Inside this issue: DBF Recognizes 2 2007 Award Winners Action on 4 Applications for the Month of July DBF's Customer 9 Service Stars for the Month of July News and topics of interest to financial institutions regulated by the Department of Banking and Finance Monthly Bulletin #7 July 2008 Georgia Residential Mortgage Act (GRMA) - $6.50 Fee Reminder The $6.50 per loan fees required by O.C.G.A. Section 7-1-1011(b)(2) and Department Rule 80-5-1-.04 are due no later than September 2, 2008 for residential mortgage loans closed during the period January 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008. The $6.50 fee will be due if the loan is a residential mortgage loan as defined in the Georgia Residential Mortgage Act (GRMA), and if a security deed, a modification of a security deed or other form of modification of a security interest is recorded. Financial institutions and mortgage licensees and registrants who act as the collecting agent (including brokers who table fund and collect the fee) have been notified by e-mail regarding the $6.50 fee payment and information regarding accessing the online fee payment system. This e-mail is sent to the primary contact for the financial institution or mortgage licensee or registrant, according to the Department's records. Those owing fees may pay online from our secure website at: https://bkgfin.dbf.state.ga.us/GRMAFee.html Institutions that are not in our database and cannot access the online system will be able to download a form from the URL noted above. DBF Outreach AND UPCOMING SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS Commissioner Braswell will be participating on a regulators panel at CBA's August 7th Regulation & Taxation meeting at CBA headquarters in Marietta, GA. Senior Deputy Commissioner George Reynolds will be attending the NASCUS State System Summit on August 21-23, 2008, in Seattle, Washington. The NASCUS State System Summit is a unique national forum where state regulators and credit unions work together to promote a strong and innovative state credit union system. "Safeguarding Georgia's Financial Services" Page 2 DBF Recognizes 2007 Award Winners During meetings and other events held around the state between May and July, the Department recognized winners of its 2007 Employee Recognition Awards. This annual awards process formally recognizes outstanding employee performance during the previous calendar year. The Department has four distinct and separate award categories, including: "Jenny Neville" Customer Service Award; Leadership Award; Community Service Award; and Gold Medal Award* Diane Hester Leadership Award (pictured with Commissioner Braswell) "I think it's essential that we reward and celebrate outstanding performance. The annual awards program is just one of several ways in which we try to showcase excellent customer service, community service and leadership skills," said Commissioner Rob Braswell. Vickie Busby Community Service Award Emily Fennell Customer Service Award (pictured with District Director Gary Ford) Jane Stage Community Service Award *NOTE: The Gold Medal Award may be given to several individuals each year selected from the list of nominees for their division or work area. This award is given to individuals who demonstrate one or more of the following criteria: Overall performance has consistently reflected a high level of service, trustworthiness, and respect. Has demonstrated a consistent commitment to delivering products, services and/or information that satisfies customers by exceeding their requirements or expectations. Works effectively as part of a team to successfully accomplish a task or meet a goal. Creates a team environment that promotes communication, trust, cooperation and respect for differences. Contributes to a group effort which has a significant impact on Department goals. Accepts responsibility and accountability in helping to advance the Department's mission, vision or goals. DBF Recognizes 2007 Award Winners (continued) Gold Medal Winners Page 3 (Pictured left to right: Murali Ramachandran, Felicia Faison-Holmes, Susan Brown, Diane Hester, Helen O'Leary, Carol Webb and Charlene Haynie. Robbie Williams District 1 Bill Warnock--District 2 (pictured with Commissioner Braswell) Dennis McNeer--District 3 (pictured with Commissioner Braswell) Billy Wilson--District 4 (pictured with Commissioner Braswell) Terry Tucker --District 5 Evans Yancy --District 8 (pictured with Commissioner Braswell) Page 4 Action on Applications for the Month of July: 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 July 2008. FINANCIAL INSTITUTION North Metro Bank Highway 9 & Bethelview Drive Cumming, GA 30040 Forsyth County APPLICATIONS FOR NEW FINANCIAL INSTITUTION CAPITALIZATION $ 22,000,000 APPROVAL Pending BEGIN BUSINESS FINANCIAL INSTITUTION HeritageBank of the South Albany SunTrust Bank Atlanta SunTrust Bank Atlanta SunTrust Bank Atlanta SunTrust Bank Atlanta Community Bank & Trust Cornelia Global Commerce Bank Doraville APPLICATIONS TO ESTABLISH A BRANCH OFFICE BRANCH OFFICE East Silver Springs Boulevard Branch Office 1409 East Silver Springs Boulevard Ocala, FL 34481 Marion County APPROVAL 10-26-2007 Leland, NC Branch Office 1100 Town Lake Drive Leland, NC 28451 Brunswick County Pending Forest Lake Branch Office 16720 SW 88th Street Miami, FL 33196 Miami-Dade County 01-07-2008 Shoppes Of Monroe Branch Office 1990 West Spring Street Monroe, GA 30655 Walton County 07-29-2008 MLK Pine Hills Branch Office 1620 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard Suite 112 Raleigh, NC 26510-3479 Wake County 06-23-2008 Cleveland Industrial Boulevard Branch Office 28 Industrial Boulevard Suite 105 Cleveland, GA 30528 White County 08-01-2007 Duluth Branch Office 2645 N Berkeley Lake Road Building C, Suite G 12 Duluth, GA 30096 Gwinnett County 07-22-2008 BEGIN BUSINESS 07-14-2008 07-14-2008 07-21-2008 07-07-2008 FINANCIAL INSTITUTION Global Commerce Bank Doraville Pinnacle Bank Elberton Piedmont Community Bank Gray The Heritage Bank Hinesville The Heritage Bank Hinesville The Brand Banking Company Lawrenceville Ameris Bank Moultrie Ameris Bank Moultrie Ameris Bank Moultrie Ameris Bank Moultrie BRANCH OFFICE Norcross Branch Office 5495 Jimmy Carter Boulevard Suite 167 Norcross, GA 30093 Gwinnett County Commerce Branch Office 1871 North Elm Street Commerce, GA 30529 Jackson County Forsyth Branch Office 76 E. Johnson Street Forsyth, GA 31029 Monroe County Nahunta Branch Office 113 East Cleveland Street Nahunta, GA 31553 Brantley County Stephenson Avenue Branch Office 620 Stephenson Avenue Savannah, GA 31405 Chatham County Suwanee Branch Office 480 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Suwanee, GA 30024 Gwinnett County Savannah Highway Branch Office 834 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29407 Charleston County Dothan East Main Street Branch Office 2200 East Main Street Dothan, AL 36301 Houston County Lane Avenue Branch Office 888 Lane Avenue South Jacksonville, FL 32205 Duval County Murrells Inlet Branch Office 3955 Highway 17 Bypass Suite C Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 Georgetown County Page 5 APPROVAL 07-22-2008 BEGIN BUSINESS Withdrawn 07-08-2008 11-07-2007 07-01-2008 06-09-2008 06-13-2008 07-15-2008 03-13-2008 Withdrawn 07-08-2008 01-07-2008 07-16-2008 02-18-2008 07-21-2008 09-17-2007 07-10-2008 04-04-2008 07-07-2008 Page 6 FINANCIAL INSTITUTION Bryan Bank & Trust Richmond Hill The Coastal Bank Savannah Sea Island Bank Statesboro BRANCH OFFICE Highway 17 Branch Office 3700 Highway 17 Richmond Hill, GA 31324 Bryan County Towne Center Branch Office 140 Towne Center Boulevard Pooler, GA 31322 Chatham County Skidaway Branch Office 15 Lake Street, Suite 170 Savannah, GA 31411 Chatham County APPROVAL 05-23-2008 BEGIN BUSINESS 07-30-2008 02-12-2007 06-02-2008 11-16-2007 07-15-2008 FINANCIAL INSTITUTION Farmers and Merchants Bank Lakeland APPLICATIONS TO CHANGE LOCATION CHANGE LOCATION OF Main Office From: 110 Carter Street Lakeland 31635 Lanier County To: 420 South Valdosta Road Lakeland GA 31635 Lanier County APPROVAL Pending EFFECTIVE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION (SURVIVOR) Bank of North Georgia Alpharetta, GA Bank of North Georgia Alpharetta, GA SunTrust Bank Atlanta, GA SunTrust Bank Atlanta, GA FINANCIAL INSTITUTION MERGERS MERGED INSTITUTION Citizens Bank and Trust of West Georgia Carrollton, GA Citizens & Merchants State Bank Douglasville, GA United Bank & Trust Company Rockmart, GA Community Trust Bank Hiram, GA APPROVAL Pending EFFECTIVE Pending 07-16-2008 07-25-2008 07-16-2008 07-25-2008 FINANCIAL INSTITUTION (SURVIVOR) SunTrust Bank Atlanta, GA SunTrust Bank Atlanta, GA SunTrust