Read IBAT President & CEO Chris Williston's Latest Missing Linc Blog
Congressional recesses are a godsend. But this one is particularly special.
Having been on the forefront of the financial reform debate in Congress for the past sixteen months, this August has been a welcome reprieve from the many trips to our Nation’s Capital and hours spent on the phone with Texas Congressmen and staffers. It is also gratifying to know that it is more difficult for Congress to do more harm when not in session. But more important than that, the lull has provided time to step back and reflect on recent legislative events, retool for future sessions and reconnect with IBAT members all across Texas... read more.
IBAT Features Member Bank: American National Bank of Texas
American National Bank of
Texas, founded in 1875 in Terrell, is one of the oldest and largest
independently owned banks in the state. With assets exceeding $2 billion, the
bank has more than 30 locations throughout North Texas serving Collin, Dallas,
Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Rockwall, Tarrant and Van Zandt counties. ANB provides
individual and corporate trust, investment and estate planning services through
its Wealth Management Group as well as personal and commercial insurance and
risk management services through Sleeper Sewell Insurance Services, Inc. ANB
was ranked one of the Top 100 Places to Work by the Dallas Morning News in 2009
and was the highest ranking financial institution on the list. Visit American
National Bank of Texas on the Web. Member FDIC. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter @ANBTXOaklawn.
IBAT features one member bank a week in the Bottom Line and on the IBAT
website. If you'd like your bank to be included, send us a photo(s) of
your bank. Perhaps you'd like to include how many years your bank has
been open; community projects in which your bank is involved; special staff
accomplishments or any other information you feel sets your bank apart from the
"big guys". You may also want to include your bank's Facebook
page and Twitter account. What a great (and easy) way to highlight your
bank, employees and directors. Just send your information to Mae Beth at mbpalone@ibat.org and
we'll see you online!
Will the CFPB Find a Way Out of the Mortgage Disclosure Quagmire?
IBAT's goal is to provide a diversity of opinions and viewpoints about
national banking news. Some news articles do not necessarily reflect the
opinion of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.
American Banker | Wednesday, August 25, 2010 By Cheyenne Hopkins
Giving oversight of Respa and TILA to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau may make a big difference on moving forward after decades of struggle to harmonize the two laws... read more.
You can read American Banker for free through IBAT's subscription program. Click here to learn more.
With recent regulatory reform and continual challenges facing community
bankers, maximizing the benefits of your S corporation election has never been
more important. Bring your senior management, board members and tax
advisor to learn more about the issues specifically affecting S corporation
financial institutions.
Presentation topics include Investment Management, Tax Credit Programs,
Compensation Strategies, M&A Outlook and more.
To download the full conference brochure, click here.
To register for the conference online, click here.
Congratulations to C. Brett McDowell Recipient of the 2010 Rising Star Award
C. Brett McDowell, Vice
President and Commercial Loan Officer for HCSB-A State Banking Association in
Kerrville, has been named this year's Rising Star Award by the Independent
Bankers Association of Texas.
Brett has made his presence and leadership known in the community in the three
years he has worked for HCSB. Brett is a leader among the young
professionals in Kerrville. His volunteer work has raised
money for the Chamber of Commerce, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Dream Kamp
(summer camp program for economically disadvantaged youth), and Texas Tech
Alumni Scholarship program. Taking time to further his education in
banking and community affairs, Brett has recently graduated from the Southwest
Graduate School of Banking as well as Leadership Kerr County. Recently Brett
began working for the betterment of his industry by representing the views of
community bankers as a delegate to the IBAT Washington Congressional
Delegation. Brett is a leader within the bank, consistently going above
and beyond in business development and promoting high standards of customer
service. His efforts have resulted in attracting several significant new
bank customers to HCSB, proving that community service also makes for good
business. Click here to read more about Brett's involvement in the
community.
The Better Business Bureau Urges Consumers to Check Their Credit Card & Bank Accounts
IBAT's goal is to provide a diversity of opinions and viewpoints
about national banking news. Some news articles do not necessarily
reflect the opinion of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.
From staff reports Published: Friday, August 27, 2010
Mysterious charges of about $65 to $68 from iEarn LLC are turning up on credit card and bank accounts across the United States, according to recent complaints to the Better Business Bureau... read more.
