bankers must continue urging lawmakers to deliver the bipartisan bill to the president's desk to be signed into law.
If enacted into law, S. 2155 would:
- increase exemption thresholds for HMDA reporting
- provide "QM" status for portfolio mortgage loans at most community banks
- exempt certain community bank loans from escrow requirements
- simplify community bank capital requirements
- require regulatory agencies to create a short-form call report
- expand eligibility for the 18-month regulatory examination cycle
- ease appraisal requirements, exempt most community banks from the Volcker Rule
- expand access to the Federal Reserve's Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement, and more.

House Bill Would Delay HMDA Implementation
Legislation to delay the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Home Mortgage Disclosure Act final rule was introduced in the House by Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.). H.R. 4648 would bar supervisory or enforcement actions for data collected before January 1, 2019, or data reported before January 1, 2020. It also would suspend new data-sharing requirements.
Delaying and expanding exemptions for the new HMDA rule is slated to take effect at the start of 2018. Last week ICBA called on CFPB Acting Director Mick Mulvaney to use the bureau’s authority to delay the effective date by one year, which followed a similar letter from 28 House Republicans. ICBA also advocated an increase in the reporting threshold to 1,000 closed-end mortgages and 2,000 open-end lines of credit.
Meanwhile, there are several congressional efforts to increase HMDA exemption thresholds, including the bipartisan Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (S. 2155) regulatory relief package that passed the Senate Banking Committee on December 5, as well as the Financial CHOICE Act and CLEAR Relief Act.
Legislation to delay the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Home Mortgage Disclosure Act final rule was introduced in the House by Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.). H.R. 4648 would bar supervisory or enforcement actions for data collected before January 1, 2019, or data reported before January 1, 2020. It also would suspend new data-sharing requirements.
Delaying and expanding exemptions for the new HMDA rule is slated to take effect at the start of 2018. Last week ICBA called on CFPB Acting Director Mick Mulvaney to use the bureau’s authority to delay the effective date by one year, which followed a similar letter from 28 House Republicans. ICBA also advocated an increase in the reporting threshold to 1,000 closed-end mortgages and 2,000 open-end lines of credit.
Meanwhile, there are several congressional efforts to increase HMDA exemption thresholds, including the bipartisan Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (S. 2155) regulatory relief package that passed the Senate Banking Committee on December 5, as well as the Financial CHOICE Act and CLEAR Relief Act.

Defense Department Updates Military Lending Act Guidance
The Defense Department amended its August 2016 interpretive rule on the Military Lending Act to answer additional compliance questions. The amended rule, which is effective immediately, answers questions on purchase money secured loans, security interests, remotely created checks, and more. Click here for the Amended Rule.
The Defense Department amended its August 2016 interpretive rule on the Military Lending Act to answer additional compliance questions. The amended rule, which is effective immediately, answers questions on purchase money secured loans, security interests, remotely created checks, and more. Click here for the Amended Rule.

FDIC Releases History of Agency's Response to Financial Crisis
The FDIC on Monday released a history of the financial crisis focusing on the agency's response and lessons learned from its experience.
Crisis and Response: An FDIC History, 2008–2013 reviews the experience of the FDIC during a period in which the agency was confronted with two interconnected and overlapping crises—first, the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009, and second, a banking crisis that began in 2008 and continued until 2013. The history examines the FDIC's response, contributes to an understanding of what occurred, and shares lessons from the agency's experience. Read Crisis and Response.
The FDIC on Monday released a history of the financial crisis focusing on the agency's response and lessons learned from its experience.
Crisis and Response: An FDIC History, 2008–2013 reviews the experience of the FDIC during a period in which the agency was confronted with two interconnected and overlapping crises—first, the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009, and second, a banking crisis that began in 2008 and continued until 2013. The history examines the FDIC's response, contributes to an understanding of what occurred, and shares lessons from the agency's experience. Read Crisis and Response.

