GCFM Nov-Dec 2022

STAFF

John McNair

President & CEO john@cbaofga.com

Lori Godfrey

Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, Government and Regulatory Relations lori@cbaofga.com

Kristi Greer

Senior Vice President Professional Development kristi@cbaofga.com

Lindsay Greene

Senior Vice President Member Services, Marketing lindsay@cbaofga.com

Lisa McNair

Director of Finance lisa@cbaofga.com

Cassie Cornell

Assistant Vice President Digital Strategy and Professional Development Marketing cassie@cbaofga.com

Becky Soto

Assistant Vice President Professional Development and LEAD Board becky@cbaofga.com

Connie Shepard

Assistant Vice President Professional Development and Member Engagement connie@cbaofga.com

Ellen Shea, CMP

Director of Association Services ellen@cbaofga.com

Gwen Lanaghan Staff Accountant gwen@cbaofga.com

John McNair President & CEO Community Bankers Association of Georgia

CBA CONNECT Delivered

No matter how successful something or someone is, changing dynamics require constant evaluation and action to raise the bar and stay ahead of the competition. A perfect example is the University of Georgia football team. Having just won the national championship, Coach Kirby Smart is now faced with a new set of challenges ranging from new players, coaches, and a whole host of competitors that are laser focused on taking down the national champions. If the DAWGS are to win again, Coach Smart and his team cannot just do what they did last year, after all, life and business are not stagnant. Winners and achievers of great things know that the only constant in the world is change. It is with this mindset CBA took on the challenge of planning the 2022 CBA CONNECT.

To accomplish anything grand, a team of people dedicated to an objective is needed. For CBA, the objective was clear- put on a convention that was unique, educational, and relaxing for all. Job number one in this process was to assemble a convention committee that would guide the CBA team towards this goal. For this year’s convention, the committee consisted of several bankers including Chair Richy Everly, Chris Cochran, Jane Lawson, and Mike McGahee, along with longtime CBA partners Corrie Hall, and Matt Mingenback. This dedicated group took a

comprehensive approach to building out a program that provided top quality education, informative and inspirational speakers, all with a business casual environment that fostered the opportunity for all to re-CONNECT with old friends and make new CONNECTions. After reading the survey responses, I am pleased to report that their efforts exceeded all expectations! Throughout this issue, we will highlight many of the great events, educational seminars, and partner firms that made this event so special for our bankers and guests.

Moving forward, CBA CONNECT will be in early June. Our 2023 event will be at the beautiful Charleston Place, SC and in just a few short weeks, convention Chair Neil Stevens will begin to assemble another all star team of bankers and partner firms to direct CBA staff in all facets of the program. As you reflect on this last convention, please let us know what additional feedback you may have to help the committee conduct another event that will provide the experience you are looking for. If you missed this year’s program, I strongly suggest you mark your calendar for June 7-11, 2023, and make it a point to attend the 2023 version of CBA CONNECT. As always, please contact me with any comments or questions. THANK YOU for your support of CBA!

Richy Everly President and CEO Bank of Wrightsville

Get to Know CBA’s 2022-2023

Chair Richy Everly

Richy Everly, President & CEO, Bank of Wrightsville, was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of Community Bankers Association of Georgia and his term began October 1, 2022.

Richy was kind enough to answer a bit about himself, his bank, what community banking issues are important to him, and more banking. Enjoy reading about CBA’s Chair and thank you Rich for being so generous with your time and support.

How long have you been in banking and how did you get started in banking?

I began my banking career in December of 1994 as a direct result of a recommendation made by mother who suggested that I go talk to one of her favorite local bank presidents located in my hometown of Dublin, GA. That bank was Knight State Bank which was owned at that time by Bank of Wrightsville, my current employer. I rejoined Bank of Wrightsville in June of 2014 as EVP and was promoted to President & CEO effective January 1, 2016.

Tell us a little about Bank of Wrightsville. Bank of Wrightsville was chartered in 1897 and has been in continuous operations since inception. The bank was founded by members of the Lovett family that sought to provide banking services to the Johnson County, GA community, particularly to those involved in livestock and farm production. Today, we remain as a single branch banking entity with a total of 14 employees and enjoy banking relationships of all description with customers that extend throughout the great state of Georgia.

How did you become involved with CBA?

CBA has been an integral part of my banking career from the very beginning. After some “fast track” exposure to a variety of banking seminars and classes, I was fortunate when the CEO of CBA at that time, Julian Hester, made some exceptions and allowed me to attend CBA Graduate School of Banking at Kennesaw State University. After graduation from this awesome program back in 1998, I continued taking advantage of the myriad of educational offerings through CBA to enhance my banking career path. I’m proud to say that I’ve been involved through the years in numerous CBA-related events and committees and strongly encourage all of my colleagues – especially the next generation of banking professionals – to do the same.

