THIS MONTH

We look forward to hosting our members at this month's GBA events!

• Compliance Peer Group Meeting - March 11, Methodist Home for Children & Youth, Macon

• Business Cash Flow Analysis Seminar - South - March 12, Georgia Chamber of Commerce Center for Rural Prosperity, Tifton

• Breaking into Banking 201: Analyzing Repayment Sources - March 25, Zoom Webinar

• HR Professionals Institute - March 25-27, The DeSoto, Savannah (Hotel Deadline is TOMORROW, March 3!)

• Marketing Conference & Customer Insights Workshop - March 25-27, The DeSoto, Savannah (Hotel Deadline is TOMORROW, March 3!)

ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Internal Audit Peer Group Meeting - May 14, Methodist Home for Children & Youth, Macon

Registration is open for the next GBA Internal Audit Peer Group Meeting. Designed exclusively for bank internal auditors, this in-person forum brings peers together to collaborate, share ideas and gain practical guidance on today’s most pressing audit issues. Experts from Elliott Davis will lead sessions on BSA model governance and validation practices, oversight of outsourced loan review providers, emerging credit trends and recent FDICIA changes. The program also includes a moderated roundtable discussion to encourage open dialogue and peer-driven insights you can apply immediately at your institution. Registration includes lunch. Secure your spot today and strengthen your audit program while expanding your professional network.

COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS

Beth Hamilton

Compliance Peer Group Meeting - March 11, Methodist Home for Children & Youth, Macon

There’s still time to sign up for the next GBA Compliance Peer Group Meeting. This highly interactive, banker-led session brings together compliance professionals from across Georgia for candid, peer-to-peer discussions on current compliance challenges, emerging regulatory concerns, and practical solutions being implemented in banks today. Moderated by Beth Hamilton, GBA’s Compliance Committee chair and vice president, compliance officer at First National Bank, Bainbridge, the meeting is entirely peer-driven, with participants submitting hot topics during registration to help shape the conversation. Designed for bank compliance officers, compliance personnel, and anyone with compliance responsibilities, this meeting offers practical insights, best practices and valuable networking opportunities.

Kristen Stogniew

BSA Peer Group Meeting - April 1 on Zoom

Registration is open for the next virtual GBA BSA Peer Group Meeting. This interactive session brings BSA/AML/CFT and OFAC professionals together to exchange ideas, share best practices and tackle timely compliance challenges shaped by participant-submitted hot topics. Led by Kristen Stogniew of Saltmarsh, the program delivers expert insight and valuable peer discussion — all in a convenient virtual format that makes it easy to stay informed without leaving your desk. Register now to connect, collaborate and strengthen your compliance program.

GBA Compliance School - April 26 - May 1, 2026, UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens

Planned by the GBA Compliance School Board, this premier two-year program equips both new and experienced banking professionals with the tools they need to build, oversee, and maintain a strong compliance management program—all while sharpening leadership and team-building skills.

Program Options Available in 2026:

• Year 1 – Building the Base: Learn the fundamentals of compliance and strengthen your bank’s compliance foundation across all departments.
• Year 2 – Applying the Knowledge: Take a deeper dive into practical applications for lending, deposit, and operational regulations while advancing your proactive compliance strategies.
• ACE Track – Exclusively for Alumni: Continue your learning journey through flexible, customizable coursework and earn credits toward a GBA Compliance School Master’s.

Both Year 1 and Year 2 include housing in the registration fee. Students in all tracks will also benefit from peer networking, leadership development and the opportunity to form lasting professional connections.

FUNDAMENTALS PROGRAMS

Banking Foundations - Virtual Training

If you have team members who are new to banking or just entering the workforce, we have a host of good online training resources to help get them up to speed. There are more than 100 Banking Foundations courses and nine certificate programs available for: 

• Tellers
• Branch Managers
• Universal Bankers and Customer Service Representatives
• Small Business Bankers
• Early Career Lenders and many others. 

Check out the full Banking Foundations catalog here, which includes information about signing up. These ABA resources are available for all GBA members.

HR & MARKETING PROGRAMS

HR Professionals Institute - March 25-27, The DeSoto, Savannah

Join us for the 2026 HR Professionals Institute, GBA’s premier learning and networking event for bank HR leaders. We’ll be at The DeSoto in Savannah for three days of timely insights, practical tools, and peer-to-peer engagement. Planned by the GBA HR Committee under the leadership of chair Jessie Ledford, Rabun County Bank, Clayton, and vice chair Shea Zeigler, WB&T Bankshares, Inc., Valdosta, this year’s program features sessions on talent development, compensation and benefits, legal and regulatory updates, cultural leadership and the future of HR with AI. This is the perfect opportunity to elevate your HR skills and expand your professional network.

The hotel deadline for group rates is tomorrow (Tuesday, March 3)!

GBA member banks, Strategic Partners and Associate Members are invited to sponsor and exhibit this event. Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor: Lemonade XLP and Silver Sponsors: First Stop Health and Troutman Pepper Locke!