Mark Your Calendars: Safety & Soundness-focused Banker Regulatory Forum
Please plan to join us and your peers at the next Banker Regulatory Forum being held on Thursday, February 1, 2018, at CBA’s Headquarters in Atlanta. Hear hot topics from the regulators, engage in an open discussion regarding pressing issues, network with your peers and get your questions answered during this interactive forum. As always, attendance to this popular event is complimentary for CBA members and lunch is included!
Agenda:
9:45 a.m. Continental Breakfast
10:00 a.m. Welcome & Call to Order
10:10 a.m. Hot Topics and Q & A with the Regulators
12:00 p.m. Lunch with the Regulators
1:00 p.m. Bankers Only Session – Discussion of Issues/Concerns
1:15 p.m. Adjourn
Click here to learn more and to register. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, February 1st. Thank you to our 2018 Banker Regulatory Forum sponsor State Bank & Trust Co.
Please plan to join us and your peers at the next Banker Regulatory Forum being held on Thursday, February 1, 2018, at CBA’s Headquarters in Atlanta. Hear hot topics from the regulators, engage in an open discussion regarding pressing issues, network with your peers and get your questions answered during this interactive forum. As always, attendance to this popular event is complimentary for CBA members and lunch is included!
Agenda:
9:45 a.m. Continental Breakfast
10:00 a.m. Welcome & Call to Order
10:10 a.m. Hot Topics and Q & A with the Regulators
12:00 p.m. Lunch with the Regulators
1:00 p.m. Bankers Only Session – Discussion of Issues/Concerns
1:15 p.m. Adjourn
Click here to learn more and to register. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, February 1st. Thank you to our 2018 Banker Regulatory Forum sponsor State Bank & Trust Co.

Buy-In By Degrees
Five Ways to Bolster Your Bank’s Cybersecurity Awareness
For many financial institutions, information security awareness programs are a regulatory requirement. Yet requirement doesn’t by any means equal enjoyment: They represent a major pain point for most and are frequently seen as an annual obligation. Their value is often difficult to quantify; thus they get little funding or attention. But once implemented, these programs mount an invaluable defense against internal and external cyberattacks.
Options abound to pay for security awareness materials or consultants to deliver them—but that only covers part of the challenge. How do you make information security part of your culture? How do you get buy-in across departments and leadership? Getting started often equals the hardest part for financial institutions. Read the full article from CBA Associate Member Sageworks, which includes five proven ways to kick up buy-in and acceptance.
Five Ways to Bolster Your Bank’s Cybersecurity Awareness
For many financial institutions, information security awareness programs are a regulatory requirement. Yet requirement doesn’t by any means equal enjoyment: They represent a major pain point for most and are frequently seen as an annual obligation. Their value is often difficult to quantify; thus they get little funding or attention. But once implemented, these programs mount an invaluable defense against internal and external cyberattacks.
Options abound to pay for security awareness materials or consultants to deliver them—but that only covers part of the challenge. How do you make information security part of your culture? How do you get buy-in across departments and leadership? Getting started often equals the hardest part for financial institutions. Read the full article from CBA Associate Member Sageworks, which includes five proven ways to kick up buy-in and acceptance.

Advertising Made Easy: Explore CBA's 2018 Media Kit!
The 2018 CBA of Georgia Media Kit includes numerous ways for associate members to reach Georgia’s community bankers. The kit contains all ad specs, deadlines, subscriber information and contact information to help you with your advertising plans for the coming year. The weekly e-newsletter is delivered to over 5,000 email addresses so a one-month ad in the e-newsletter will reach 20,000 email addresses for only $400! Click here to view or download the media kit. Contact Lindsay Greene or call 770-541-0376 for a customized package.
The 2018 CBA of Georgia Media Kit includes numerous ways for associate members to reach Georgia’s community bankers. The kit contains all ad specs, deadlines, subscriber information and contact information to help you with your advertising plans for the coming year. The weekly e-newsletter is delivered to over 5,000 email addresses so a one-month ad in the e-newsletter will reach 20,000 email addresses for only $400! Click here to view or download the media kit. Contact Lindsay Greene or call 770-541-0376 for a customized package.

Save the Date: Investment Strategies for 1st Quarter 2018
FREE Webinar from CBA Endorsed Member Company The Baker Group
Thursday, January 11, 2018 | 11:30 E.T.
Topics
Actual topics to be determined at a later date. General topics will include:
Who Should Participate
Financial institutions’ CEOs, CFOs, investment officers, board members, and those who are directly or indirectly responsible for financial management functions will benefit from this webinar. 1.5 hours of Finance CPE Credits will be earned for your participation.
Click here to learn more and to register. Be sure to list Paul Clanton as The Baker Group representative when you register.
FREE Webinar from CBA Endorsed Member Company The Baker Group
Thursday, January 11, 2018 | 11:30 E.T.
Topics
Actual topics to be determined at a later date. 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
Who Should Participate
Financial institutions’ CEOs, CFOs, investment officers, board members, and those who are directly or indirectly responsible for financial management functions will benefit from this webinar. 1.5 hours of Finance CPE Credits will be earned for your participation.
Click here to learn more and to register. Be sure to list Paul Clanton as The Baker Group representative when you register.