What community banking

are important to you?

issues

In my humble opinion, there is not a bright future for banking without community banks. Why? Because community banks help build and support communities. Community banks play a vital role in the functioning of the U.S. financial system and the broader economy by providing the reinvestments that are vital to the growth of small businesses while also helping families finance major purchases and build financial security. And, unlike most large financial institutions, the funds that community banks lend to borrowers are typically provided by deposits made by the local community itself. Our industry and our regulators need to do everything possible to ensure that the consolidation that is currently taking place does not lead to the extinction of community banks.

Getting to know Everly (cont.)

Tell us a little about your family.

I have been blessed to be married to my wife, Faye, for 30 years now. She will be retiring at year end after 20 years in the financial services industry. Although we don’t have any children of our own, we have numerous nieces and nephews that we love dearly. Family means everything, and we are so fortunate to have a large family that remains close and enjoys our time together.

Education or banking programs you have enjoyed

As mentioned previously, CBA has provided me decades of high-quality educational and networking opportunities that have significantly enhanced my career and expanded my professional and personal relationships throughout Georgia. Looking back over all the educational programming that CBA has been able to furnish me during my career, I must say that I most enjoyed my time at CBA/KSU Graduate School of Banking. I have a strong passion for

the continued emphasis in education and advocacy efforts. I’m also excited about the emergence of innovation and the possibilities of key strategic partnerships that CBA is currently facilitating that will benefit our community banks statewide.

Any Hobbies?

During my down time, I really enjoy my time in the great outdoors, especially if it involves water. Faye and I have had the pleasure of owning a home at Lake Sinclair and have enjoyed all of the benefits of lake life. I also enjoy a wide variety of sports and music. It is usually quite the surprise when people learn that I play drums in a rock and roll band with a group of childhood friends called The Flashbacks. To me, it is a great cathartic outlet, but to some it seems to be a true dichotomy. All I can say about that is…Keep on Rocking!!

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Meet the Wynfield Plantation Winners!

Bankers and associate members, along with friends and family of Chuck Harwell and Charlie Curry came together for the popular 2022 Fall Clay Shoots benefitting CBA’s PAC/PR Fund. Participants enjoyed a fun day of friendly competition and fellowship. Special thanks for our numerous sponsors for their ongoing support.

Morning Flight: First Place Team Joey Trice, SHAZAM, Alex Jernigan, SHAZAM, Donalsonville and Dave Fain, First Port City Bank, Bainbridge with Lori Godfrey, CBA

Morning Flight: Second Place Team Sam Coleman, Perry White, Ashley Atkins and Jeff Baxley, all from Community Bank of Georgia, Baxley, with Lori Godfrey, CBA

Afternoon Flight: First Place Team

JCam Kirbo, Kirbo and Kirbo, Colt Day, Yeti Corporation, Jonathon Guthrie, The Peoples Bank, Willacoochee, Landon Woodall, GEC, Inc., Albany with Lori Godfrey, CBA

Afternoon Flight: Second Place Team Bank customer Jack Lloyd, Michael McGahee, Josh McGalliard, and Jay McKenzie, all from Bank of Camilla

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Morning Flight: First Place Team

Joe Herald, Wipfli; Elliott Miller, Georgia Banking Company; Cole Frick, Wipfli

Morning Flight: Second Place Team Lee Vaughn, Robert Curry, Chad Brown, Colton Moon; Northeast Georgia Bank

Afternoon Flight: First Place Team Lee Vaughn and Rick Basin with CBA’s John McNair, Lee Clark, Haynes Standard, Brian Whitaker; First State Bank

Afternoon Flight: Second Place Team Pictured with John McNair, CBA: Chris Stanley, SouthState Bank; Alton Gardner and Brian Mainor, Point to Point Environmental

The energy at CBA’s CONNECT was over the top! Community bankers and partners gathered at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, last week for informative and timely educational programs taught by knowledgeable speakers, plus all the camaraderie and fun that CBA is known to host.

“CBA’s 54th annual convention—CONNECT—exceeded all expectations. As a longtime banking convention participant, the program put together by the CBA Convention Committee was one of the best I have ever seen,” stated John McNair, President & CEO of Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA). “Virtually every key and current business topic was addressed and, due to the exceptionally strong banker attendance, the networking opportunities for all were abundant. I am grateful to the entire Convention Committee and the CBA Staff that worked so hard to make this program one of the best in CBA’s 54-year history.”