Bank Atlanta, GA SunTrust Bank Atlanta, GA SunTrust Bank Atlanta, GA Cohutta Banking Company f/k/a Cohutta Banking Company of Tennessee Chattanooga, TN Colony Bank of Fitzgerald Fitzgerald, GA Colony Bank of Fitzgerald Fitzgerald, GA Colony Bank of Fitzgerald Fitzgerald, GA Colony Bank of Fitzgerald Fitzgerald, GA Colony Bank of Fitzgerald Fitzgerald, GA Colony Bank of Fitzgerald Fitzgerald, GA Colony Bank of Fitzgerald Fitzgerald, GA CMAR Credit Union Marietta, GA MERGED INSTITUTION HomeTown Bank of Villa Rica Villa Rica, GA First National Bank of the South Milledgeville, GA First National Bank of Gwinnett Duluth, GA Mountain State Bank Dawsonville, GA Gainesville Bank & Trust Gainesville, GA Cohutta Banking Company Chatsworth, GA Colony Bank Quitman, FSB Quitman, GA Colony Bank Wilcox Rochelle, GA Colony Bank Worth Sylvester, GA Colony Management Services, Inc. Fitzgerald, GA Colony Bank of Dodge County Eastman, GA Colony Bank Ashburn Ashburn, GA Colony Bank Southeast Broxton, GA PICO Federal Credit Union Jasper, GA Page 7 APPROVAL 07-16-2008 EFFECTIVE 07-25-2008 07-16-2008 07-25-2008 07-16-2008 07-25-2008 07-16-2008 07-25-2008 07-16-2008 07-25-2008 05-16-2008 07-11-2008 07-02-2008 07-02-2008 07-02-2008 07-02-2008 07-02-2008 07-02-2008 07-02-2008 07-23-2008 PREVIOUS NAME Colony Bank of Fitzgerald Fitzgerald NOTICE OF CHANGE IN NAME NEW NAME Colony Bank APPROVAL 07-02-2008 EFFECTIVE Page 8 PROPOSED NAME Security Bank of Georgia The Piedmont Bank APPLICATIONS FOR RESERVATION OF A NAME COUNTY Gwinnett County APPLICANT Mr. Michael N. White Martin Snow, LLP Post Office Box 1606 Macon, GA 31202-1606 Gwinnett County Ms. Lauren G. Brown Powell Goldstein LLP One Atlantic Center, Fourteenth Floor 1201 West Peachtree Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30309-3488 CHECK CASHER LICENSES ISSUED CITY Ringgold Columbus Dublin Americus Kennesaw Kennesaw Columbus Stone Mountain Savannah Murrayville Jefferson Union City Carrollton Stone Mountain APPLICANT NAME Advanced Title Pawn, LLC * Akshat Wine and Spirits, Inc. * Asha Pura, LLC * Bhawani Krupa, Inc. * H & S Business Inc. KK Business Inc. Regina M. Bone Sol & Kay, Inc. Star Package Shop, LLC * Swamy USA Inc. Tabo's Retail, Inc. U. B. Identity Solutions, Inc. West Georgia Check Cashing, Inc. * West Park Enterprises, Inc. TRADE NAME Rooster's Package Yogi's Liquor Mart Shop Rite Shell Food Mart Cagney's Party Shop C&D Package Store Jack's Package Shop Tabo's Food Mart Cash It USA West GA Check Cashing Chevron Food Mart * = Registered Exempt (O.C.G.A. 7-1-709) DBF's Customer Service Stars for the Month of July Page 9 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 for going above and beyond in serving our customers: Janet Anderson, Review Examiner (NDFI--Main Office): The Department received comments from a customer stating: " Janet, I cannot thank you enough for all of your help. You have been one of the nicest and most helpful people I have ever spoken with in the 44 states we are licensed in!" Dimitri Magradze and his examination team (District 1): The Department received comments from a customer stating: "Bank management and the Board of Directors would like to thank the Department for their professionalism and counsel during the recent examination. The Examiner in Charge, Dimitri Magradze along with the team of examiners were helpful and fair during all phases of the exam." Teresa Koeppel, Administrative Examiner--MSBs (NDFI--Main Office): The Department received comments from a customer stating: "Of all the regulators we have dealt with, holding almost 50 state licenses throughout the country, my basis for writing you is that I found you to be the most professional, responsive and organized regulator I dealt with." 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 10 The Department is the state agency that regulates and examines banks, credit unions, and trust companies chartered by the State of Georgia. 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 to 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! Visit our website at: 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://dbf.georgia.gov under Publications, Financial Institutions Bulletin. 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, e-mail address, and the publication you wish to subscribe to. "Safeguarding Georgia's Financial Services"