November 14, 2018
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

While election night has come and gone, votes are still being counted, runoffs will ensue, and some races remain too close to call. Election results will not become official until the results are certified by our newly appointed Secretary of State Robyn Crittenden. In the face of a great deal of uncertainty, we thought it would be helpful to outline what we do know about the results of the election. CBA has released an initial analysis of the 2018 mid-term election results and the potential impact on the community banking sector. Read CBA's Election Analysis.

SBA Provides Disaster Loans Following Hurricane Michael
Many people may not be aware that when disaster strikes, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has responsibility of making very low interest rate direct loans not only to businesses, but also to homeowners, consumers, farmers, even non-profits. The SBA has issued two notices providing facts on SBA Disaster Loans and how to obtain them.
The SBA has issued a fact sheet on the disaster programs, which counties are eligible, and a summary of eligibility and application procedures for businesses, homeowners, and agriculture related businesses. The SBA has also issued a release with contact information, office locations and hours throughout South Georgia. As many continue to face the task of rebuilding their homes, businesses, and farms, this information could be invaluable to those impacted by the hurricane who are searching for help. Thank you to CSRA Business Lending, a CBA Associate Member, for helping spread the word. Read the disaster lending fact sheet. Contact the SBA. Please contact CBA at (770) 541-4490 for assistance on any issues facing your institution.
Many people may not be aware that when disaster strikes, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has responsibility of making very low interest rate direct loans not only to businesses, but also to homeowners, consumers, farmers, even non-profits. The SBA has issued two notices providing facts on SBA Disaster Loans and how to obtain them.
The SBA has issued a fact sheet on the disaster programs, which counties are eligible, and a summary of eligibility and application procedures for businesses, homeowners, and agriculture related businesses. The SBA has also issued a release with contact information, office locations and hours throughout South Georgia. As many continue to face the task of rebuilding their homes, businesses, and farms, this information could be invaluable to those impacted by the hurricane who are searching for help. Thank you to CSRA Business Lending, a CBA Associate Member, for helping spread the word. Read the disaster lending fact sheet. Contact the SBA. Please contact CBA at (770) 541-4490 for assistance on any issues facing your institution.

Agencies Propose to Streamline Reporting for Small Institutions
The federal banking agencies have invited public comment on a proposal to reduce regulatory reporting burden on small institutions by expanding the number of regulated institutions eligible for streamlined reporting. The proposal would implement section 205 of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act.
The proposal would permit insured depository institutions with total assets of less than $5 billion that do not engage in certain complex or international activities to file the most streamlined version of the Call Report, the FFIEC 051 Call Report. The agencies also are proposing to reduce by approximately 37 percent the number of existing data items reportable in the FFIEC 051 Call Reports for the first and third calendar quarters. Read the proposal.
CBA is asking bankers for comments on this proposal so that we can send a letter on behalf of our community banks to the three federal banking agencies. Please submit any comments that you may have on this topic to Lori Godfrey by no later than Friday, December 21st, so CBA can compile the letter within the 60 day timeframe. Thank you for providing your comments as participation in CBA Advocacy is an important part of our ability to support community banking.
The federal banking agencies have invited public comment on a proposal to reduce regulatory reporting burden on small institutions by expanding the number of regulated institutions eligible for streamlined reporting. The proposal would implement section 205 of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act.
The proposal would permit insured depository institutions with total assets of less than $5 billion that do not engage in certain complex or international activities to file the most streamlined version of the Call Report, the FFIEC 051 Call Report. The agencies also are proposing to reduce by approximately 37 percent the number of existing data items reportable in the FFIEC 051 Call Reports for the first and third calendar quarters. Read the proposal.
CBA is asking bankers for comments on this proposal so that we can send a letter on behalf of our community banks to the three federal banking agencies. Please submit any comments that you may have on this topic to Lori Godfrey by no later than Friday, December 21st, so CBA can compile the letter within the 60 day timeframe. Thank you for providing your comments as participation in CBA Advocacy is an important part of our ability to support community banking.