Social Networking Means Customer Relationships for Your Bank
Every day, Texas banks
connect with their customers in the lobby, on the phone and on their
websites. Social networking online is simply one more way for banks to
forge customer relationships. The IBAT Social Media Lounge, at the IBAT Annual Convention this September 25-28, will be hosting
discussions and providing hands-on help with the opportunities that are
available for community banks to connect with customers on a whole new level
using social networking tools. Community banks have all these tools at hand
to turn the arcane world of Social Networking into the real world job of
building Customer Relationships.
The Social Technology Lounge will be open throughout the Annual Convention, from noon to 7pm on Sunday, September 26, and
from 8am-5pm on Monday and Tuesday, September 27-28. We will also be
holding informative 15-minute learning sessions right there in the Lounge on
how your bank can join the social networking world. But stop by anytime
during the convention for some expert assistance, hands-on help, and to see
working examples of Texas community banks using the latest social technology
tools!
To see a complete list of all convention activities, including keynote speakers
and other educational activities click here. While you're with us in Fort Worth, don't
forget to visit our tabletop exhibitors to check out the latest products and services
designed to keep you on the cutting edge and one step ahead of the competition.
You can follow all of the Convention activities on the IBAT Facebook Fan Page or Twitter. This year's Twitter hash tag for all convention
activities is #IBAT10.
We'd like to thank the IBAT Convention sponsors for helping make registration
fees a little easier on your budget. You can click here for a complete list.
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke Covers Options to Boost Fed Stimulus
IBAT's goal is to provide a diversity of opinions and viewpoints about
national banking news. Some news articles do not necessarily reflect the
opinion of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.
Federal
Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke outlined the central bank's options to continue
stimulating the slowing economic recovery. In a speech at the Kansas City
Federal Reserve's Economic Symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyo., Bernanke said one
option is expanding purchases of longer-term securities, though he warned that
the Fed doesn't fully understand the precise impact of these purchases and that
these additional purchases could lead to an increase in inflation expectations.
The Fed chief also said the Federal Open Market Committee could modify its
post-meeting communications to reflect that it anticipates keeping the target
for the federal funds rate low for a longer period than is currently priced in
markets. Finally, he said the Fed could reduce the interest paid on excess
reserves, which could provide banks with an incentive to increase their lending
to nonfinancial borrowers or to participants in short-term money markets.
The FOMC has held its target for the federal funds rate in a range of
zero to 25 basis points since December 2008 and has purchased more than $2
trillion in agency debt, mortgage-backed securities and Treasury securities to
aid economic recovery. The panel recently voted to reinvest payments of
principal on agency securities into longer-term Treasury securities to prevent
its balance sheet from shrinking as the economic outlook has weakened. Read the Speech.
Read Bankers Digest's Tips for Successfully Hiring
IBAT's goal is to provide a diversity of opinions and viewpoints
about national banking news. Some news articles do not necessarily
reflect the opinion of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.
Bankers Digest Current Feature Tony Beshara, President, Babich & Associates
Studies show that a single decision maker in the hiring process makes no more or less hiring mistakes than a committee of three people. And, an even more important finding is that a single decision maker makes fewer mistakes than a committee of more than three people.
A case in point is a placement contract we worked with a client companyseeking a first-level manager position. “This is a crucial hire,” we heard. We have to be really C-A-R-E-F-U-L. We can’t afford to make a mistake. This is the most important hire of the year... my career depends on it” ... read more.
IBAT Member Frost Bank CEO Weighs in on Financial Overhaul's Effects
IBAT's goal is to provide a diversity of opinions and viewpoints
about national banking news. Some news articles do not necessarily
reflect the opinion of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.
By Scott Nishimura
Congress' overhaul of the financial industry likely means higher costs for institutions, consolidation among community banks, higher banking fees for consumers and the end of amenities such as free checking, the head of Cullen/Frost Bankers said Tuesday.
The overhaul's merit rests in the answer to one question, Dick Evans, CEO of Frost Bank, told a luncheon audience at the Fort Worth Club: Does it make another crisis less likely? ... read more.