John also has the honor and privilege each year to thank our past Board chairs for their service and to welcome our new chairs into their respective positions. All in attendance joined John in thanking retiring CBA Board chair Debra Weil who is retiring from both the CBA Board and banking, and welcoming incoming 2022-2023 chair Richy Everly, Bank of Wrightsville, into the role. John had the same honor in thanking LEAD Board chair Brian Bazemore, The Citizens Bank of Cochran/Community Bank of Dublin-Laurens County, Dublin, for his amazing service and welcomed Chris Cochran, Affinity Bank, Atlanta, as the new LEAD Board chair.

The convention kicked off with Stephanie Stuckey of Stuckey’s Corporation on “Every Business Is a Story.” CONNECT sessions covered a wide range of topics, including small business, cryptocurrency, strategic planning, Banking as a Service, agribusiness opportunities, core market update, cultivating positive culture that leads to innovation, cyber security incident response, strategic decisions using data and much more.

Charles Potts, EVP/Chief Innovation Officer at ICBA, served as emcee for the Friday session, and Rebeca Romero Rainey, President and CEO of ICBA, provided an update on issues facing community banks on the national level. A panel discussion was held each day featuring a small business panel, an HR Panel discussing “The Great Resignation,” and a Regulatory Panel. The Saturday General Session ended with former NFL player Ray McElroy, who gave an entertaining and inspirational message.

CONNECT 2022 ended on a high note with the Chairman’s Reception, Dinner and party for all ages featuring Dueling Pianos.

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Thank You Debra Weil and Congratulations!

Debra Weil, the 2021-2022 CBA Chair, was recognized by John McNair, CBA, and 2022-2023 CBA Chair Richy Everly, Bank of Wrightsville. Debra retired from the bank earlier this year and turned the CBA Chairmanship over to Richy Everly. “It is important to recognize Debra’s many years of service in the community banking industry and to CBA. Debra has served on virtually every CBA committee, has been our LEAD Board Chair, and now the CBA Chair,” said John McNair.

“She has been an enthusiastic participant at countless CBA conventions, advocacy events, and other CBA functions. Additionally, she has been a role model for many women seeking careers in the community banking industry. We are so very grateful for her friendship and support of CBA. On behalf of the entire team at CBA, we wish her all the best in retirement!”

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Welcome CBA Board of Directors 2022-2023

Neil Stevens

Oconee State Bank, Watkinsville

Richy Everly Bank of Wrightsville

Chairman Chairman-Elect

David Lance Greater Community Bank, Rome

Vice Chairman

Mike Sale The Commercial Bank, Crawford

At Large Immed. Past Chair

Monty Watson The Piedmont Bank

Frank Griffin Flint Community Bank

Derek Williams Century Bank & Trust, Milledgeville

Division 3 Chair

Stephen Lewis First National Bank of Coffee County, Douglas

Scott Curry First State Bank of Randolph County, Cuthbert

Division 4 Chair Division 5 Chair Division 6 Chair

Nancy Jernigan First Port City

Jolene Carroll Bank of Eastman

Member at Large

Harold Reynolds BankSouth

Doug Williams Atlantic Capital Bank, Atlanta

Member at Large

Kelly Stone Community Bank of Georgia, Baxley

Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large

Shannon Henry Bank of Dade, Trenton

Division 1 Chair

Zachary Frye Bulloch First, Statesboro

Division 7 Chair

Member at Large

Ray Muggridge Bank of Camilla

Jane Lawson First Peoples Bank, Pine Mountain

Member at Large

Dan Brannan James-BatesBrannan-GrooverLLP, Atlanta

General Council

Lori Godfrey CBA of Georgia, Marietta

Corporate Secretary

Bran Thompson South Georgia Bank

Member at Large

Ron Quinn Peach State Bank & Trust, Gainesville

Heath Fountain Colony Bank, Fitzgerald

Charles Crawford Hyperion Bank

Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large

Member at Large

Eli Tinsley Planters First Bank, Cordele

Division 2 Chair Bill Walker The Legacy State Bank

John McNair CBA of Georgia, Marietta

CBA President/ CEO

CBA’s LEAD Board: Raising the Bar, Exceeding Goals and Leading by Example

When the LEAD Committee met in November 2021, the committee envisioned raising the bar and encouraging all committee members to serve, participate and be visible. The LEAD committee continued to meet bi-monthly to monitor activity and make enhancements that aligned with CBA strategies and committee efforts. The LEAD committee also voted to rename the group and call it LEAD board. And LEAD they did!

“As the 2021-2022 Chairman of the LEAD Board, I’m so proud of the accomplishments of the Board and the CBA Team,” said Brian Bazemore, President/CEO of The Citizens Bank of Cochran/Community Bank of DublinLaurens County. “We had 100% participation with personal contributions from each member on the LEAD Board and surpassed our goal of $20,000, which will go towards our PAC Advocacy efforts.”