Fed Releases Findings from Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey
The Federal Reserve has released the results to their October 2018 Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices. The survey addresses changes in the standards and terms on, and demand for, bank loans to businesses and households over the past three months, which generally corresponds to the third quarter of 2018.
Regarding loans to business borrowers, banks indicated that they eased their standards and terms for commercial and industrial (C&I) loans while experiencing weaker demand for such loans on balance. At the same time, banks reportedly left their standards unchanged on most categories of commercial real estate (CRE) loans, while demand reportedly weakened for most categories of such loans. For loans to households, banks reported easing their standards on most categories of residential real estate (RRE) loans while experiencing weaker demand for such loans on balance. In contrast, banks reportedly left their standards on auto and credit card loans about unchanged, while demand for such loans also remained unchanged. Read more from the Fed.
The Federal Reserve has released the results to their October 2018 Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices. The survey addresses changes in the standards and terms on, and demand for, bank loans to businesses and households over the past three months, which generally corresponds to the third quarter of 2018.
Regarding loans to business borrowers, banks indicated that they eased their standards and terms for commercial and industrial (C&I) loans while experiencing weaker demand for such loans on balance. At the same time, banks reportedly left their standards unchanged on most categories of commercial real estate (CRE) loans, while demand reportedly weakened for most categories of such loans. For loans to households, banks reported easing their standards on most categories of residential real estate (RRE) loans while experiencing weaker demand for such loans on balance. In contrast, banks reportedly left their standards on auto and credit card loans about unchanged, while demand for such loans also remained unchanged. Read more from the Fed.

Agencies Release New Dataset on Mortgage Experiences
Regulators released a new loan-level dataset on mortgage originations that provides insights into borrowers’ residential mortgage experiences. Released by the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, the data was collected via a quarterly survey of borrowers that has been conducted since 2014. The survey is designed to obtain information to help improve lending practices and the mortgage process. Read more.
Regulators released a new loan-level dataset on mortgage originations that provides insights into borrowers’ residential mortgage experiences. Released by the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, the data was collected via a quarterly survey of borrowers that has been conducted since 2014. The survey is designed to obtain information to help improve lending practices and the mortgage process. Read more.

Consumer Credit Rises 5.3% in Q3
Consumer credit increased at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.3 percent during the third quarter following a 3.3 percent gain in September, the Federal Reserve said. Revolving credit, which includes credit card spending, rose 2.1 percent during the quarter and dipped 0.4 percent in September. Non-revolving credit, such as auto and student loans, increased 6.4 percent on a quarterly basis and 4.7 percent in September. Read more from the Fed.
Consumer credit increased at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.3 percent during the third quarter following a 3.3 percent gain in September, the Federal Reserve said. Revolving credit, which includes credit card spending, rose 2.1 percent during the quarter and dipped 0.4 percent in September. Non-revolving credit, such as auto and student loans, increased 6.4 percent on a quarterly basis and 4.7 percent in September. Read more from the Fed.

Veterans Aren’t Getting the Loans They Need to Start a Business
Entrepreneurship among veterans appears to be declining despite extra attention from many banks and credit unions. Veterans that operate small businesses are more likely to face financing shortfalls than lifelong civilians, according to a report released by the Small Business Administration and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The findings surprised many small-business lenders.
The report found that the self-employment rate for veterans has declined by 33% over the past 20 years. Veterans, who had higher self-employment rates than lifelong civilians two decades ago, are now no more likely to own their own business. Read more in American Banker.
Entrepreneurship among veterans appears to be declining despite extra attention from many banks and credit unions. Veterans that operate small businesses are more likely to face financing shortfalls than lifelong civilians, according to a report released by the Small Business Administration and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The findings surprised many small-business lenders.
The report found that the self-employment rate for veterans has declined by 33% over the past 20 years. Veterans, who had higher self-employment rates than lifelong civilians two decades ago, are now no more likely to own their own business. Read more in American Banker.

Most Banks are Collecting, Analyzing CECL Data
Community bankers in the throes of implementing the current expected credit loss model, or CECL, are generally collecting and analyzing data at this point in the process, according to a new survey. In the 2018 National Survey of Community Banks, bankers were asked about the current status of their transition to the CECL methodology. Among 521 respondents, 56.3 percent said they are in the data collection and analysis phase. A quarter (25.5 percent) are in discussions with vendors and conducting gap analyses and 5.1 percent have selected and tested their methodologies for the accounting standard update. At the other end of the preparedness spectrum, 8.3 percent of those surveyed said they haven’t started the transition to CECL. Banks that file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) must comply with CECL in 2020; all other financial institutions have until the following year. Read the full article. Guest article from CBA Associate Member Sageworks.
Community bankers in the throes of implementing the current expected credit loss model, or CECL, are generally collecting and analyzing data at this point in the process, according to a new survey. In the 2018 National Survey of Community Banks, bankers were asked about the current status of their transition to the CECL methodology. Among 521 respondents, 56.3 percent said they are in the data collection and analysis phase. A quarter (25.5 percent) are in discussions with vendors and conducting gap analyses and 5.1 percent have selected and tested their methodologies for the accounting standard update. At the other end of the preparedness spectrum, 8.3 percent of those surveyed said they haven’t started the transition to CECL. Banks that file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) must comply with CECL in 2020; all other financial institutions have until the following year. Read the full article. Guest article from CBA Associate Member Sageworks.