Protecting your customers and gaining new business are keys to the success of any community bank's growth in today's volatile environment. Does your bank have a focused, systematic approach to business development?
No longer can we rely on customers coming to us; we must get out of the bank and call on current customers, as well as prospective customers. This two-day Business Development Workshop being held on January 23 - 24, 2018, is designed to provide the foundational systems and to develop the skills needed to be effective at making business calls. We will address some of the common reasons why business development is so challenging: dealing with the discomfort of making calls; finding the time to make calls; and, ensuring the calls are focused and results oriented. Participants are encouraged to bring actual customer and prospect situations to the training workshops. The CBA invites you to register today for this informative two-day workshop. Don't miss the chance to network with other community bankers while you learn the skills and techniques to make successful business development calls. Click here for more information.
No longer can we rely on customers coming to us; we must get out of the bank and call on current customers, as well as prospective customers. This two-day Business Development Workshop being held on January 23 - 24, 2018, is designed to provide the foundational systems and to develop the skills needed to be effective at making business calls. We will address some of the common reasons why business development is so challenging: dealing with the discomfort of making calls; finding the time to make calls; and, ensuring the calls are focused and results oriented. Participants are encouraged to bring actual customer and prospect situations to the training workshops. The CBA invites you to register today for this informative two-day workshop. Don't miss the chance to network with other community bankers while you learn the skills and techniques to make successful business development calls. Click here for more information.

Making the Case for Feeding the Media
Patrick Dix | Vice President of Public Relations, SHAZAM | Johnston, IA
You’ve just had a critical incident at your Financial Institution. Reporters are waiting outside with cameras. Are you ready? There’s a way to make sure you won’t be searching for answers when you find yourself in this position. The 24-hour news cycle means local news organizations are hungrier than ever for fresh content and credible experts. This session will make the case that, as a Community Banker, developing relationships with local media and saying “yes” when they call for your help will pay off for your reputation, your business and your bottom line.
Join us on February 22, 2018 for an action-packed day of thought-provoking marketing from a panel of experts in the field. Register today!
Patrick Dix | Vice President of Public Relations, SHAZAM | Johnston, IA
You’ve just had a critical incident at your Financial Institution. Reporters are waiting outside with cameras. Are you ready? There’s a way to make sure you won’t be searching for answers when you find yourself in this position. The 24-hour news cycle means local news organizations are hungrier than ever for fresh content and credible experts. This session will make the case that, as a Community Banker, developing relationships with local media and saying “yes” when they call for your help will pay off for your reputation, your business and your bottom line.
Join us on February 22, 2018 for an action-packed day of thought-provoking marketing from a panel of experts in the field. Register today!
The CBA is pleased to announce the January 2018 webinar topics and the topics for the 2018 webinar series. To learn about the various webinar training options, Click here. To learn more about each webinar and series, please contact the CBA Education Department or visit www.cbaofga.com.
2018 January Webinars
1/3
1/4 1/9 1/10 1/11 1/17 1/18 1/19 1/24 1/25 1/30 1/31 |
Top Issues for 2017 HMDA Reporting: Due March 1, 2018
Dealing with ACH Tax Refunds: Exceptions, Posting & Liabilities Board Secretary Training: Documenting Minutes, Corrections & Disagreements SBA Lending Update 2018: Trends, Regulations & Pending Changes Credit Analysis & Underwriting Series: Loan Underwriting 101: Interviewing, Credit Reports, Debt Ratios & Regulation B IRA Series: 2018 IRA & HSA Update & Hot Topics Consumer Debt Series: Credit Reporting & Delinquent Accounts: Disputes, Revisions, Recent Guidance & More FFIEC Reporting for CRA Compliance, Including Recent CFPB Updates to HMDA Same Day ACH Final Phase, Effective March 15, 2018: Funds Availability Requirements Call Report Revisions & Update 2018, Including FFIEC Community Bank Call Report Burden-Reduction Initiative Exercising the Right of Setoff on Deposit Accounts & Loans Compliance Series: Job-Specific Compliance Training for the Frontline |
2018 Webinar Series
SIX-PART WEBINAR SERIES:
(Purchase Webinars Individually or Purchase the Series to Get All 6 Webinars for the Price of 5!)
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FOUR-PART WEBINAR SERIES:
(Purchase Webinars Individually or Purchase the Series to Save 10%!)
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Retirement Announcement
Congratulations to Jerry Blanchard of Bryan Cave, LLP who announced his retirement after 40 years of practicing law. Jerry's retirement is effective December 31, 2017.
Congratulations to Jerry Blanchard of Bryan Cave, LLP who announced his retirement after 40 years of practicing law. Jerry's retirement is effective December 31, 2017.

