Financial institutions today, Jan. 2007

Inside this issue:

DBF Memo to

2

Financial Institutions

Regarding GAP

Coverage

Department of

3

Banking and

Finance's 2007

Housekeeping Bill

2007 State Holidays 4
DBF Outreach and 4
Upcoming Speaking Engagements

GTA Helps Fight

5

Identity Crime with

LicenseMatch

2006 HMDA

5

Reporting Reminder

Action on

6

Applications for the

Month of January

DBF's Customer

12

Service Stars for the

Month of January

News and topics of interest to financial institutions regulated by the Department of Banking and Finance

Monthly Bulletin #1

January 2007

Notice of Order to Cease and Desist Issued to Magnolia International Bank and Trust--Effective January 31, 2007
It has come to the Department's attention that an entity called "Magnolia International Bank and Trust" located at Five Concourse Parkway NE, Suite 1450, Atlanta, Georgia 30328 may be representing itself as a financial institution authorized to do business in the State of Georgia.
Please be advised that the Department has no record of Magnolia International Bank and Trust and the Department has not authorized Magnolia International Bank and Trust to conduct a banking business in Georgia. Therefore, the Department has issued an Order to Cease and Desist (Order) to Magnolia International Bank and Trust to terminate its unauthorized banking activities in Georgia effective January 31, 2007.
For further information regarding this Order, please contact Corporate Manager, Financial Institutions Murali Ramachandran at (770) 986-1645 and/or murali@dbf.state.ga.us.

Senior Deputy Commissioner Reynolds appointed to FFIEC Task Force
One of the provisions of the Regulatory Relief Bill that passed into law in 2006 was the addition of a state representative as a full voting member of the FFIEC. Steve Antonakes, the Commissioner of the State of Massachusetts, is the voting representative of the States on the FFIEC. In order to effectively fulfill the responsibilities of this position, CSBS has asked several state regulators to serve on the various task forces of the FFIEC that make policy recommendations.
Senior Deputy Commissioner George A. Reynolds, CPA has been asked to serve as the state representative on the Reports Task Force, which is charged with reviewing and making recommendations for revisions to Call Reports and related accounting issues. The other members of this task force are the chief accountants of the FDIC, FRB, OCC and OTS. Mr. Reynolds term on the task force is scheduled to run through January of 2009.

"Safeguarding Georgia's Financial Services"

Page 2
DBF Memo to Financial Institutions Regarding GAP Coverage
On January 11, 2007, the Department e-mailed all state-chartered banks and credit unions a memo that addressed planned revisions to the Department of Banking and Finance's Policies on Debt Cancellation Contracts (DCC) and Debt Suspension Agreements (DSA) regarding GAP coverage products.
Specific changes to the Department's Statement of Policies will be made within the next 30 days with an effective date of February 28, 2007. If you have questions or concerns regarding the Policy Statement changes outlined below, please forward these to Senior Deputy Commissioner George A. Reynolds as (770) 986-1629. You may also e-mail your questions to the following - dbfpress@dbf.state.ga.us
Introduction
The Department established Policy Guidance in 2003 regarding Debt Cancellation Contracts and Debt Suspension Agreements which are currently included on Pages 50 through 53 of the Department's Statement of Policies. Additionally the Department adopted Rules under 80-1-2-.09 regarding these products. In establishing these Policies and Rules, the Department sought input from banking and credit union organizations, other state regulators and regulatory associations and reviewed federal agency requirements for these products. Our goal in establishing these Policies and Rules was to maintain appropriate parity with federal charters, promote competition and provide appropriate protection and benefit to Georgia consumers in these product offerings.
At the time this Policy Guidance was developed, very few financial institutions were offering these products and the Department and the industry were not aware that certain of the Policy provisions were not well designed for DCC's and DSA's offering GAP coverage.
GAP coverage products protect a borrower regarding any deficiency between the outstanding loan amount and the value of the collateral (normally automobiles), in the event that there is a deficiency between the loan amount and the value of the collateral. Since automobiles depreciate sharply after purchase, this product has proved popular with consumers but the variable nature of the product over the term of the loan makes it difficult to fit the guidance used by the Department and the OCC. The NCUA has adopted a more flexible position on these issues, and has not mandated the use of certain provisions related to the offering of single premium coverage.
Concerns related to GAP Coverage:
This product, unlike other debt suspension or debt cancellation coverage, does not lend itself well to monthly payment coverage. It is difficult to accurately calculate the amount of coverage and the premium amount on a monthly basis since this varies substantially over the life of the loan and the risk during the early period of the loan for such coverage is far greater on a monthly payment product than a single payment product. This is because there is a significant amount of initial depreciation when the loan balance is the highest. The result is that if monthly payment products are mandated, as is currently required by our policy, such a policy is extremely costly and difficult to calculate over the life of the loan. Certain industry participants have monthly pay product offerings, but almost no consumers choose this option due to the cost; and the requirement to offer both product offerings is a significant expense to the industry. Auto dealers do not have to provide this option and are taking business away from financial institutions required to make this option available, in addition to single payment products. The NCUA policy guidance refers to the OCC guidance but permits federal charters to offer single payment product without offering a monthly payment alternative. Federal credit unions are able to offer similar GAP products which typically offer lower fees to the consumer than products being offered by automobile dealers, and the Department wants state

