RECENT NEWS
		We're still getting questions about the home equity constitutional amendment.  Tomorrow (December 4) is the day to start using the new notice.  (See the Legal Ease Question of the Week below.)      And in case you haven't seen it yet, be sure to read our Special Compliance Bulletin on the subject.
LEGAL EASE QUESTION OF THE WEEK
		Question:  When do we start using the new home equity notice from the recent constitutional amendment?      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.
IBAT EDUCATION FOUNDATION
		The  IBAT Education Foundation's website has three new features.  Check out the IBAT history by clicking on "History Project" on the home page, then click on the first link, "Video Link". The other two new features are: "J. A. Project" and "Research".
SOLUTIONS FROM SERVICES
		IBAT is pleased to offer you a complimentary, "members only" Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Webinar on December 4th or December 5th.      The Webinar is being provided by IBAT and our endorsed CRM provider MSI - a division of Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.  Learn how you can increase your services and profits per household using MSI's CRM solution - CONNECTIONS.      CONNECTONS is a web-based, enterprise-wide, CRM solution designed specifically for community banks.  CONNECTIONS interfaces with your core system daily, providing you with the most current data on each customer.      During this private IBAT webinar you will learn how CONNECTIONS can assist you in the following areas:  Profitability - Measure and manage the profitability of all products, services, individual accounts and collective households.   Database Marketing - Design, print, mail and automatically track appropriate correspondence to each customer.   Sales Tracking - Track individual sales goals for each employee accurately.  Cross-Selling - Recommend the correct product or service to customers based on the profiles of similar customers.  Reporting - Access to a wealth of reports built from daily institutional data, plus build custom reports and schedule automatic delivery.       You will quickly see how MSI can enhance your customer relations and profits after participating in this Webinar.       Registering is quick and easy.  Simply send an e-mail to Jessica Molina at IBAT at jmolina@ibat.org including your name and indicate the date you wish to register.   Tuesday, December 4 at 2:00 pm CDT Wednesday, December 5 at 10:00 am CDT    If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Bill Armistead at MSI - 205.408.4600 ext. 8452 / bill.armistead@fnis.com or Jessica Molina at IBAT Services - 800.749.4228 ext. 107 / jmolina@ibat.org
BAKER WEEKLY
		The Dow Jones industrial average rebounded in anticipation of a Fed ease in mid-December.  In addition to an expected ease in borrowing rates, the price of crude oil has fallen from its all-time-high of $98.18 to just under $89/bbl.  Through it all, the Dow is up 4.8% or 589-points since last Monday’s close.  Fed Fund futures indicate a 66% probability of a 25bps rate cut on December 11, and a 34% chance of a 50bps rate cut.  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
		IBAT Winter Summit VIII January 27-29, 2008 Harrah's & Harvey's, South Lake Tahoe, NV ...More information ...Register online   Purpose:  Get the latest on what's new in the regulatory world from senior officials  Top-notch banking attorneys share their expertise  All education sessions are designed to encourage audience questions and participation  Plenty of networking opportunities and social time with the speakers and other attendees  A fabulous venue, very reasonably priced accommodations and lots of fun
COMING SOON
		For a complete listing of upcoming events, CLICK HERE.  Meanwhile, please mark your calendar for some of our key upcoming events.      Winter Summit VIII January 27-29, 2008 - South Lake Tahoe, NV   IBAT Regional Meetings January 22-25, February 5-8, 2008 - Locations TBD   IBAT's Post-ICBA Convention Program March 6-8, 2008 - Grand Bahama Island   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