Opinion: What Bankers Want from CRA Reform
Congress enacted the Community Reinvestment Act in 1977 to ensure banks continued serving the financial needs of their communities. Through CRA and other projects, banks are now investing more than a $100 billion each year into low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Banks believe in their CRA projects and are proud of the work they do. In fact, about 95% of banks currently pass their CRA examinations. Many people look at that and ask, “Why do banks want to change it?”
The answer is simple. Banks want to make CRA better to ensure investments and loans go where they are most needed. Since the law was passed some four decades ago, it has only been formally modernized once — in the mid-1990s, back when Amazon only sold books and renting a movie from Blockbuster was a weekend staple. Read more in American Banker.
Congress enacted the Community Reinvestment Act in 1977 to ensure banks continued serving the financial needs of their communities. Through CRA and other projects, banks are now investing more than a $100 billion each year into low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Banks believe in their CRA projects and are proud of the work they do. In fact, about 95% of banks currently pass their CRA examinations. Many people look at that and ask, “Why do banks want to change it?”
The answer is simple. Banks want to make CRA better to ensure investments and loans go where they are most needed. Since the law was passed some four decades ago, it has only been formally modernized once — in the mid-1990s, back when Amazon only sold books and renting a movie from Blockbuster was a weekend staple. Read more in American Banker.

CBA's 2019 J. Steven Walraven Memorial Scholarship
The 2019 Walraven Scholarship, 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.
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.
All completed applications should be submitted to CBA no later than Friday, April 12, 2019. Only complete applications will be eligible. Winners will be announced in late April 2019.
Click here for more details and to download the application. Contact Jeremy Thomens for more information.
The 2019 Walraven Scholarship, 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.
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.
All completed applications should be submitted to CBA no later than Friday, April 12, 2019. Only complete applications will be eligible. Winners will be announced in late April 2019.
Click here for more details and to download the application. Contact Jeremy Thomens for more information.

How to Prepare Your Business For an Active Shooter
Unfortunately, shootings at businesses and public areas are a substantial risk. To protect your business from active shooters, CBA Associate Member CBIZ has release a comprehensive guide that can help develop an emergency action plan (EAP), learn about safety practices and request risk mitigation resources. Download the guide.
Unfortunately, shootings at businesses and public areas are a substantial risk. To protect your business from active shooters, CBA Associate Member CBIZ has release a comprehensive guide that can help develop an emergency action plan (EAP), learn about safety practices and request risk mitigation resources. Download the guide.

What’s Your Strategy to Simplify and Grow in 2019?
Creating a strategic 12-month plan is important for the success of your institution. Unfortunately there are many reasons why plans fall apart and initiatives aren't achieved. These include not having an overall objective for your institution, having long project timelines instead of breaking things into chunks, or not clearly defining initiatives in a way that staff can devote resources to get things done.
It's important to create a plan that helps your team understand the institution's main objective for the next twelve months. If your team doesn’t understand the reasons why they are doing something, it has a far greater chance of failing. Studies say it has up to a fifty percent chance of failing. However, if you can tie projects to a larger objective everyone fights to achieve, your institution will succeed. Read the full article. Guest article from CBA Associate Member Cypress Resources.
Creating a strategic 12-month plan is important for the success of your institution. Unfortunately there are many reasons why plans fall apart and initiatives aren't achieved. These include not having an overall objective for your institution, having long project timelines instead of breaking things into chunks, or not clearly defining initiatives in a way that staff can devote resources to get things done.
It's important to create a plan that helps your team understand the institution's main objective for the next twelve months. If your team doesn’t understand the reasons why they are doing something, it has a far greater chance of failing. Studies say it has up to a fifty percent chance of failing. However, if you can tie projects to a larger objective everyone fights to achieve, your institution will succeed. Read the full article. Guest article from CBA Associate Member Cypress Resources.