“We designed a new 2022 Advocacy and Community Banking T-shirt, which we used as a major fundraiser. We were able to have members attend several of the CBA Educational schools/classes and allow attendees to participate in a Cork Pull fundraiser, where bottles of wine were donated, and participants were able to pay $25 and pull out a cork that corresponded with a bottle of wine. We had a lastminute idea of charging for educational school/class attendees to purchase the ability to sit in the back of the room.

I think we will be able to expand upon this idea in future years. We had several members from the Board to attend events to speak about Advocacy and PAC and educate class attendees on the importance of this effort. We also instituted a new LEAD Retreat where members of the Leadership class as well as LEAD Board members met and discussed advocacy fundraising ideas, had inspirational speakers and attendees had the opportunity to network with fellow bankers around the state.

I’m so proud of this group and the outstanding push that was made to not only meet, but to exceed our fundraising goal. We pulled out all the stops to make it happen.”

The LEAD Board made advocacy presentations at multiple education events. Advocacy Presentations at multiple Education events. Special thanks to Kristy Harrell, First National Bank, Mark Thompson, Glennville Bank, Brian Bazemore, The Citizens Bank of Cochran/Community Bank of Dublin-Laurens County and Chris Cochran, Affinity Bank, for taking time away from their jobs to speak at education events to increase awareness of the industry and our advocacy efforts. Lori Godfrey, EVP, Government

LEAD Committee – (cont’d)

and Regulatory Relations at CBA, conducted an advocacy information presentation.

“I am proud to work alongside our leadership bankers as they collaborate to determine the best goals to support the community banking industry,” said Kristi Greer, SVP/ Professional Development at CBA. “During 2022, I have observed our LEAD Board exceed their goals from years past to support advocacy fundraising. As we begin to transition into 2023, we are excited to reenergize our Leadership Division by looking for bankers to serve as ambassadors of CBA in their banks.”

Congratulations to Chris Cochran, Affinity Bank, Atlanta, who was named the 2022-2023 LEAD Board Chair. The LEAD Board is looking forward to continued service and focusing on advocacy and member engagement.

CBA’S 2022

PREFERRED SERVICE PROVIDERS

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ICBA Securities

Jim Reber | jreber@icbasecurities.com | 901.762.5884

Independent Community Bankers of America

Scott Brown | scott.brown@icba.org | 334.328.5731

James Bates Brannan Groover LLP

Dan Brannan | dbrannan@jamesbatesllp.com | 404.997.6023

SHAZAM

Alex Jernigan | jjernig@Shazam.net | 229.220.0064

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Genesys Technology Group, LLC

David Saylor | david@genesystg.com | 770.729.4139

Warren Averett

Lisa Berry | lisa.berry@warrenaverett.com | 205.769.3388

Wipfli

Mary Boortz | mboortz@wipfli.com | 715.858.6677

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Bankers Healthcare Group

Brian Mullett | bmullett@bhg-inc.com | 315.663.1121

Crescent Mortgage

Skip Willcox | swillcox@crescentmortgage.net | 478.357.4441

DefenseStorm

Sarah Martin | Sarah.Martin@defensestorm.com | 470.702.9407

Eclipse Brand Builders

Sharon Morris | smorris@eclipsebrandbuilders.com | 678.890.1140

FITECH

Sarah Humphrey | shumphrey@fitech.com | 817.698.2268

Holtmeyer & Monson

Arne Monson | amonson@holtandmon.com | 800.340.7304

IntraFi Network

Danny Capitel | dcapitel@promnetwork.com | 770.630.6796

Mauldin & Jenkins

Ron Mitchell | rmitchell@mjcpa.com | 229.446.3600

Newcleus Bank Advisors

JR Llewellyn | jr.llewellyn@newcleus.com | 678.427.1015

Point to Point Environmental

Mark Faas | mfaas@p2penvironmental.com | 678.565.4435 Ext 151

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Executive Insurance Agency, Inc. Ryan Sower | ryan@executiveinsuranceagency.com | 770.474.2355

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Stokes Carmichael & Ernst LLP Michael Ernst | mje@scelaw.com | 404-603-3441

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Darnel, Inc.

Greg Herring | gtherring@darnelrecovery.com | 770.786.4500

The Preferred Service Provider packages offers Associate Members the option of upgrading to package of your choice. A few benefits include early access to advertising, exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities, simplified budgeting and of course – increased exposure! All packages are reviewed by CBA’s Member Services Committee. To learn more, please contact Lindsay Greene at 770.541.0376.

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Fourth quarter rally

Some suggestions on how to wrap up 2022

The word “rally” can be used for a number of purposes and in different contexts. For instance, it could mean a longdistance auto race over varying surfaces and involving stages and checkpoints. It could mean a gathering of supporters to generate enthusiasm and momentum for an individual or cause—we’ve seen plenty of these during this election cycle.