Massengill Presented Crystal Eagle Award
Rhonda Massengill, CFO of Century Bank of Georgia, Cartersville, was presented with the bank's “Crystal Eagle” award in recognition of her commitment, excellence and integrity to the bank’s staff, clients and shareholders. She was presented the award by Rick Drews, CEO, and David Caswell, COO.
Rhonda Massengill, CFO of Century Bank of Georgia, Cartersville, was presented with the bank's “Crystal Eagle” award in recognition of her commitment, excellence and integrity to the bank’s staff, clients and shareholders. She was presented the award by Rick Drews, CEO, and David Caswell, COO.
Meet the CBA Team!
Can you guess which CBA team member this is? Get to know us with a different member of our team featured each month!
Can you guess which CBA team member this is? Get to know us with a different member of our team featured each month!
First Landmark Bank - Marietta Terry DeWitt, Executive Vice President and CFO, was recently named The West Cobb citizen of the year by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Read more. |
![]() 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 Jodi Swilley. For assistance with Corporate Events, contact Peake Wilson.
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January-February 2018
ACAMS Examination Preparation Class
Thursday, January 18 - Atlanta
IT/Cyber Security Roundtable - Middle Georgia
Tuesday, January 23 - Lyons
Business Development Workshop
Tuesday - Wednesday, January 23-24 - Atlanta
2018 Senior Retail Banking Officer Forum - Session I
Thursday, January 25 - Atlanta
Compliance/BSA Roundtable - Metro Atlanta
Thursday, January 25 - Covington
NEW! The Fundamentals of Mortgage Lending School
Tuesday-Thursday, February 6-8 - Atlanta
Consumer Lending School
Monday-Friday, February 12-16 - Atlanta
IT/Cyber Security Roundtable – Metro Atlanta
Tuesday, February 13 - Covington
NEW! Piecing Together The Marketing Puzzle
Thursday, February 22 - Atlanta
Compliance/BSA Roundtable – South Georgia
Thursday, February 22 - Tifton
2018 Mastering HMDA – TWO Locations
Monday, February 26 - Duluth
Tuesday, February 27 - Macon
19th Biannual BSA Officer School – The Basics
Tuesday, February 27 - Atlanta
Click here to view all First Quarter Education Programs & Corporate Events
Webinars
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)
1st Quarter 2018
1st Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum – Safety & Soundness
Thursday, February 1 – Atlanta
CBA’s Annual Community Banking Day at the Capitol
Wednesday, February 7 - Atlanta
A Conversation & Lunch with OCC Southern District Leaders
Thursday, March 15 - Macon
5th Annual Women In Banking Seminar
Tuesday, March 20 – Macon
Spring PAC/PR Clay Shoot
Thursday, March 22 - Macon
1st Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum – Safety & Soundness
Thursday, February 1 – Atlanta
CBA’s Annual Community Banking Day at the Capitol
Wednesday, February 7 - Atlanta
A Conversation & Lunch with OCC Southern District Leaders
Thursday, March 15 - Macon
5th Annual Women In Banking Seminar
Tuesday, March 20 – Macon
Spring PAC/PR Clay Shoot
Thursday, March 22 - 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
Business Development Workshop
Tuesday-Wednesday, January 23-24 - Atlanta
2018 Senior Retail Banking Officer Forum - Session I
Thursday, January 25 - Atlanta
1st Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum
Thursday, February 1 - Atlanta
Business Development Workshop
Tuesday-Wednesday, January 23-24 - Atlanta
2018 Senior Retail Banking Officer Forum - Session I
Thursday, January 25 - Atlanta
1st Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum
Thursday, February 1 - Atlanta
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