Test Newsletter

The Federal Reserve recently announced that it will develop a service to support real-time payments. Fed Governor Lael Brainard announced the new FedNow Service—the Fed’s first new set of payments rails in 40 years since introduction of the ACH rails—during a highly anticipated speech at the Kansas City Fed. The Fed is opening a 90-day comment period on the plan and said it expects the service to be available in 2023 or 2024. Read the announcement.

“The Community Bankers Association of Georgia is grateful to the Independent Community Bankers of America for their tireless efforts to secure a modern, faster and non “Wall Street” bank alternative for faster payments," commented CBA President & CEO John McNair. "In spite of their efforts, the large bank lobbyists failed to prevent the Federal Reserve from proceeding with plans to offer a competitive, non-bank alternative to community banks. CBA applauds both the ICBA and the Federal Reserve for recognizing the need to offer a solution to Georgia’s community banks that does NOT rely on large bank competitors for this important service. Other similar entities such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banking System all provide valuable and useful non-mega bank alternatives for community banks. CBA is in full support of all!” Read more from Politico.

McNair Named to Georgians First Task Force & ICBA Housing Finance Committee
John McNair, President & CEO, Community Bankers Association of Georgia, was recently appointed to serve on the Georgian’s First Commission Access to Capital Task Force and the ICBA Subcommittee on Housing Finance. The Georgians First Commission was established by Governor Kemp to review state regulations, policies, and procedures to streamline government, remove inefficiencies, and secure Georgia's place as the top state for small business in the country. Earlier this spring, John was also appointed to the ICBA's Housing Finance Subcommittee which advocates for the role of community banks in providing mortgage credit to American consumers. Read the press release.

Enhanced Strategic Planning in the Era of Digital Transformation
Hear from Steve Cotton, CEO & Founder of FI Navigator, at one of Friday's Concurrent Session where he will focus on how bank executives must drive their institution’s digital transformation with peer data context on how their retail or business offering stacks up. Hear more from Steve himself:

Hear from the industry experts at CBA's 51st Annual Convention & Mini-Trade Show, Thursday-Sunday, September 12-15, 2019, at The Ritz-Carlton at Amelia Island, FL. Learn more and register.

Mark Driscoll, has joined Signature Bank of Georgia, Sandy Springs, as SVP and Chief Deposit and Treasury Services Officer.

William "Chip" Lanier has joined Georgia Primary Bank, Atlanta, as VP Construction Lending.

Ansley Benton, AVP of Marketing, Newton Federal Bank, Covington, recently earned her Certified Financial Marketing Professional (CFMP) designation.

Taylor Jenkins, Flint Community Bank, Albany, was recently chosen as a finalist for the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce's 40 Under 40.

Hope Hines, VP Mortgage Loan Specialist, Exchange Bank, Milledgeville, was recently nominated and selected to participate in the upcoming Leadership Baldwin program.

BankSouth Nominated for Best Financial Institution & Best Mortgage Company
BankSouth, Greensboro, has been voted into the Top 3 for “Best Financial Institution” and “Best Mortgage Company” by the Lake Oconee Breeze. BankSouth’s museum, The Discovery Museum, is also nominated for “Best Museum."

Bank of Lee County and Bank of Terrell Become Georgia Community Bank
As of August 5, 2019, Bank of Lee County and Bank of Terrell have changed their names to Georgia Community Bank. Bank of Terrell operates as an affiliate bank of a Bank Holding Company, Georgia Community Bancorp, Inc., which has offices in Dawson, Georgia. The Bank of Lee County has been a division of the Bank of Terrell since it opened in 2002. Read more.

James Bates Ranked in Most Generous Workplaces
James-Bates-Brannan-Groover-LLP, Macon, was recently ranked by the United Way of Central Georgia in the top 50 of the "Top 100 Most Generous Workplaces" for 2019. Read more.

Sympathies
CBA extends our sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of R. Terry Smith, Board Director of Signature Bank of Georgia, Sandy Springs, who recently passed away. Terry served on the bank’s board since its inception in 2005 and also served as the Audit and Technology Committee Chairman. A strong community bank leader and friend, Terry was President and CEO of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta. Read the press release. Read more.

CBA Members Usher in New School Year and Help Local Communities
Community banks have a passion for supporting their local communities. Here are some ways CBA Members have recently given back to those they serve:

First Port City Bank, Bainbridge, recently held a luncheon for the Teachers of the Year selected from each school in Decatur County. In addition, the bank donated school supplies to Bainbridge Public Safety to help fill their bus with school supplies for Decatur County students.
Century Bank and Trust, Milledgeville, recently hosted a breakfast for the teachers and staff of Lakeview Academy (top). In addition, the bank recently supported the Milledgeville Exchange Club as an annual ticket sponsor for their annual Bunco tournament to help prevent child abuse.
Bank team members from The Peoples Bank, Eatonton, served lunch to teachers from Putnam Primary and Headstart schools.
The Heritage Bank, Hinesville, recently served as a drop off point for the Liberty Regional Homeless Coalition's Back to School Clothing Drive for the community to donate clothing for local students.
Georgia Community Bank, Dawson, recently partnered with Mission Change to welcome Northside Elementary students back to school.
Pineland Bank, Baxley, recently hosted dinner for 140 Appling County High School band students attending summer band camp.
Rabun County Bank, Clayton, recently donated $500 raised by employees and customers to the Rabun County Sheriff's office to go toward purchasing bullet-proof vests.
The Bankers For A Cause program from Georgia Primary Bank, Atlanta, recently volunteered at Open Hand Atlanta. Along with other volunteer groups they enjoyed helping pack over 2800 meals. Pictured are LeeHester Rhodes, Tami Ennis, Scott Garland and Vickie Costopoulos.

CBA Hosts 3rd Quarter Banker Regulatory Forum in Macon
CBA hosted its 3rd quarter Banker Regulatory Forum, focused on Safety & Soundness, on Thursday, August 1, at Idle Hour Country Club in Macon. Topics discussed included cyber security, the new DBF rule writing process, management of accumulated credit risk, other real estate holding periods, M & As, talent acquisition & culture fit, portfolio capital stress testing, cannabis banking, NIM, CECL, concentration risk management, de novo activity in metro Atlanta, and preparation for hurricane season. Following lunch with the regulators, the bankers’ only roundtable included an update on banking-related legal and legislative issues from James-Bates-Brannan-Groover-LLP Partner Michael White. Read the full article.

Thanks to the Exclusive Sponsor!

Last Chance to Take Advantage of CBA's Free Salary Survey
Deadline to Participate is this Friday, August 9th!

CBA is partnering with Pentegra to offer the 2019 Georgia Community Bank Salary Survey. The Salary Survey is a compilation of current salaries and general benefits for common positions within Georgia's community banks. All CBA member banks are invited to participate in the survey, and those participating will receive a complimentary copy of the survey report. Please complete the survey no later than August 9, 2019. Click here to take the survey.

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:

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

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