It can also refer to a comeback from some type of challenge. It may be an improvement in one’s health. It could be a spurt of energy to enable the completion of a task. Finally, it might an analogy for sports or other competition in which a participant or team overcomes a deficit to snatch victory out of the grasp of defeat.

This final example is the general theme of this column. I hasten to say that the community banking industry, by most measures, is doing quite well. I’ve consistently heard from bankers across this country this year that “earnings are good.” So if there’s any catching up to do, it’s not in banking fundamentals. It has to do with—you guessed right—rising interest rates and the attendant drop in market values for your bonds. Here are a few ideas that may be worth considering as we approach year-end.

Funding options: Suddenly, shockingly in some cases, community banks are having to consider using wholesale funds to manage their liquidity. This is an exercise that was fading in relevance in 2019 as loan demand was beginning to wane, and had been in oblivion since. Not now: FHLB’s issued more debt in the third quarter than they did in the first two quarters combined, most of which was used to finance new advances to community banks.

And with a little effort, a bank can lock down attractive (which I admit is relative) terms on longer-duration borrowings. Even with 5%-plus yields available on shorter assets, low4% costs can be secured for FHLB floating rate advances swapped to fixed, for five or so years. If you’re not inclined to execute a rate swap, traditional 3- to 7-year advances are generally less expensive than brokered CDs. This is, in part, compliments of the inverted yield curve.

“Income deferral”: This subheading is shorthand for “sell assets at a loss in this fiscal year, reinvest into higheryielding bonds, and make back the loss before your original bonds mature.” All accountants worth their salt (I think I’m one of them) understand that pushing income into the future is a wise move from a tax planning, and cash flow, standpoint. And, since all community banks own liquid assets at below-market rates (i.e., have unrealized losses) in a year in which they’re probably ahead of budget, the table is set for a classic holiday feast: tax swap.

Jim Reber President & CEO ICBA Securities

What makes this strategy viable in many cases is the ability to book a net-of-tax loss, since selling bonds is considered an ordinary event for a community bank. When the proceeds are reinvested into tax-free instruments, the net loss often recouped in short order. Your brokers are capable of modeling a number of possible transactions to determine the best course of action. If you do go down this path, here are a couple of possible sales items that may work for you:

• Short bullet bonds or out-of-the-money callables

• Short (< 5 year) municipals (which are the domain of retail investors)

• Odd lot MBS with several years of seasoning

And for all you S corps, this strategy works even better as your higher marginal tax rates allow you to avoid more income tax liability.

Look around you: If you’re inclined to sell out of some losing positions, but need to limit the impact on this year’s earnings, remember there may be other pieces of your balance sheet that can be sold at a profit. Not the least of these are floating rate assets such as SBA 7(a) loans.

The guaranteed portion of a 7(a) loan will likely adjust each quarter based on prime, which is 100% correlated with fed funds. They command large premia in the secondary market; it’s not uncommon to see a bid of over 110 cents on the dollar. Plus, the lender/seller is required to retain the unguaranteed portion of the loan, and to service it as well. There are SBA lender service providers that can guide a community bank through the secondary market process.

Far from making up lost ground, use of some of these ideas can more correctly press your advantages into 2023 and beyond. In a year of positive earnings pictures and solid credit quality, the fourth quarter could be the ideal time to set the stage for robust future periods. This holiday season, community bankers may be donning their rally caps.

Are your fair lending practices evolving with the times?

Fair lending requirements have come a long way since the first law, the Fair Housing Act (FHA).

Lending discrimination happens when a lender bases a credit decision on factors other than a borrower’s creditworthiness. Following the FHA, the Equal Credit

Opportunity Act (ECOA), explicitly prohibited discrimination in lending. Under the ECOA and FHA, discrimination can occur at any point in the credit process and can involve any credit product or delivery system. The rules apply to marketing, the application process, pricing, underwriting, servicing and collections.

Methods of proof

The courts have recognized three methods of proof of lending discrimination:

• Overt evidence of disparate treatment

• Comparative evidence of disparate treatment

• Evidence of disparate impact

Disparate treatment results when applicants are treated differently and there is no explanation for the difference other than that they are part of a prohibited basis group. Disparate impact is a neutral policy applied equally to everyone, but the effect disproportionately excludes or burdens persons on a prohibited basis.

Fair lending can touch every area and be unintentional. Addressing these questions can help raise your awareness of issues:

• Does your marketing material or website contain images that don’t represent all protected classes? Is there something that may discourage someone within a prohibited basis group from seeking a loan from you?

• How does your response time for applicants in majority minority areas compare with those from other areas? This data is helpful in determining an appearance of disparate treatment or impact.