Page 3

DBF Memo to Financial Institutions Regarding GAP Coverage
(continued)
chartered financial institutions to be able to effectively compete with federal charters in offering this product to consumers.
Changes to the Department's Policy Statement on DCC and DSA Products
Due to the concerns noted above, our Policy Statement is being specifically amended regarding GAP Debt Cancellation Contracts and Debt Suspension Agreements to permit financial institutions to offer single payment coverage without providing a monthly payment product alternative to consumers. Other debt cancellation and debt suspension products, such as those providing life or disability coverage will be unaffected by this change and will remain subject to the provisions of our Policy Statement. The provisions in the Department Rules included in 80-1-2-.09 would not be impacted by this decision, since the Rules do not specifically address detailed sales practices or disclosure requirements for DCC or DSA products.
Refundable versus Nonrefundable Coverage
Several entities involved in the sale of DCC and DSA products recommended that financial institutions be given the option of offering non-refundable GAP coverage without offering refundable coverage. The refund feature would provide for a partial refund of the premium or product fee in the event of early termination of the loan. Our current Policy Statement on Debt Cancellation Contracts and Debt Suspension Agreements provides that both a refundable and nonrefundable option be provided to consumers, which is a requirement similar to provisions in OCC Rule 66 FR 19901 on DCC and DSA products.
After reviewing these recommendations, the Department did not find compelling reasons why consumers should not be provided the option of having a refundable premium option if the loan was paid off or liquidated prior to maturity. After reviewing this issue, the Department has determined that the current requirement to provide a refundable premium option to consumers shall remain a requirement for State Chartered financial institutions. Obviously such a feature would have a higher cost to the consumer with the rebate feature and many consumers would probably chose the lower cost option, but it was felt that this choice should continue to be provided to the consumer.
Department of Banking and Finance's 2007 Housekeeping Bill
The Department's Housekeeping Bill for 2007 was introduced on January 29, 2007 as Senate Bill 70 (SB 70). SB 70 seeks to amend and to provide clarification to various sections of Title 7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to financial institutions, generally, and for other purposes. SB 70 can be read in its entirety at: http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2007_08/fulltext/sb70.htm

"Specific changes to the Department's Statement of Policies will be made within
the next 30 days with an effective date of February 28, 2007."

Page 4

2007 State Holidays
In accordance with O.C.G.A. 1-4-1, Governor Sonny Perdue proclaimed the following dates as public and legal holidays for the year 2007. Financial Institutions may observe both the official observance day as well as alternative observances indicated. In addition to these designated dates, financial institutions may close on Sunday and one discretionary day each week. If the discretionary day observed is changed permanently or temporarily, customer notice must be posted at least 30 days in advance.

