| IBAT WINTER SUMMIT VIII |
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It's Snowing in Tahoe!
The progam's finalized for the IBAT Winter Summit VIII, and the snow is falling in Lake Tahoe! Top Texas bank regulators and three of the best banking attorneys in the state will provide timely and meaty educational offerings...and beautiful South Lake Tahoe will provide a vast array of recreational activities.
Don't miss out on "Early Bird Pricing" through December 21...and please note that the amazing deals (as well as availability) on our hotel block at Harrah's cannot be guaranteed after December 28.
For additional information or to register today, CLICK HERE, or call Julie at 800/749-4228.
We hope you can join us for this unique program January 27 - 29 in South Lake Tahoe. |
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| IBAT 34TH ANNUAL CONVENTION |
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Mark your calendar for IBAT's 34th Annual Convention - September 20-23, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort in Bastrop. Click here to view the preliminary schedule of events.
If you're interested in speaking opportunities, we will send out our Call for Presentations at the beginning of February. Information about sponsorship and exhibit opportunities will be mailed in early May. Meanwhile, you can click here for some preliminary information about the event. |
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| IBAT REGIONAL MEETINGS |
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We're working out the details for our Regional Meetings in January and February. Check out the preliminary schedule and mark your calendar to attend a meeting close to you.
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| FROM THE IBAT LEGAL DEPARTMENT |
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New Home Equity Law in Effect
It's official...as indicated in prior communications, the canvass of the votes took place as expected at 2:00 on Tuesday, December 4, making the language in HJR 72 officially part of the Texas Constitution. In other words, the new home equity amendment is now officially in effect as of that date and time. For home equity loans closing after that date and time, all of the new forms, including the new notice, must be used. A new notice form given to the borrower before that date and time is not effective, so there will be a lag time of 12 days (actually 13, since December 16 was on a Sunday) before a home equity loan under the new law may close. As you are also aware, the three-day right of rescission remains the same. |
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| CONSUMER TIPS |
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Based upon media reports, the United States is facing the most serious economic crisis since the savings and loan debacle of the 1980s and perhaps the worst housing crisis since the Great Depression. Read on to see how you, as a community banker, can help your customers in this struggle.
IBAT members are encouraged to reproduce this column with your bank logos and distribute to your customers.
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| LEGAL EASE QUESTION OF THE WEEK |
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Question: At this season, some of our best customers would like to show their appreciation for outstanding service by making gifts to certain employees. Any problem with 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. |
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| IBAT EDUCATION FOUNDATION |
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To find out more about Texas Appleseed, a non-profit, public interest law organization founded in 1996 that focuses on systemic reform, go to the IBAT Education Foundation website, click on the Research button and the "Link to Texas Appleseed." |
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| SOLUTIONS FROM SERVICES |
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Thank you from IBAT Services for all of your support this year! It has been a very active and productive year for all. We appreciate the many calls we have received from our members during the year asking questions as you look for providers to meet your needs. Even more, we appreciate the fact that many of you have chosen several of our Endorsed Service Providers to work with your bank.
We remain committed to serving you, our members, throughout the year. Toward that end, we are continually reviewing our existing endorsed product and services...while on the watch for new products and services that may merit an endorsement.
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a wonderful Holiday season! |
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| BAKER WEEKLY |
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The Fed lowered overnight borrowing rates 25bps to 4.25% last week. Accompanying that decision was the statement that “incoming information suggests that economic growth is slowing”. Additionally, the central bank lowered the discount rate 25bps as well. The Fed also indicated that “some inflation risks remain”, continuing an expression of concern they have held even after implementing three straight rate cuts totaling 100bps. 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. |
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| ON THE EDUCATION FRONT |
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Don't miss these essential compliance programs co-sponsored with PBS:
2008 Compliance Management
January 15 - San Antonio
January 24 - DFW Airport
Introduction to Lending Compliance and Mortgage Disclosure
January 16-17 - Houston
January 22-23 - Lubbock
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COMING SOON |
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For a complete listing of upcoming events, CLICK HERE. Meanwhile, please mark your calendar for some of our key upcoming events.
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IBAT Regional Meetings
January 22-25, February 5-8, 2008 - Locations TBD |
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March 6-8, 2008 - Grand Bahama Island |
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April 29-May 1, 2008 - Washington, DC |
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IBAT Leadership Conference
June 19-21, 2008 - Moody Gardens, Galveston |
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September 20-23, 2008 - Hyatt Lost Pines Resort, Austin/Bastrop |
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Bank Operations Institute
October 12-17, 2008 - Dallas | | |