• For exceptions, are you documenting the mitigating circumstances, analyzing the exceptions and presenting them to the board or committee of the board for review? This can help you understand how evenly your credit practices are applied.

Redlining persists

Digital redlining is a current focus of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Academic studies are raising questions about algorithmic bias. CFPB director Rohit Chopra stated in a recent speech that a statistical analysis of two million mortgage applications found that black families were 80% more likely to be denied by an algorithm when compared to white families with similar financial and credit

backgrounds. These “black box” algorithms can result in redlining by excluding borrowers who live in specified areas.

Chopra noted that mortgage companies conceded that their researchers don’t have all the needed data that feeds into the algorithms or full knowledge of how they work. The algorithms were compared to black boxes behind a brick wall.

When consumers do not know how the decisioning is being made by the algorithms, they are not able to actively participate in a fair and competitive market free from bias. Do you understand how the system you use is making decisions, or is it a black box behind a brick wall?

Scrutiny of appraisals

A study from the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) found that the appraisal industry was consistently undervaluing the homes of Blacks and Latinos compared to white-owned homes. On average, homes in Black and Latino neighborhoods are undervalued by as much as 23% to similar homes in white neighborhoods. When reviewing appraisals, the reviewer should be looking

at the selection of comparables, adjustments made to the comparables and appraiser opinions in the reconciliation of the value.

While fair lending requirements are not new, much work remains to be done to ensure compliance. Fair lending is a critical priority for financial institutions, and technology has led to evolving concerns about violations and enforcement measures.

Kristen L. Eustis, CRCM Manager WIPFLI

Abram was founded with the speci c purpose of transforming the cash in transit industry, through the heart of a servant. Our vision is to positively transform lives in the communities we serve. We invite you into our story and our vision, to partner with one another to make an impact.

ICBA Brings Successful ThinkTECH Accelerator Innovation Program In-house in Atlanta

ICBA announced plans to bring its award-winning, community banker-led ThinkTECH Accelerator program in-house with a new, dedicated office based in the innovation hub of Atlanta. The move to scale and increase investment in ThinkTECH initiatives reflects community bank embracement of the program and ICBA’s goal to bring innovative solutions tailored specifically for community banks and their diverse customer base.

“Following four successful fintech accelerator programs and the tremendous interest in our Accelerator program, the natural next step is to bring ICBA ThinkTECH’s full-time operation and expanded innovation content in-house,” ICBA Chief Innovation Officer Charles Potts said. “ICBA is paving the way with this new model to ensure that innovation remains an obtainable, strategic priority for the nation’s nearly 5,000 community banks.” Since its inception in 2019, the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator program has connected the most innovative, cuttingedge fintech companies in the world with more than 1,000 community bankers and industry leaders to design workable solutions that solve 21st-century banking needs.

Charles Potts Chief Innovation Officer ICBA

“CBA of Georgia applauds ICBA for once again taking the leadership role in developing technology solutions for the community banking industry,” said John McNair, President & CEO of Community Bankers Association of Georgia. “ICBA started on this journey nearly five years ago—well ahead of all others—and it is very exciting to see the investment the association is making into bringing these resources into the Atlanta technology ecosystem. For CBA of Georgia member banks, unique resources and educational opportunities will abound, and CBA is most excited to work with ICBA to help bring all to fruition.” Read press release.

CRA Investment and Lending Test Credit For Protecting Local Seniors

Our foundation partners with community banks on programs that promote safety in nursing homes, HUD housing, and Veterans Homes across America. We support those that gave us so much with systems that prevent financial and physical abuse. Join the hundreds of banks that already partici pate. To get involved and earn CRA credit, please contact: info@shcpfoundation.org

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CBLA

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SEPTEMBERJULY AUGUST

OCTOBER

DECEMBER

As the seasons change and our temps decrease, honeybees retreat to their hives. During the winter season, these creatures begin to cluster together to generate heat to stay warm. Have you ever considered how your teams work together to get through seasons of growth, innovation, and change? John C. Maxwell reminds us, “Nothing of significance was ever achieved

by an individual acting alone.” As your organizations begin this next season, we encourage you to utilize team approaches to collaboration and celebrations. Offer opportunities to submit ideas to improve internal efficiencies, communications and culture as you work on generating harmony and buzz within your hives.

FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT NEEDS?

In 2022, nearly 2,000 community bankers and vendor partners made the decision to invest in themselves by participating in one of CBA’s many professional development programs. CBA is known for consistently delivering high-quality professional development programming, in multiple locations and multiple delivery channels.

As bankers and partners make their training plans for 2023, we asked several bankers across the state “Why Choose CBA?”. The reasons are as varied as the programs they enjoy.