Holiday:
New Year's Day Martin Luther King Jr. Day Robert E. Lee's Birthday Washington's Birthday Confederate Memorial Day Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Veterans' Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

Observed:
Monday, January 1 Monday, January 15 Friday, January 19 - will be observed on Friday, November 23 Monday, February 19 - will be observed on Monday, December 24 Monday, April 23 Monday, May 28 Wednesday, July 4 Monday, September 3 Monday, October 8 Sunday, November 11 - will be observed on Monday, November 12 Thursday, November 22 Tuesday, December 25

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
As the winter months approach, all financial institutions are reminded that current regulations provide for management to exercise its own discretion, with notification to the Department, in closing any institution for one business day (renewal for successive days) upon its determination that the safety of customers, employees or assets would be in jeopardy due to civil disorder, fire, acts of God, or utility failure or similar circumstances which render the institution unable to conduct business in a safe and sound manner. Such closings should be communicated to the Department by telephone, e-mail (dbfpress@dbf.state.ga.us) or fax as soon as transmission is feasible.
DBF OUTREACH AND UPCOMING SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Commissioner Braswell will be speaking to the Georgia Credit Union League Board at 9am on February 7, 2007, at Twelve Hotel, Atlantic Station.
Deputy Commissioner for Supervision Grace Lurry will be participating in a Regulatory Panel on February 7, 2007, during the GBA Advanced Compliance Symposium which is being held on February 6-7, 2007 at the Ramada Plaza in Macon, GA. Ms. Lurry will also be making a presentation at the CBA Bank Directors' College, Session One - February 9-10, 2007, at the King & Prince Resort on St. Simons Island, GA. Her presentation will cover Types of Charters/Regulators/Branching/Types of Examination and she will also participate on a Regulatory Panel discussing New Laws/Regulations & Hot Topics.
Commissioner Rob Braswell and Deputy Commissioner for Non-Depository Financial Institutions Rod Carnes will be making a few brief remarks to the Mortgage Bankers Association at their annual Lobby Day at the State Capitol at 8am on February 13, 2007. Mr. Carnes will also be giving a presentation to the Georgia Association of Mortgage Brokers at noon on February 15, 2007 at the Cobb Galleria.

Page 5
GTA Helps Fight Identity Crime with LicenseMatch
Because when it comes to bank fraud, the bad guys aren't this obvious."
According to the FBI and the American Bankers Association, thieves steal more through check fraud than from bank robberies, costing banks an average of $677 million a year. With instructions on the Internet and easy access to desktop publishing software and laser printers, would-be criminals find it easier than ever to create counterfeit checks and IDs.
The Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) has developed a tool called LicenseMatch to help combat check fraud. LicenseMatch is a simple, yet powerful, web-based tool now offered to banking institutions. Using LicenseMatch, bank agents can quickly check customers' state-issued ID cards against an up-to-date database to ensure the IDs are valid. If the match isn't made between what's on the ID and what's in GTA's system, it could mean a case of false identity! Bank personnel can then take action following their in-house procedures. For example, LicenseMatch can be used to verify the license information when anyone is cashing a check, opening an account, obtaining account information, picking up pre-ordered checks, initiating a wire transfer or gaining entry into a safe deposit box.
LicenseMatch was conceived by GTA and developed in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Banking & Finance and the Georgia Department of Driver Services. The tool is expected to be available for general sale beginning in February.
"We debuted LicenseMatch at a recent credit union industry conference, and it was a big hit," said GTA Data Sales Director Ivan Sumter. "We believe this simple, safe and cost-effective tool will be a much-needed, value-added service to the banking and finances services industry. We also hope to expand our business to other industries in the future."
For more information contact: Georgia Technology Authority, Office of Data Sales, at 404-463-2300 or 404-463-7212 datasales@gta.ga.gov
LicenseMatch The ONLY ONLINE DRIVER'S LICENSE/ID VERIFICATION tool that pulls directly from GEORGIA's state databases to REDUCE FRAUD LOSSES for FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
GTA is a state agency whose purpose is to deliver secure, reliable technology services and solutions, and provide guidance and oversight that lead to sound decisions for Georgia government. Learn more.... visit GTA on the web at http://gta.georgia.gov/

