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| NEWS |
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Contrary to Popular Belief, the Sky is Not Falling…
According to the media, our nation is plunging into a recession. But if you talk to Texas community bankers, they will tell you they are predicting good to vibrant local economies over the next 12 months. Click HERE to read IBAT President and CEO Chris Williston’s op-ed on the Texas community bankers’ economic outlook for the next year. |
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| ON THE HILL |
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IBAT Weighs in on Credit Union Power Grab
The U.S. House Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing on the credit unions' initiative to broaden their lending authority, lower their capital requirements and further restrict those credit unions wishing to convert to mutual thrifts on March 6. IBAT sent this letter to our Texas members on this committee to reiterate and reinforce our fervent opposition to this bill.
If you are a constituent of, or have a relationship with one of these members (Hinojosa, Al Green, Paul, Hensarling, Neugebauer, Marchant), it would be beneficial to let them know of your concerns regarding further expansion of the credit union charter. Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202.224.3121 and ask for the appropriate Congressional office.
The credit unions are reportedly bringing several thousand of their members to the Hill for the hearing, and will be fiercely lobbying for these anti-competitive provisions. We are indeed in for a fight. We will keep you updated as this saga progresses. |
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| LEADERSHIP DIVISION |
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Leadership Division Regional Meetings
If you live in and around the Lubbock or San Antonio areas, we have some regional meetings coming your way.
On Thursday, March 6, bankers in the Lubbock area will get together for a mixer with special guest, State Representative Carl Isett of District 84. The meeting will be at the First Bank & Trust Company at 7806 Indiana Avenue. Leadership Division board member Greg Garland will serve as host. Hors d’ouvres and beverages will be served. There is no cost to attend. Simply click HERE for the registration form or call Mae Beth at 1.800.749.4228 if you have any questions.
If you live in or around the San Antonio area, Leadership Division President David Setize invites you to join your colleagues for a mixer on Friday, March 7, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Stonewerks Café and Bar in The Quarry. Thanks to our sponsors, SWBC-Southwest Business Corp., Fidelity National Information Services and Frost Bank. To register, click HERE or call Mae Beth at 1.800.749.4228. |
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| IBAT EDUCATION FOUNDATION |
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2008 RAISE Texas Asset-Building Action Summit
April 29–30, 2008
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas-Houston Branch
The 2008 RAISE Texas Action Summit online registration page is now live. Please RSVP at your earliest opportunity as participation is limited. Be a part of the solution for Texas!
The event will be held at the Dallas Fed's Houston Branch on April 29-30, 2008, and hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and the FDIC in cooperation with RAISE Texas and the Alliance for Economic Inclusion. The Honorable Mayor Bill White will provide an inspirational address at a reception and dinner on the evening of April 29th.
While registering online, you will select one of four working groups:
1. Matched savings accounts;
2. Community tax centers;
3. Alternative small dollar consumer loan products; and
4. Home mortgage foreclosure prevention.
For more information about these campaigns, click HERE.
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| LEGAL EASE QUESTION OF THE WEEK |
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Question: We have a customer who is in basic training for a branch of the military. He believes that we cannot charge him insufficient funds fees while he is in basic training. Is this so? I have read several things on interest rates and different things like that, but I do not see anything on service charges.
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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| FROM THE IBAT LEGAL DEPARTMENT |
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We have a new address from which we are sending Capitol Comments each month: legal@ibat.org. Be sure to "white list" this address so that you continue to receive it.
In case you missed it, click HERE for the February issue. |
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| SOLUTIONS FROM SERVICES |
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Door control eliminates rekeying costs
Brass keys aren’t made of gold, but it sure seems that way when you’re going though yet another expensive re-keying process. Endorsed by IBAT since 1995, Diebold brings you Door Control an affordable, card-based alternative that eliminates costly rekeying and lock replacement. Click HERE to learn more.
To learn more about Diebold’s door control options, please call Gary Guerrero at 210.242.6123, or email guerreg@diebold.com. |
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| BAKER WEEKLY |
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The Federal Reserve stands ready to “act in a timely manner” to prevent “downside risks” to the economy…Fed funds futures indicates a 46% chance that overnight borrowing rates will drop 50bps on March 18…The 10-Yr Treasury Note has fallen 30bps to 3.59% in just five days…Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were told they could lift their lending caps to allow for larger loans…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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Operations Compliance Summit
April 17, 2008
Westin Park Central, Dallas
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What you will learn:
u Best practices for security intrusion notification
u Tips for ID theft red flags
u HR refresher and veterans’ rights
u New liability for remotely created drafts
u Compliance with stolen check reporting
u BSA update
u New school depository requirements |
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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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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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October 5-10, 2008 - Dallas | | |
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Contact IBAT or if you have comments or questions about this newsletter,
email or call Bonnie Kankel at (800) 749-4228. |
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