“I choose CBA programs because of the quality customer service and the vast quantity of Professional Development courses offered. The instructors are deeply knowledgeable of the latest updates to regulations, supervisory notices, civil penalties, and laws.

Linda Smith Senior Vice President, BSA/Compliance Officer

Embassy National Bank, Lawrenceville

The Community Bankers Association team is ambitious, and seek new opportunities to mold, develop and enhanced professional programs every year. They have a particular passion for Georgia’s community bankers, associates, and affiliates and they are ready to assist as well as go the extra mile to accommodate financial institutions in every county. I attend the Bank Secrecy Act courses, School, regulatory forums, and rap sessions just to name a few of the programs, and I always leave with the latest and most up-to-minute knowledge.

CBA of Georgia is by far the superior choice when it comes to professional development. The level of knowledge and learning that is provided from the different presenters and speakers at every event is top notch. Each CBA event that I have attended has been smoothly executed from start to finish. The level of care and compassion for community banking is shown through each CBA staff member.

In August, I attended CBA’s Advanced AML/BSA Compliance School for the first time and my experience exceeded my expectations. Kristi, Becky and Dianne did an exceptional job in providing us with subject matter experts and leaders in the field to teach. The fun and energetic vibe that they provided kept us all engaged the entire week. Another plus was being able to network with so many BSA/AML professionals. Thank you, CBA team, for providing us with a successful week full of learning and engagement!

Tasha Deese BSA Specialist American Commerce Bank, N.A., Bremen

I’ve chosen CBA for a couple of reasons. First, is their curriculum opportunities. CBA offers a wide variety of information and engagement opportunities to learn about all facets of banking. On top of that, they focus on the needs of community banks, which makes their content 100% relevant for me. Secondly, is the peer networking opportunities. The CBA conferences provide an excellent arena to meet peers and share information. My primary focus is on technology, so the Annual CBA Cybersecurity Summit has been especially beneficial.

Daniel Rentz Chief Technology Officer Colony Bank, Fitzgerald

Fletcher Athens-Oconee Market President BankSouth,

“We always look to CBA as a partner in external training and development opportunities. In addition to the quality of the program offerings, the staff is always looking for ways to find new and relevant content to provide to members. I have personally participated in the Community Bank Leadership Academy and found it to be one of the most worthwhile programs I’ve attended in my 24-year banking career.”

Kyle Ray Senior Vice President, Retail Area Leader Builtwell Bank, Dalton

Builtwell Bank chooses CBA of GA for our training needs because of the quality and value of the course offerings. The flexibility and convenience of in-person or virtual options to attend events is also helpful. Two of the most beneficial training classes have been the Senior Retail Forum and the Bank Leadership Academy. These events have provided valuable insight into industry trends as well as offered great networking opportunities.

“I choose CBA because CBA offers programs that are relevant to community banking and what community bankers feel are important. The topics include but are not limited to: Consumer and Commercial Lending, Leadership, and BSA training. “

“I am honored to say I was a participant in the 2022 Community Bankers Leadership Academy. I have learned so much from this class and I know others will to. If you want to know all about being a Leader, I highly suggest you attend. Leadership is hard and often takes you out of your comfort zone. This class teaches you ways on how to better yourself where you are more comfortable. The topics include learning different communication styles of everyone in your workplace, to be your best in all situations and have a heart of peace towards others, how to communicate with confidence, how to read and control a room when speaking, and gives you tools for success for continued growth.”

Kerri Keeffe Assistant Banking Officer/ Consumer Lender Flint Community Bank, Albany

Eric

Watkinsville

Warren Averett offers a holistic suite of services for banks to help you meet the challenges of today—from tax and audit services to HR consulting and technology assistance. When your accounting firm behaves more like a financially-minded business advisor than a transactional vendor, your organization benefits throughout the year, beyond just audit and tax.

• Traditional Accounting Services

• Corporate Advisory Services

• Risk, Security and Technology Services

• HR Solutions

• Finance Team Support

• Personal Services

Why Choose CBA (cont.)

Kristy Harrell Chief Operations Officer/ Senior Vice President First National Bank, Bainbridge

“The reason I choose CBA for my professional development needs is because I have seen firsthand the level of dedication Kristi and the rest of the CBA team demonstrate. The first time I met Kristi I expressed a need for training in a particular area. She was quick to find what my team needed. Since that time, I have watched CBA’s Professional Development programs expand to encompass the ever-changing world we face each day as bankers. Time and again I will choose CBA.”

Cathy Gladin Vice President

Century Bank & Trust, Milledgeville

“I choose CBA for my professional development needs because they offer high quality, job specific training. The CBA education staff listen to our feedback and provide the training opportunities that bankers request. I highly recommend the Cyber Summit to anyone involved in IT/ISO roles. It was a fantastic conference with a perfect balance of learning, networking, and workshops. I intend to attend it again in the future.”