2006 HMDA Reporting Reminder

"A Guide to HMDA Reporting: Getting It Right!" which provides guidance on collection and reporting of HMDA data is available at: http://www.ffiec.gov/hmda/guide.htm Reports of calendar year 2006 HMDA data are due March 1, 2007. Any questions or requests for information should be directed to:

Assistance Line:

(202) 452-2016

Internet E-Mail Address: hmdahelp@frb.gov

Page 6
Action on Applications for the Month of January:
The following is a summary of official action taken on applications by State Financial Institutions under Chapter 7-1 of the Code of Georgia and petitions for Certificate of Incorporation of Financial Institutions and other matters of interest during the month of January 2007.

APPLICATIONS FOR NEW FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

CAPITALIZATION

APPROVAL

Primary Bank

$ 15,000,000

Pending

3880 Roswell Road

Atlanta, GA 30342

Fulton County

Atlantic Capital Bank 3280 Peachtree Road, Suite 1600 Atlanta, GA 30326 Fulton County

$ 80,000,000

01-02-2007

First Choice Community Bank 110 Evans Mill Drive, Suite 605 Dallas, GA 30157 Paulding County

$ 18,000,000

01-11-2007

American Pride Bank 4740 Log Cabin Drive Macon, GA 31204 Bibb County

$ 12,000,000

Pending

Vinings Bank 4135 Atlanta Road Smyrna, GA 30080 Cobb County

$ 12,000,000

01-26-2007

BEGIN BUSINESS

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION CONVERSIONS

PREVIOUS NAME

CONVERTED TO

APPROVAL

Maco Educators Federal Credit Union Credit Union of Georgia

Pending

Woodstock

Cherokee County

EFFECTIVE

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION SunTrust Bank Atlanta

APPLICATIONS TO ESTABLISH A BRANCH OFFICE

BRANCH OFFICE

APPROVAL

Birmingham Village Branch Office

12-28-2006

980 Birmingham Road

Alpharetta, GA 30004

Fulton County

SunTrust Bank Atlanta

Anchor Square Branch Office 6500 Eastern Avenue Baltimore, MD 21224 Baltimore City County

01-29-2007

BEGIN BUSINESS 01-16-2007

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION SunTrust Bank Atlanta
SunTrust Bank Atlanta
SunTrust Bank Atlanta
SunTrust Bank Atlanta
SunTrust Bank Atlanta
SunTrust Bank Atlanta
SunTrust Bank Atlanta
SunTrust Bank Atlanta
SunTrust Bank Atlanta
SunTrust Bank Atlanta
Habersham Bank Clarkesville

BRANCH OFFICE Manatee Private Wealth Management Branch Office 8126 Lakewood Main Street, Suite 201 Bradenton, FL 34202 Manatee County
Deltona Wal-Mart Branch Office 101 Howland Boulevard Deltona, FL 32738 Volusia County
Goose Creek Branch Office 539 St. James Avenue Goose Creek, SC 29445 Berkeley County
Lighthouse Point Branch Office 3800 North Federal Highway Lighthouse Point, FL 33340 Broward County
Ivy Hall Branch Office 3974 Highway 17 North Mt. Pleasant, SC 20466 Charleston County
Navarre Wal-Mart Branch Office 9360 Navarre Parkway Navarre, FL 32566 Santa Rosa County
Gatlin Boulevard Wal-Mart Branch Office 1850 SW Gatlin Boulevard Port St. Lucie, FL 34953 St. Lucie County
Summerville Branch Office 741 North Main Street Summerville, SC 29483 Dorchester County
The Villages Wal-Mart Branch Office 3968 Wedgewood Lane The Villages, FL 32162 Sumter County
Viera Wal-Mart Branch Office 8500 North Wickham Road Viera, FL 32940 Brevard County
Cumming Branch Office 2740 Nuckolls Road Cumming, GA 30041 Forsyth County

