ON THE HILL
		URGENT CALL TO ACTION! We need your help!  The Farm Bill is expected to be brought up this week and Sen. Chambliss from Georgia is expected to offer an amendment on behalf of the Farm Credit System (FCS).   FCS is desperately and furiously lobbying this amendment which is a “TROJAN HORSE”.  While aimed at biorefineries (ag and non-ag) and tax-exempt home lending in cities up to 7,500, FCS has already told staffers privately that their effort is just to gain a foothold in conference.  In a House-Senate Farm Bill conference, FCS will push for broad powers to engage in (non-farm) business lending and a further expansion of their population caps for home mortgages (they originally sought a 50,000 population cap).   Senators Hutchison and Cornyn need to hear from you. Senators and staffs will be unfamiliar with the issue as they simply haven’t followed it.  That is precisely what the FCS is counting on as they try to wrap themselves in the politically attractive issue of “biofuels” while giving lip service to subprime mortgages.   Ask our senators (and staff) to VOTE AGAINST the CHAMBLISS amendment on the Farm Credit System issue.   Senator Hutchison - 202-224-5922  Senator Cornyn - 202-224-2934   IBAT's 16th Annual Congressional Visit Our Congressional Visit has been set for April 29 - May 1, 2008.  Here's your chance to take the community banking story where it makes a difference - Capitol Hill!  Join us for our behind-the-scenes visits and show your commitment to your industry.      More information...   IBAT Asks for Support of HR 2091 IBAT has sent a letter to the Texas Congressional delegation asking them to support and co-sponsor HR 2091 allowing FHLBanks to issue stand-by Letters of Credit through their members in tax-exempt bond transactions.      Read the letter...
DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!
		We would like to encourage you to vote Tuesday on 16 separate amendments to our state constitution.  These amendments were approved by the state legislature earlier this year and have now been presented for approval by the voters of Texas.      The issues at hand range from college loans and property tax appraisals to recorded votes and cancer research funds.  Of special interest to the lending community is Proposition 8.  This proposed amendment would clarify some issues in the area of home equity lending, and while not as expansive as we would have hoped, provides for some meaningful improvements in this troublesome area of the law.      For a summary of the amendments, CLICK HERE.
TECHMECCA
		Hotel deadline has been extended to 11/7! Be sure to check the website at www.techmecca.net for an update on exhibitors, sponsors and education sessions.  This is a one of a kind show that you won't want to miss!
LEGAL EASE QUESTION OF THE WEEK
		Question:  We have a customer with 10 acres in the country who wants to waive his ag use valuation and get a home equity loan from us.  Can we do this?      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.
SOLUTIONS FROM SERVICES
		SecureWorks Ranked 143rd Fastest Growing Company in North America on Deloitte’s 2007 Technology Fast 500 IBAT’s endorsed Managed Security Services Provider SecureWorks ranked 143rd on Deloitte’s 2007 Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications and life sciences companies in North America.   Rankings are based on percentage of fiscal year revenue growth over five years, from 2002-2006.  SecureWorks grew 1,127 percent during this period.  Mike Cote, president & CEO of SecureWorks, attributes growth to exceptional technology and a remarkable client service program.  SecureWorks topped Deloitte’s list three years running.
BAKER WEEKLY
		The U.S. added 166,000 jobs last month…the Fed lowered its target rate for Fed Funds 25bps as expected to 4.5%...the first of three Q3 GDP figures suggested that the U.S. grew at a 3.9%...September’s core personal consumption expenditures showed that year-over-year price increases held steady at 1.8%, well within the Fed’s preferred range of 1 2%...crude oil reached record highs this week, topping $96/bbl following the drop in over-night rates on Wednesday…the dollar index is trading around new lows, 76.49, as the foreign exchange market continues to put downward pressure on the dollar.  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.
ON THE EDUCATION FRONT
		Program   Date   Location Fair Lending Workshop   November 7   Lubbock   November 8   Irving   November 9   San Antonio   November 29   Houston 2007 ACH Processing and Compliance   December 11   Lubbock   December 12   Irving   December 13   San Antonio   December 14   Houston
COMING SOON
		For a complete listing of upcoming events, CLICK HERE.  Meanwhile, please mark your calendar for some of our key upcoming events.      TechMecca 2007 November 28-29, 2007 - Las Vegas   Financial Literacy Summit December 4-5, 2007 - Dallas   Winter Summit VIII January 27-29, 2008 - South Lake Tahoe, NV   IBAT Regional Meetings January 22-25, February 5-8, 2008 - Locations TBD   IBAT Annual Congressional Visit April 29-May 1, 2008 - Washington, DC   IBAT Leadership Conference June 19-21, 2008 - Moody Gardens, Galveston   IBAT 34th Annual Convention September 20-23, 2008 - Hyatt Lost Pines Resort, Austin/Bastrop   Bank Operations Institute October 12-17, 2008 - Dallas