IBAT Features Member Bank: Fort Davis State Bank, Established October 1911
Banking Texas Style! Fort Davis State Bank was founded in October of 1911 by
twenty-six businessmen who saw a need for a financial institution in Jeff Davis
County. Since its beginning, the bank has continuously been a family owned
business as it remains today. Located in the beautiful mountains of Fort Davis,
the main office has maintained a true ambiance of old- fashioned, hometown
banking with the original oak cabinets and iron teller cages. 1997 was a
milestone year for the bank with the opening of two new branches, Alpine and
Presidio. Since the bank's inception, the primary mission has been
to serve the banking needs of the Fort Davis community and Jeff Davis, as well
as Brewster and Presidio counties. As one of the oldest banks in the Tri-County
area, the bank has built a reputation of respect and loyalty with good
old-fashioned "People to People" service. The main office in Fort Davis and
each of the three branches are all uniquely different as they each meet the
banking needs of their individual communities. Whether it be the popular
tourist town of Fort Davis, the booming college town of Alpine, the
multi-cultural border town of Presidio or the most recent branch in Odessa,
opened in December 2008 centered around the West Texas oilfields; Fort Davis
State Bank is moving forward "Texas Style".
We are proud of our Texas heritage and we are committed to serving our
customers, friends and our communities as a true "People to People" bank!
IBAT features one member bank a week in the Bottom Line and on the IBAT
website. If you'd like your bank to be included, send us a photo(s) of
your bank. Perhaps you'd like to include how many years your bank has
been open; community projects in which your bank is involved; special staff
accomplishments or any other information you feel sets your bank apart from the
"big guys". You may also want to include your bank's Facebook
page and Twitter account. What a great (and easy) way to highlight your
bank, employees and directors. Just send your information to Mae Beth at mbpalone@ibat.org and
we'll see you online!
Senate Banking Chair Discusses Highs and Lows of Fight to Revamp System
IBAT's goal is to provide a diversity of opinions and viewpoints
about national banking news. Some news articles do not necessarily
reflect the opinion of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.
American Banker | Tuesday, August 24, 2010 By Stacy Kaper
WASHINGTON — After a brutal 21-hour legislative session ending in the early morning hours of June 25, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd thought regulatory reform was finally finished.
The bill's trickiest sticking points had been resolved at the 11th hour, and the Connecticut Democrat said he felt confident he had enough support to win the necessary 60 votes to push the agreement through the Senate... read more.
You can read American Banker for free through IBAT's subscription program. Click here to learn more.
Congratulations to Cindy Robertson Recipient of the 2010 Making a Difference Award
IBAT recently honored two
of its members with the Making a Difference Award. This week we are proud
to feature Cindy Robertson from American Bank of Texas in Marble Falls.
Cindy is Vice President of Human Resources and has been with the bank for 12
years. Cindy is the perfect example of what a real community banker is all
about. A key member of the organization, she takes the additional time
and effort outside of her normal duties, typically using her personal time, to
continually exhort and organize our employees to get out and get
involved. It is through her efforts that the bank is able to utilize its
resources to the benefit of a variety of worthwhile causes throughout the
community. Probably one of the most amazing aspects out of all of this is
that she neither asks for nor expects any type of recognition. She came
up with, and took on the role as coordinator of our volunteer activities and
has done an outstanding job with them since inception. Through her
leadership, the various fundraising activities have raised over $5000 since
2009. For a list of her community activities and involvement, click here.
Federal Reserve Official Hoenig Says Viablilty of Community Banks is Threatened
IBAT's goal is to provide a diversity of opinions and viewpoints about national banking news. Some news articles do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.
America's "Too Big To Fail" banking institutions threaten the viability of community banks, a top Federal Reserve official said Monday.
In prepared remarks in front of the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Thomas Hoenig, the president of of the Kansas City Fed, bemoaned the "competitive disadvantage" that large banks enjoy and called community banks "essential" to local and regional economies... read more.
A Conversation with Paul Nash, FDIC Deputy to the Chairman for External Affairs
We are delighted toannounce that we've confirmed a new addition to our impressive lineup ofconvention keynote speakers. Join us on Tuesday, September 28, for "AConversation with Paul Nash, FDIC Deputy to the Chairman for External Affairs."
Mr. Nash was at the epicenter of the Wall Street Reform process. He hasagreed to take the stage with IBAT President Chris Williston for a candiddiscussion on the impact of the Dodd-Frank bill on our industry.
For more information about the convention or to register, visit our website.
You can follow all of the Convention activities on the IBAT FacebookFan Page or Twitter. This year's Twitter hash tag for all convention activities is #IBAT10.