Marketing Conference & Customer Insights Workshop - March 25-27, The DeSoto, Savannah

Georgia’s premier in-person event for bank marketing professionals is back at the DeSoto in Savannah. The GBA Marketing Committee led by chair Emily Doherty, Great Oaks Bank, Richmond Hill, and vice chair Beth James, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co., Augusta, has been hard at work planning the agenda with topics you need in today's environment. Designed exclusively for Georgia’s bank marketing leaders and rising professionals, this program delivers the perfect blend of strategy, creativity, data-driven insights and peer collaboration. Attendees have the option to register for the pre-conference workshop, the traditional conference or both.

• Customer Insights Workshop – Pre-conference session with real bank customers moderated by Sean Hockenbery, Financial Marketing Solutions. Learn what attracts and retains your customers and how to form effective focus groups.
• Marketing Conference – Packed with sessions on social media, creative strategies, culture, leadership and peer sharing.

Sign up today to connect, learn and grow with fellow bank marketing professionals.

The hotel deadline for group rates is tomorrow (Tuesday, March 3)!

GBA member banks, Strategic Partners and Associate Members are invited to sponsor and exhibit at this event. Thank you to Silver Sponsor: Kristopher James Company.

LENDING, CREDIT AND UNDERWRITING PROGRAMS

Peter Faser

Business Cash Flow Analysis Seminar - March 12, Georgia Chamber of Commerce Center for Rural Prosperity, Tifton

Boost your lending confidence with this hands-on seminar designed to sharpen your cash flow analysis skills and enhance your lending performance. Led by Peter Faser, Business Strategy Advisor with The Profitability Coach and faculty member of the Georgia Banking School, this full-day program gives you practical tools to assess business repayment capacity and make more confident credit decisions. Through a mix of lecture and interactive casework, you’ll learn how to:

• Identify key financial trends and cash flow drivers
• Analyze operating cycles and business performance
• Apply a four-step process to evaluate loan requests effectively.

Whether you’re a small business lender, commercial lender or credit analyst, you’ll leave with actionable insights to strengthen your underwriting and credit analysis.

Video introduction from presenter Andy Keusal

Breaking into Banking 201: Analyzing Repayment Sources - March 25, Zoom Webinar

This nine-module online course builds on the 101 Fundamentals of Commercial Lending program and takes a deeper dive into analyzing repayment sources. Participants will strengthen their skills in reviewing a borrower’s balance sheet, income statement, collateral and risk ratings, with a case study that brings the concepts together in a practical setting.

Designed for credit analysts, lenders and portfolio managers, this program is ideal for professionals who need stronger financial statement analysis skills and greater confidence in writing credit documents. The live webinar format makes it easy to participate from anywhere, and a recording will be available to registered attendees for one month following the session. Register today to sharpen your credit analysis expertise and enhance your impact on the lending team.

Georgia Banking School - April 26 - May 1, University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens

There’s still time to secure your spot for the 2026 session of Georgia Banking School, GBA’s flagship three-year program that builds the technical knowledge, strategic thinking and leadership skills needed for long-term success. Since 1961, the school has prepared thousands of bankers to lead in every area of their institutions.

Quick Facts:

• Who should attend?
  Bankers with potential—your A-players eager to learn and ready to grow.
• When and where?
  April 26 – May 1, 2026 | Athens, GA
• How much?
  $2,700 tuition includes housing, most meals, materials and instruction

Students gain a comprehensive view of banking and build peer relationships that last a lifetime.

Rural Development and Lending Conference - May 18-19, The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, St. Simons

Join the GBA Agricultural Committee as they host GBA’s annual Rural Development and Lending Conference on St. Simons. The agenda is almost finalized, but here is a list of confirmed speakers:

• Peanut Update – Marshall Lamb, National Peanut Research Laboratory
• Beef Update – Will Secor, Assistant Professor & Extension Livestock Economist, UGA
• Fruit & Vegetable Update – Jessica Kirk, Lewis Taylor Farms
• Crop Insurance – Plenn Hunnicutt, South Georgia Crop Insurance

Who Should Attend: Lenders and all Georgia bankers who have customers in the ag sector.

Exhibitor booths and sponsorships are available! Your company or firm may choose to support this event through exhibiting or sponsoring. A huge thanks to our sponsors already confirmed:

• Platinum Sponsor: CSRA Business Lending
• Silver Sponsor: Point to Point Environmental

OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS

State Association Partner Programs on GenAI and Sales Management

In partnership with the Utah Bankers Association, GBA members can take advantage of upcoming virtual programs designed to deliver practical tools and fresh perspectives for today’s banking environment.

Everyday GenAI for Bankers: Practical Applications You Can Use Today
March 25 | 10:30–11:30 a.m. MT | Virtual

Designed for bankers at every level — from frontline staff to executive leadership — this session explores real-world applications of generative AI in banking. Attendees will gain practical, easy-to-implement strategies that can enhance efficiency, improve communication and support smarter decision-making across the institution.

Cost: $195 per person or $185 per person for groups of three or more.

View event details and register.