“CBA has been the premier go-to source especially for us at Metro City Bank. As all bankers need help in navigating the ever-changing and complex financial and regulatory landscape, I find CBA, specifically its Banker Regulatory Forum, to be useful in providing a deeper understanding of existing or proposed regulations. Since an agency is the first interpreter of a statute, one could hear it first hand through this program from the FDIC, the OCC, the Fed, and the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance. The regulatory landscape can be daunting and CBA, through its various programs make a complex topic such as Digital Assets simple to ingest. The CBA Advanced BSA School provided me a much better frame of mind, skill set, and tools to manage AML/CFT risk at our institution. A shout out to Ms. Dianne Barton for being an excellent facilitator/moderator/speaker/and a great coach at our recent Advanced BSA School. Ms. Kristi Greer and Ms. Becky Soto have been a tremendous help in keeping us current with the regulatory and financial changes, not to mention, our training needs. With CBA you can be sure that you are in good hands!”

Abdul Mohdnor, JM, CCBCO, CBAP

Executive Vice President / Chief Compliance Officer Metro City Bank, Doraville

Leadership Bankers Excel! Invaluable Time Spent !

2022 Community Bank Leadership Academy Graduates

The Community Bank Leadership Academy held its 4th workshop on October 4-5, where we had the opportunity to observe and hear the lessons learned, skills gained and plans for action from each of our graduates.

This is the 5th year that CBA has offered a 4-part certificate program to support the talent-building strategies of our community bank industry. CBA’s Director of Education, Kristi Greer, led the final session to prepare the leadership bankers as they embark on continued growth and development in their careers. “We are extremely proud of our banks for choosing to invest in their employees. The 2022 CBLA class was another awesome group that has energized me to set new learning goals too,” said Ms. Greer.

Our sponsor, Barrett School of Banking, Chris Kelley added his top life leadership lessons and invited our graduates to consider setting the goal to participate in the Barrett School of Banking. Here are some insights from several of this year’s participants.

“I chose to attend CBLA because I want to grow not only as a leader, but as a person also. By attending these sessions, not only have I learned more about myself, I have developed a skill set and acquired tools needed to continue to become a successful leader. Leadership Academy provided us with great speakers who have coached us and helped with our growth and professional development as leaders and people. I feel I have connected with a network of people that will also help continue my evolution as a leader, not only in my career but in my family and community as well. I recommend this class to everyone. To be able to lead is to be humble and to have the knowledge that continued growth is ongoing.”

Priscilla A Morris, The Claxton Bank

“I believe the CBA Leadership course is relevant at all stages of your career. It has helped me to recognize and understand my own style and to see areas where I can improve. If you are new to a leadership position, the knowledge gained from the program, correctly applied, would provide an opportunity to succeed in your position and be ready to grow into the next one. I would recommend the program to anyone willing to take a hard look at themselves and be ready to be a better leader.”

Angelia Alfred, American Commerce Bank

“This leadership class has been a beneficial time of self-reflection on both a professional and personal level. I am closing out this course with an immense understanding of different leadership styles and how those around me respond to those techniques. The curriculum exposed my leadership strengths and weaknesses for the benefit of my team and other relationships in my life.”

Jonathon Guthrie, The Peoples Bank

We invite you to continue participating in CBA’s annual Compliance Program, the 2023 Compliance Professionals Package CBA of GA continues to raise the bar on our program offerings to bring more benefits and value to our community bank compliance professionals. The Compliance Professionals Package will support your financial institutions strategies for managing an effective compliance program. As your professional development resource, we know you strive to continue growing your knowledge and skills as compliance professionals. Your Compliance Professionals Package was built using our member’s ongoing feedback and survey results. Thank you for continuing to provide support and feedback so that we can offer the topics and ongoing resources you request.

CBA’s Compliance Professionals Package is intended to educate community bankers on updated compliance topics and regulatory issues that are useful and applicable to the ongoing bank strategy. These opportunities are designed for community bank professionals by providing annual education and techniques for monitoring and enforcing regulations which support the regulatory compliance success of community banks.

• Gain Continuing Professional Education Credits – CPEs.

• Receive Quarterly Professional Education Programs.

• Receive Special pricing to attend CBA compliance-related schools and seminars.

• Access to a Complimentary Legal Hotline.

• Access a complimentary toll-free compliance helpline. Within 90 days after a seminar/school led by a ProBank Austin speaker, attendees may call and discuss concerns with the speaker without charge.

• Collect Quarterly newsletters (InCompliance) that address current regulatory hot topics.

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access to the CBA Compliance Officer online forums.

registration to attend Compliance R.A.P. sessions (including Banker Regulatory Forums)