Page 7
APPROVAL BEGIN BUSINESS 01-29-2007

01-08-2007

01-29-2007

02-06-2006

01-08-2007

01-29-2007

11-30-2006

01-19-2007

01-08-2007

01-29-2007

11-30-2006

01-19-2007

01-08-2007

01-25-2006

01-09-2007

Page 8

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION PlantersFIRST Cordele

BRANCH OFFICE Perry Branch Office 1400 Sam Nunn Boulevard Perry, GA 31069 Houston County

APPROVAL BEGIN BUSINESS

06-03-2005

01-08-2007

First Choice Community Bank (IO) Dallas

Legion Road Branch Office 216 Legion Road Dallas, GA 30157 Paulding County

01-11-2007

First Citizens Bank of Georgia (IO) Dawsonville

Forsyth Branch Office State Highway 306 and State Highway Cumming, GA 30040 Forsyth County

Pending

Piedmont Community Bank Gray

Greensboro Branch Office 1040 Founders Row, Suite C Greensboro, GA 30642 Greene County

01-17-2007

Community Bank of Pickens County Jasper

Cove Road Branch Office 65 Cove Road Jasper, GA 30143 Pickens County

01-23-2007

Crescent Bank and Trust Company Jasper

East Woodstock Branch Office 190 Village Centre East Woodstock, GA 30188 Cherokee County

04-22-2005

01-29-2007

Citizens State Bank Kingsland

Fernandina Beach Branch Office 402 Centre Street Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Nassau County

01-03-2007

Community Bank & Trust - West Georgia LaGrange

Columbus Wal-Mart Banking Center Branch Office 5448 Whittlesey Boulevard Columbus, GA 31904 Muscogee County

12-18-2006

01-22-2007

American Pride Bank (IO) Macon

Warner Robins Branch Office 4001 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA 31088 Houston County

Pending

Atlantic Southern Bank Macon

Savannah Branch Office 7939 Hodgson Memorial Drive Savannah, GA 31406 Chatham County

11-17-2006

01-08-2007

Ameris Bank Moultrie

Columbia SC Branch Office 1301 Gervais Street, Suite 700 Columbia, SC 29201 Richland County

01-16-2007

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION First Chatham Bank Savannah

BRANCH OFFICE Springfield Branch Office 203 S. Laurel Street Springfield, GA 31401 Effingham County

Farmers and Merchants Community Bank Senoia

Chapel Hill Branch Office 2750 Chapel Hill Road, Suite 100 Douglasville, GA 30134 Douglas County

CreekSide Bank Woodstock

Acworth Branch Office U.S. Highway 41 and Mars Hill Road Acworth, GA 30101 Cobb County

APPROVAL 10-30-2006

Page 9
BEGIN BUSINESS 01-03-2007

01-31-2007

Pending

APPLICATIONS TO CHANGE LOCATION

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

CHANGE LOCATION OF

APPROVAL

SunTrust Bank

Connecticut & M Branch Office

01-09-2007

Atlanta

From: 1111 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.

Washington DC 20036

To: 1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Washington DC 20036

EFFECTIVE 01-29-2007

PREVIOUS NAME First Bank of Henry County McDonough

NOTICE OF CHANGE IN NAME NEW NAME FirstBank Financial Services

APPROVAL EFFECTIVE 12-06-2006 01-01-2007

PROPOSED NAME Citizens Bank of Troup County
High Trust Bank Metro Bank NOA Bank

APPLICATIONS FOR RESERVATION OF A NAME

COUNTY

APPLICANT

Troup County

Mr. Jonathan S. Hightower

Powell Goldstein LLP

One Atlantic Center, Fourteenth Floor

1201 West Peachtree Street, NW

Atlanta, GA 30309

Henry County

Mr. Charles B. Blackmon Southern Horizon Bank 280 Country Club Drive, Suite 100 Stockbridge, GA 30281

