ON THE HILL
		Politics! Your IBAT Government Relations staff has been busy in the distribution of the PAC dollars so many of you have generously contributed in preparation for the March 7 primary elections.  The latest IBAT Action Report has a recap of the candidates your PAC has supported financially in contested primary races.  In addition to those listed in the Action Report, we inadvertently omitted several important members of the Texas House who have received IBAT PAC support in their primary races.  These include Betty Brown (District 4), Leo Berman (District 6), David Swinford (District 87), Al Edwards (District 146) and Garnet Coleman (District 147).
SOLUTIONS FROM SERVICES
		Here's an opportunity for community bankers to hear issues addressed by professionals that will help build and manage high performing investment portfolios utilizing the latest risk management systems.  IBAT Services is extending this invitation on behalf of our endorsed Service Provider, The Baker Group. Industry Trends: Comparative Financial Highlights Economic Outlook Mortgage-Backed Securities: Products and Strategies Agencies and Munis: Products and Strategies A/L Issues and Portfolio Strategies If these topics are of interest to you, then you don't want to miss The Baker Group's Investment Strategies Seminar.   The Baker Group Investment Strategies Seminar Friday/Saturday, April 21-22   If you prefer to receive the detailed information via fax, please call Jessica Molina in the IBAT Services office at 800.749.4228.
BAKER WEEKLY
		Leading indicators surged in January, signaling strong prospects for economic growth in the short-term.  Read more in 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.
IBAT LEADERSHIP DIVISION
		Attention Houston Area Bankers and Associate Members - Join the IBAT Leadership Division, Thursday, March 2, from 5:00-7:00pm as we celebrate Texas Independence Day with a Cocktail Reception and tour of the new Houston Branch of the Federal Reserve.  If you haven't had an opportunity to visit this new building, you will be impressed!  Download the registration form and directions.   We'd like to thank our sponsors for helping to make this event possible:           Aporia Solutions           Deluxe           Locke, Liddell & Sapp, LLP           MBM Advisors, Inc.           Oasis Outsourcing           USI   For questions or information, contact Mae Beth at mbpalone@ibat.org.
ON THE EDUCATION FRONT
		Last chance to register for How to Create & Maintain a Sales Culture in a Community Bank on March 7-8, 2006.
COMING SOON
		For a complete listing of upcoming events, click here. Meanwhile, please mark your calendar for some of our key events for 2006.     How to Create and Maintain a Sales Culture in a Community Bank March 7-8, 2006 - San Antonio Hispanic Banking - Community Banking's Future Presented by The Strategic Alliance Group, L.L.C. March 24, 2006 - Austin 32nd Annual Legal Conference March 30-31, 2006 - Horseshoe Bay Banking on the Border:  Fraud & Money Laundering - Problems & Solutions Presented by the FDIC April 6-7, 2006, Phoenix, AZ   The Exceptional Assistant April 27-28, 2006 - San Antonio   Bank Marketing Institute April 30-May 2, 2006 - Dallas   Leadership Conference June 15-17, 2006 - Galveston   IBAT 32nd Annual Convention October 1-4, 2006 - San Antonio   Bank Operations Institute October 8-13, 2006 - Dallas