We'd like to thank the IBAT Convention sponsors for helping make registrationfees a little easier on your budget. You can clickhere for a complete list.
IBAT's goal is to provide a diversity of opinions and viewpoints about national banking news. Some news articles do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.
New credit card restrictions take effect
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- New rules designed to protect credit card users from "unreasonable late payment and other penalty fees" come into force Sunday as a result of the Wall Street reform bill... read more.
Community Bankers Head to DC This Week; Follow the Action on Twitter with #CBDC
The IBAT Annual Washington Congressional Visit is this week, May 3-5, 2011. You can follow the latest updates on Twitter with hashtag #CBDC (Community Bankers in DC).
For the past several years, IBAT has been pleased to bring a large (well over 100) contingent of Texas community bankers to D.C. The consistent and growing recognition of the importance of our segment of the financial services industry among lawmakers is a result of your increased involvement in the process. We anticipate that there will be much work to do in D.C. yet again next year in the aftermath of financial reform legislation.
Career Day Fairs Made Easy With IBAT Tool Kit - Get Your Kit at the IBAT Convention
It's nice to know that as school cranks up again this Fall you'll have some fresh new tools at your finger tips to tell the story of community banking.
No doubt, you, or someone in the bank will receive a call from your local school asking for a community banker to come to the schools upcoming Career Day Fair. For some schools, this happens in Fall; for some it's Winter; and for some it's Spring. No matter. You have access to some tools encouraging kids to consider a career in community banking. You'll be ready.
I read with interest the perspectives offered to the membership of the Texas Bankers Association by its chief paid executive, "Someone has to be lying!", and 2010 volunteer Chairman, "Did you get a carve out?", in the current issue of Texas Banking magazine (August 2010). Both offered rather dramatic observations of the recently passed Dodd/Frank bill and its likely effect on community banks and the industry as a whole. More specifically, the authors elected to confuse bankers with the notion that the Independent Community Bankers Association of America (ICBA) and (by inference) its state affiliates (including IBAT) were to blame for the bill's harmful provisions by engaging and negotiating in the political process rather than standing with TBA in total opposition to the bill... read more.
Apply for the Brazos Valley Bankers Association High School Graduate Scholarship
The Brazos Valley Bankers Association [BBVA] is a regional
association for bankers living and working in the southeast region of
Texas, between Austin and Houston. There are no geographic
restrictions, and all bankers are welcome. However, most of the groups
meetings and activities take place in a central location like Brenham.
The BVBA's primary goal is to create a closer relationship between all
the member bankers, both from a social and business standpoint. The
group also offers college scholarships to the children of bankers.
Meetings are held quarterly, usually somewhere around Brenham. A
speaker or educational opportunity is provided for the members at most
of these meetings, and all meetings have a social function as well. The
current President is Jason Brummerhop, of Amegy Bank of Texas in
Houston. Tim Walter, Citizens National Bank, serves as the association
Vice President, and Becky Pilcik, Industry State Bank, is the
Secretary/Treasurer. For more information on meetings, dues, or any
other questions, please contact Jason Brummerhop by phone (713-232-1252)
or email.
Bankers Digest Discuess the Dodd-Frank Act to End Too-Big-To-Fail
IBAT's goal is to provide a diversity of opinions and viewpoints about national banking news. Some news articles do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.
Bankers Digest Current Feature: August 16, 2010 Issue Excerpt of remarks by Michael S. Barr, Treasury Assistant Secretary to members of the Chicago Club
Assistant Treasury Secretary for Financial Institutions Michael S. Barr in a speech on August 10 told members of the the Chicago Council of Global Affairs at the Chicago Club, a private business and social club in downtown Chicago, that the process has begun to restore market discipline to a financial system distorted by the moral hazard associated with “too-big-to-fail.” He introduced the steps that will take place over the next several months by the financial industry regulatory agencies involved in implementing the reforms mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act... read more.
Sage
Capital Bank is a community bank dedicated to serving our customers'
growing and changing needs. We have a rich heritage of customer service,
community pride, and commitment. For 25 years, we've built our business
on trust. Our customers rely on our honesty and integrity, and we've
cultivated personal connections - as bankers, as partners, and as friends -
that have endured through the years. Our bank was chartered in Gonzales,
Texas in 1984 and we now have additional locations in Luling, Lockhart,
New Braunfels, San Marcos and Shiner. Our name is reflective of our Texas
values; strong, resilient and native to the land. Click here to view more pictures.