Douglas County

Mr. Brad T. Williams Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP Suite 3100, Promenade II, 1230 Peachtree St., NE Atlanta, GA 30309-3592

Gwinnett County

Mr. Bob Calvert, Principal & Owner 2619 Pilgrim Rest Church Road P.O. Box 8 Alford, FL 32420

Page 10 PROPOSED NAME Security Bank of the Coast
The Bank of Troup County

COUNTY Glynn County
Troup County

APPLICANT Mr. Edward J. Harrell, Attorney Martin Snow, LLP P.O. Box 1606 Macon, GA 31202
Mr. Jonathan S. Hightower Powell Goldstein LLP One Atlantic Center, Fourteenth Floor 1201 West Peachtree Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30309

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION (SURVIVOR) Citizens State Bank Kingsland, GA
Atlantic Southern Bank Macon, GA
CB&T Bank of Middle Georgia Warner Robins, GA

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION MERGERS
MERGED INSTITUTION Old Florida Bank Fort Myers, FL
First Community Bank of Georgia Roberta, GA
The Citizens Bank Fort Valley, GA

APPROVAL EFFECTIVE Pending

01-31-2007

01-31-2007

11-29-2006

01-12-2007

APPLICATIONS TO BECOME A BANK HOLDING COMPANY

AND/OR TO ACQUIRE VOTING STOCK OF A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

BANK HOLDING COMPANY

TO ACQUIRE

APPROVAL

FORMATIONS First Citizens Financial Corporation Dawsonville, GA

First Citizens Bank of Georgia (IO) Dawsonville, GA

Pending

Signature Bancshares, Inc. Sandy Springs, GA

Signature Bank of Georgia Sandy Springs, GA

01-26-2007

ACQUISITIONS Atlantic Southern Financial Group, Inc. Macon, GA

First Community Bank of Georgia Roberta, GA

01-08-2007

CITY Stone Mountain Moultrie Talbotton Winder Doraville Athens Atlanta Augusta Atlanta Savannah Calhoun Winder Donalsonville Marietta Norcross Canton Atlanta Roswell Baxley Decatur Dublin Griffin Austell Atlanta Macon Atlanta Lawrenceville Lawrenceville Commerce Calhoun Macon Cedartown Grovetown Atlanta Orchard Hill Vidalia Griffin

CHECK CASHER LICENSES ISSUED

APPLICANT NAME

TRADE NAME (DBA)

* Amanuel's Retailing, Inc.

Shell Food Mart

* Aum Namah Investment, Inc.

Citgo Food Mart

* Bickley Outdoor Enterprises, Inc.

Bickley Outdoor Enterprises

* Blue Orange, Inc.

Winder Package Store

CYJA, Inc.

Check Cash Plus

* Cervantes, Felisa

Dyana's Gifts and Decorations

Choe, Young W.

EU Financial Services

* Chong Ae Park

C & J Company

Chun Hung, Inc.

Moreland Package Store

Double Y's Investment, Inc.

Skidaway Check Cashing

* Estrada, Jose L.

El Sol

FFRJ, Inc.

Short Stop

* Fast Stop, Inc.

Speed Track

Feria Express, Inc.

Feria Express

Five K Check Cashing, Inc.

Five K Check Cashing

Galaxy Check Cashing, Inc.

Galaxy Check Cashing

* Hardeep, Inc.

Flag Package Store

JTS Holdings, LLC

Latin American Connection

* Jai Mataja, Inc.

Hungry Lion

Jamil Investments, Inc.

S & N Package Store

* Jay Joganima Inc.

K & C Short Stop #2

L. J. Investments, Inc.

LBN Enterprises, LLC

LBN Enterprises

* MR of Shell, Inc.

Buford Shell

McBrearty, Mike D.

Shurlington Package Store

* Osmani Corporation

Bilal Halal Meat & Grocery

Park, Kyung

Big H Quick Mart

* Pena, Robert E.