Give Your Marketing ROI A Boost
FREE Webinar from CBA Endorsed Member Company Kasasa
Tuesday, December 11, 2018 | 3:00 pm ET
Take the guesswork out of your marketing programs with our optimized, results-based (ORB) marketing proven to drive account acquisition. Our low-maintenance programs leverage the latest data science and technology to help you build, measure and continuously optimize your marketing plans. In this webinar, learn how:
FREE Webinar from CBA Endorsed Member Company Kasasa
Tuesday, December 11, 2018 | 3:00 pm ET
Take the guesswork out of your marketing programs with our optimized, results-based (ORB) marketing proven to drive account acquisition. Our low-maintenance programs leverage the latest data science and technology to help you build, measure and continuously optimize your marketing plans. In this webinar, learn how:
- Our clients have seen a 215% average ROI running after 3 months ORB marketing
- Advancements in data modeling, marketing technology and digital channels are changing the way we need to reach consumers and measure performance
- ORB marketing bundles data science, technology, and media costs into one simple-to-own program

Greater Community Bank Voted Best Bank in Rome
Congratulations to Greater Community Bank, Rome, for being voted Best Bank in the 2018 Reader's Choice Awards as part of the Rome News-Tribune's 11th Annual 2018 Best of Rome. Award winners were voted on by Tribune readers. Read more.
Congratulations to Greater Community Bank, Rome, for being voted Best Bank in the 2018 Reader's Choice Awards as part of the Rome News-Tribune's 11th Annual 2018 Best of Rome. Award winners were voted on by Tribune readers. Read more.

First Landmark Bank Sponsors Boy Scouts Fundraiser
First Landmark Bank, Marietta, sponsored the Sporting Clays Classic, a fundraiser for the Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. The event raised more than $300,000 to support 32,000 youth in the community.
First Landmark Bank, Marietta, sponsored the Sporting Clays Classic, a fundraiser for the Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. The event raised more than $300,000 to support 32,000 youth in the community.
Josh Woodson is a Sales Executive for S&P Global Market Intelligence. In 2016, SNL Financial and S&P Capital IQ, two of the world’s leading financial analytics providers, joined forces as S&P Global Market Intelligence to deliver the most sector-specific, comprehensive and reliable intelligence in the industry. S&P Global Market Intelligence integrates financial and industry data, research and news into tools that help track performance, generate alpha, identify investment ideas, understand competitive and industry dynamics, perform valuation and assess credit risk.
For community banks, they offer solutions to help bankers evaluate market opportunities, manage risk and maximize performance. Leverage your internal data as an asset with their SNL Banker solution. This internal reporting tool for banks securely integrates internal and external data from various sources to generate reports to proactively manage operations, finance, marketing and risk at the bank. S&P Global Market Intelligence is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals and companies to make decisions with confidence.
For more information, please contact Josh at 434-529-1656 or by email at josh.woodson@spglobal.com, or visit www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence.
For community banks, they offer solutions to help bankers evaluate market opportunities, manage risk and maximize performance. Leverage your internal data as an asset with their SNL Banker solution. This internal reporting tool for banks securely integrates internal and external data from various sources to generate reports to proactively manage operations, finance, marketing and risk at the bank. S&P Global Market Intelligence is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals and companies to make decisions with confidence.
For more information, please contact Josh at 434-529-1656 or by email at josh.woodson@spglobal.com, or visit www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence.
![]() 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.
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Fourth Quarter 2018
4th Quarter Compliance Program – AML / BSA
Tuesday, December 4 – Savannah
Wednesday, December 5 – Tifton
Thursday, December 6 – Macon
Monday, December 10 – Duluth
Tuesday, December 11 - Rome
January 2019
4th Annual Senior Retail Banking Officer Forum, Session I
Thursday, January 24 – Atlanta
Train the Trainer
Tuesday, January 29 - Macon
February 2019
Consumer Lending School
Monday-Friday, February 11-15 – Atlanta
20th Biannual BSA Officer School – The Basics
Tuesday – Thursday, February 26-28 – Atlanta
2019 TRID: The Basics
Tuesday – Wednesday, February 26-27 – Macon
Ongoing Webinars & Online Training
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)
February 2019
1st Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum – Compliance Focus
Thursday, February 14 - Macon
2019 Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship
Reminder – the 2019 Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship Applications are now available! Bankers, get your team together and spread the word within your communities! More information can be found online.
1st Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum – Compliance Focus
Thursday, February 14 - Macon
2019 Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship
Reminder – the 2019 Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship Applications are now available! Bankers, get your team together and spread the word within your communities! More information can be found online.
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
2018 Compliance Program IV
12/4 - Savannah
12/5 - Tifton
12/6 - Macon
12/10 - Duluth
12/11 - Rome
2019 Senior Retail Banking Officer Forum - Session I
Thursday, January 24 - Atlanta
Train the Trainer
Tuesday, January 29 - Macon
2018 Compliance Program IV
12/4 - Savannah
12/5 - Tifton
12/6 - Macon
12/10 - Duluth
12/11 - Rome
2019 Senior Retail Banking Officer Forum - Session I
Thursday, January 24 - Atlanta
Train the Trainer
Tuesday, January 29 - Macon
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