All words and phrases in blue in this newsletter are links to more information!
| LEGAL EASE QUESTION OF THE WEEK |
 What documentation does the bank need on a money services business? To find out the answer, click on the flashing question mark. You can also check out our growing database of other Q&As!
 Tuesday's election on nine constitutional amendments brought a few surprises. First, turnout was higher than normal for an "off" year, with almost 19% of registered voters casting ballots in the controversial Prop 2 - The Marriage Amendment - which was passed overwhelmingly. Prop 7, to allow lines of credit on reverse mortgages, won easily. Prop 5, which would have allowed additional flexibility and some level of parity for Texas lenders in commercial lending, was defeated. Interestingly, the ballot verbiage on both Prop 5 and Prop 9 (the other defeated amendment) were the only two to include the phrase "authorizing the legislature", possibly indicating a heightened level of frustration with our elected officials among the public. Detailed returns are available here.
The Gaylord will be decked out for the holidays, including a 14,000 square foot ice village.
Here is this week's newsletter from The Baker Group. Although this information has been obtained from sources, which we believe to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy. This is for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security.
 TechMecca is scheduled for February 13-14, 2006 at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott in The Woodlands, Texas. TechMecca delivers targeted strategies and solutions designed especially to meet the challenges of today's constantly changing financial services market. TechMecca 2006 features dynamic general sessions led by top industry experts who understand the fragile balance between technology and customer service. In addition, focused concurrent sessions cater to the special technology interests and individual needs of financial institutions. To help you stay informed of current and emerging technology, the TechMecca Expo showcases products and services from the nations leading financial services providers. For more information or to register, visit www.techmecca.net.
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BOOKS TO  OUT |
Last week’s Salary & Compensation Survey Webcast was a success. If you were unable to attend, you can sign up for the Employee Benefit Survey Webcast. Join other independent bankers in this exclusive webacast to find out how you can get the most out of your Employee Benefit Survey! When? Thursday, November 17, 2005, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. CST .
IBAT has found one of the most efficient and inexpensive ways to deliver much needed educational programs to your bank, IN YOUR AREA. Are you aware of our cluster education concept that allows several banks in a specific area of the state to bring in a speaker and deliver hands on training for just dollars per person? Just over the past month we have had 2 very successful programs on Fraud Prevention for the front line personnel of nine banks in the Brenham area and eight banks in the Corpus Christi area. For just $650 per bank per program you can train your entire staff. If you want to learn more about the IBAT Education cluster programs, e-mail jcourtney@ibat.org.
 For a complete listing of upcoming events, click here. Meanwhile, please mark your calendar for some of our key events for 2006.
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IBAT Winter Summit VI
January 29-31, 2006 - South Lake Tahoe |
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TechMecca
February 13-14, 2006 - The Woodlands |
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Women In Banking Conference
April 27-28, 2006 - San Antonio |
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Bank Marketing Institute
April 30-May 2, 2006 - Dallas |
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Leadership Conference
June 15-17, 2006 - Galveston |
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IBAT 32nd Annual Convention
October 1-4, 2006 - San Antonio |
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Bank Operations Institute
October 8-13, 2006 - Dallas |
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