Latino Services

* RAZN, LLC

Fuel Market

* Ramirez, Isidro Bautista

Tienda La Union

* Sadguru, LLC

Houston Spirits and Tobacco

* Srujal, Inc.

Conoco Food & Tobacco Mart

* Swaroop Investments, Inc.

A & S Market

* TDIR, Inc.

TDIR

* V&G Brothers, Inc.

Orchard Hill Food Mart

Williamson's Beverage Center, Inc.

Williamson's Beverage

* Zain G, Inc.

Zetella Express

* =Exempt Registration (O.C.G.A. 7-1-709)

Page 11

CHECK SELLER Point Financial Corporation East Point, GA
MONEY TRANSMITTER Money Express Financial Corp. Coral Gables, FL
Tempus Consulting, Inc. Washington, DC

APPLICATIONS FOR NEW SALE OF CHECK APPROVAL 01-17-2007
MONEY TRANSMITTER LICENSES ISSUED APPROVAL 01-23-2007
01-22-2007

Page 12

DBF's Customer Service Stars for the Month of January

It is the Department's goal to provide excellent customer service, meeting and exceeding the expectations of our customers. Along those lines, we would like to recognize the following individuals or groups for going above and beyond in serving our customers:
Robbie Williams, Senior Assistant Financial Examiner and his exam team (District 1): Commissioner Braswell received a letter stating: "The exam process was fair and thorough. We were very pleased with the helpful, knowledgeable exam team. Led by Examiner-in-Charge, Robert Williams, the team made up of Rich Parker, Melissa Sneed and Dimitri Magradze, was experienced and professional. It was refreshing to have such an experienced team of examiners. This team of examiners made the process smooth and useful. Please express our gratitude to this great group of folks who helped make our exam as pain free as possible."
Ginny Riddick, Supervisory Examiner and her exam team (District 5): Commissioner Braswell received a letter stating: "We found all of the examiners to be professional and conscientious of our time and other duties. I am impressed with the level of due diligence they performed and the individual examiner's knowledge and experience. Everyone on the team was courteous and thorough. I know it is gratifying to hear of staff members handling complicated issues well while maintaining a high level of professionalism."
Michael Bryan, Senior Financial Examiner (District 4): Commissioner Braswell received a letter stating: "I would like to thank Examiner Michael Bryan for his professionalism shown during this examination. He was very helpful in assisting me with the necessary information to make the needed corrections and adjustments during the examination."
Irene Harper, Applications Analyst (Non-Depository Financial Institutions Division): The following comments were received from applicants in the Division's online customer surveys regarding the mortgage application process: "We were provided with excellent service from Irene Harper. " and "Irene Harper was very helpful, friendly and responsive."

CONGRATULATIONS AND GREAT JOB TO THIS MONTH'S CUSTOMER SERVICE STARS!!

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF
BANKING AND FINANCE
2990 Brandywine Road Suite 200
Atlanta, Georgia 30341-5565
Phone: (770) 986-1633 Fax: (770) 986-1654 or 1655 Email: dbfpress@dbf.state.ga.us

Page 13
The Department is the state agency that regulates and examines banks, credit unions, and trust companies chartered by the State. The Department also has regulatory and/or licensing authority over mortgage brokers, lenders, and processors, money service businesses, international banking organizations, and bank holding companies conducting business in Georgia.
Our Mission is promote safe, sound, competitive financial services in Georgia through innovative, responsive regulation and supervision.
Our Vision is to be the best financial services industry regulator in the country Progressive. Proactive. Service-Oriented.

We're on the Web!
By next month, the Department will launch its new website within the georgia.gov portal environment. We hope
that you will like the structure and content of our new website! Our
new address will be
dbf.georgia.gov
Sign-up to Receive this Publication:
This publication is delivered to interested parties via e-mail and is also available from the Department's website at: http://www.gadbf.org under Publications, Bulletins. If you would like to be added to our distribution list, please send an e-mail to dbfpress@dbf.state.ga.us and indicate your name, the company you are with, and your phone number.
"Safeguarding Georgia's Financial Services"