RECENT NEWS
		More good news on the Federal legislative front...   U. S.SENATE PASSES TECHNICAL CORRECTION BILL FOR 18-MONTH EXAM CYCLES      Late Friday afternoon, December 8, the Senate passed, by unanimous consent, a technical corrections bill (H.R. 6345) to the recently enated Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act of 2006(S. 2856, P.L. 109-351).  The bill clarifies the 18-month exam cycle provision in the new law.  The correction would ensure that the provision applies to well-capitalized and well-managed institutions of up to $500 million in assets with both "outstanding" and "good" ratings.  The House previously passed the H.R. 6345 , and it is now cleared for the President's signature.      This measure, along with several other regulatory relief initiatives, was conceived by ICBA/IBAT through the introduction of the Communities First Act (CFA).      While there is much work remaining to achieve meaningful regulatory relief for the industry, this is a great first step as Congress concludes their work this year.   Gayle Griffin Memorial Fund As you may recall, in October Gayle Griffin, Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Banking since December 1999, passed away after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.  Gayle was with the Department for 25 plus years.  The fund balance for Gayle's memorial education fund now stands at $15,000, and we would like to help honor Gayle’s life and legacy by encouraging you to remember his family at this time of year.  The fund has been set up in the name Gayle Griffin for the benefit of his son, Connor Griffin, and his granddaughter, Aubrey Voss.  Those wishing to contribute can send their donations to First Texas Bank, P.O. Box 5, Round Rock, Texas, 78680.  The exact name of the account is "Gayle Griffin Education Memorial Fund" account number 1044123.
ON THE HILL
		This year, IBAT and TBA will host a joint legislative day in Austin for community bankers.  We're still in the planning stages, but we have finalized a NEW date.  This popular event will be held on Wednesday, February 28.  We'll have our usual briefing in the State Capitol Building and the informal come-and-go luncheon will be held in the Activity Center of the First United Methodist Church, located one block west of the Capitol Building.      You'll be receiving a more detailed letter in the next couple of weeks, but we wanted you to be sure to mark your calendars and call your local legislator and invite him or her to the luncheon.  We'll see you on February 28th!
LEGAL EASE QUESTION OF THE WEEK
		Question:  Is it permissible for bank officers to receive Christmas gifts from bank vendors?      To find out the answer, click on the flashing question mark.  And you can also check out our searchable database of other frequently asked questions.
WELCOME NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBER
		Integrated Bank Technology, Inc., Cedar Park, TX
SOLUTIONS FROM SERVICES
		After a careful due diligence review, IBAT has awarded its exclusive signature debit card product endorsement to Discover® Debit.  Information has been mailed to all IBAT members about the new signature debit program developed jointly by PULSE EFT Association LP and Discover® Network.  Look for yours in the mail.  For details about the program or for more information, contact John Fuller at 469-384-9363.
BAKER WEEKLY
		As expected, the Fed kept the overnight borrowing rate steady at 5.25% for the fourth straight meeting. Their tone remained the same since they last met in late October, although they referred to a “substantial cooling” of the housing market, and said that “although recent indicators have been mixed," the economic expansion should moderate in the coming quarters....Read more in this week's Baker Weekly. 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 EDUCATION FOUNDATION
		Question:  Do you know who provides the free, unbiased, objective information on Savings and Investing for adults at SaveAndInvest.org?      Answer:  NASD Investor Education Foundation.  More information...
ON THE EDUCATION FRONT
		NEWS FLASH! NEWS FLASH!      You now can register for IBAT events online.  Check out the Learning page for a list of our major programs in 2007.
COMING SOON
		For a complete listing of upcoming events, click here. Meanwhile, please mark your calendar for some of our key events for 2007.     IBAT Winter Summit VII January 28-30, 2007 - South Lake Tahoe, NV IBAT IT Security Summit February 8, 2007 - San Antonio   IBAT & TBA Joint Legislative Day February 28, 2007 - Austin   Post-ICBA Convention Program March 8-11, 2007 - Maui, HI IBAT Leadership Conference June 14-16, 2007 - Hyatt Lost Pines Resort IBAT 33rd Annual Convention September 30 - October 2, 2007 - Fort Worth   TechMecca 2007 November 28-29, 2007 - Las Vegas