IBAT features one member bank a week in the Bottom Line and on the IBAT
website. If you'd like your bank to be included, send us a photo(s) of
your bank. Perhaps you'd like to include how many years your bank has
been open; community projects in which your bank is involved; special staff
accomplishments or any other information you feel sets your bank apart from the
"big guys". You may also want to include your bank's Facebook
page and Twitter account. What a great (and easy) way to highlight your
bank, employees and directors. Just send your information to Mae Beth at mbpalone@ibat.org and
we'll see you online!
Private Placements Preferred to Repay Tarp, Bolster Ratios
IBAT's goal is to provide a diversity of opinions and viewpoints
about national banking news. Some news articles do not necessarily
reflect the opinion of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.
American Banker | Tuesday, August10, 2010 By Rachel Witkowski
A gust of stock offerings is expected from community banks, some bracing forheightened capital standards, others seeking to repay government capital and afew chasing acquisitions... read more.
You can read American Banker for free through IBAT's subscription program. Click here to learn more.
Congratulations to Juan Carlos Guerra Recipient of the 2010 Making a Difference Award
IBAT recently honored two
of its members with the Making a Difference Award. This week we are proud
to feature one of the recipients, Juan Carlos Guerra, of the First National
Bank of Hebbronville.
Juan Carlos has more than 10 years of banking experience and is the loan
officer for SBA loans at the bank. By working closely with the SBA and
USDA, Juan Carlos secures government guarantees on business loans that would
not otherwise qualify, thereby allowing not only the business owners, but also
the community, to prosper.
Juan Carlos will receive his Making a Difference Award at the Best of Community
Banking Awards Luncheon during IBAT's Annual Convention in September.
For a list of his other community activities and involvement, click here.
IBAT General Counsel Karen M. Neeley Provides a Summary in a White Paper
The news and events
regarding overdrafts are coming fast and furious. As either a bank or
bank customer, if you aren't paying attention, you may fall prey to the old
adage, you snooze, you lose. We want to remind you again about the
important Reg. E deadline that just passed, and about a couple of important new
items regarding overdrafts that you need to be aware of.
As you know, earlier this year, the federal banking regulatory agencies adopted
rules regarding overdraft programs on one-time debit card transactions and ATM
transactions. By now, your bank should have prepared notices and provided
them to your new and existing customers. Don't forget, as of this past
Sunday, August 15, 2010, unless you've provided your customers with a written
description of your overdraft service, provided them reasonable opportunity to
affirmatively consent (opt-in) to the service for ATM and one-time debit card
transactions, obtained their opt-in, and provided the customer with written
confirmation of that decision (and the right to revoke it), you can't assess a
fee for paying an ATM or one-time debit card transaction pursuant to your
overdraft service.
It seems like word is spreading fast about a California federal trial court
decision against Wells Fargo regarding its deposit account debit and credit
processing procedures. While I have read several short blurbs about this
90 page decision, none of them has thoroughly hashed out the facts and
implications. And there are implications for Texas banks. But it
may not be what you think. We have asked IBAT General Counsel Karen M. Neeley* to cut through the clutter, and the 90 page
opinion, to provide you, our members, with a White Paper that includes a summary of the decision and her
recommendations. Speaking of Ms. Neeley, you will want to read her Legal Ease in the July/August issue of IBAT's magazine regarding
best practices in overdraft protection.
Finally, the FDIC issued a FIL last week (FIL-47-2010) containing proposed guidance on how banks should
monitor and oversee overdraft payment programs offered to consumer. The
FDIC is seeking comment on these supervisory expectations no later than
September 27, 2010. IBAT welcomes your input as we develop our comments. If you
want to follow the comments as they are filed, you can do so at this page on the FDIC Web site.
As you can see, there's a lot going on that is overdraft related. As the
federal regulatory landscape continues to shift, change, and move, with regard
to overdraft and a myriad of other issues, IBAT will continue to remain on the
leading edge, bringing you the latest and most in-depth analysis available.
*Karen M. Neeley is IBAT General Counsel and Of Counsel at Cox│Smith in Austin,
Texas. Ms. Neeley can be reached at 512-703-6315, but cannot answer legal
or compliance questions for non-clients.
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