Performance Management and Creating a “No Excuses” Sales Environment
March 30 | 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. MT | Virtual

This program is geared toward managers and leaders in commercial, retail and business banking, wealth management, and CEOs. Participants will explore strategies to strengthen performance management and foster a culture of accountability that drives consistent sales results. This session is the first in a three-part Anthony Cole sales webinar series, which also includes:

• High Touch Coaching in a High-Tech, Remote World (April 20)
• Motivate Your Bankers from Good to Great (May 18)

Cost: $225 per session. View event details and register. (Or register for all three programs in the series and save $75!)

Jaye Eubanks

Operations and Technology Peer Group - May 4, Methodist Home for Children & Youth, Macon

It's time to sign up for the spring Operations & Technology Peer Group meeting. The meeting is May 4 at the Methodist Home for Children and Youth in Macon and Jaye Eubanks, United Bank and Operations & Technology Committee member, will facilitate the meeting covering industry hot topics. Participants can help shape the discussion by submitting hot topics during the registration process.

Paige Hembree

Information Security Officer 101 Seminar - June 23, Middle Georgia State University, Macon

Registration is open for the Information Security Officer 101 Seminar: The Evolving Role of this Critical Position. This in-depth program explores the growing responsibilities of the Information Security Officer in today’s complex regulatory and cybersecurity environment. Led by Paige Hembree, the seminar will review the FFIEC mandate for the ISO role, best practices and evolving industry standards, and practical strategies for separating ISO and IT management responsibilities.

Attendees will gain insight into cybersecurity management risks and rewards, business continuity and third-party risk management challenges, and how recent cyber-attacks have reshaped expectations for ISOs during a crisis. The program also covers effective communication with employees, customers, the IT steering committee, the board of directors, auditors and examiners to ensure a coordinated security posture. Register today to strengthen your bank’s governance, risk management and resilience while connecting with peers from across the state.

SECURITY PROGRAMS

Bank Security Conference - April 13-15, The Westin Jekyll Island

Bank security professionals from around the state are making plans to join this annual conference. Designed specifically for Georgia bank security professionals, this premier in-person event will focus on strategic innovations in bank security, delivering timely education on today’s most pressing security challenges. Attendees can expect a comprehensive program covering robbery prevention, emerging technology trends, fraud mitigation strategies and ATM security, along with exclusive insights from industry experts. The conference also features a Bank Security Workshop, offering a deep dive into current physical security trends and hot topics, as well as valuable networking opportunities to connect with peers and share ideas. 

Fraud Academy - Aug. 18-20, Hyatt Regency, Lexington, KY, or Virtual

This annual two-day intensive hosted by the Kentucky Bankers Association is led by U.S. Secret Service agents, federal investigators and fraud prevention specialists and is designed to equip banking professionals to become the first line of defense against fraud.

The program covers more than 18 fraud risk areas, including check fraud, elder fraud, cybercrime and AI-driven schemes. Attendees will gain insight into how fraudsters exploit gaps in defenses, how to recognize emerging patterns and how to stop threats before customers and institutions suffer losses.

Can’t travel? A fully immersive live-stream option features real-time Q&A sessions, digital handouts and professional high-definition production. Register online at FraudAcademyHQ.com and strengthen your institution’s fraud-fighting strategy.

WEBINARS & MORE

Webinars from National Experts on OnCourse Learning

Save 10-30% with a subscription package - details here!

Hot topic webinars for March:

• Bank Accounting Beyond the Basics - 5 Part Series - March 4
• The GENIUS Act & Stablecoins: A New Era for Electronic Banking - March 5
• Marketing & Advertising Compliance: What Do We Have to Do? All-Day Streaming Event - March 5
• Marketing Compliance: Avoiding Violations in Print & Digital Advertising - March 9
• IRA Beneficiary Payouts: The Hottest Topic in the IRA Universe - March 11
• Writing Teller Training and Procedures - March 12
• Tax Returns and Personal Financial Statements - March 12
• Opening New Accounts - 3 Part Series - March 13
• Call Report Lending Schedules Workshop - March 24
• TRID – Dealing with Risks: Common Violations, Gray Areas, and Regulatory Concerns - March 24
• Call Report Update - All Day Streaming - March 26
• Mortgage Origination Compliance - 3 Part Series - March 27

See the full calendar of upcoming and OnDemand webinars here. 

Facilitated Online Courses

Virtual learning with an instructor and peer interaction, weekly assignments and deadlines. Categories including Retail, Compliance, Executive Management and more. Learn more about instructor-facilitated online courses here. (click "member" status) 

Self-Paced Online Courses

More than 200 courses in all the key banking skills. See a list of all the self-paced courses we have to offer here. (click "member" status)

ABA Certificates

Certificates build the skills necessary for a specific position in the bank and can be taken entirely online as a certificate curriculum. The programs are continually reevaluated and refined to reflect the current needs of bankers in their jobs today and changes in the industry. There are multiple certificates available in each of the categories below.

• Business Banking & Commercial Lending
• Compliance & Risk Management
• Mortgage Lending
• Retail Banking & Marketing
• Wealth Management & Trust
• Executive Education

See all available certificates here. (click "member" status)

Calendar of Training and Events by subject/topic:

Compliance | Lending | Ops/Tech | Human Resources | Asset/Liability Management | Security