| RECENT NEWS |
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Texas EBT Request For Assistance
As you are aware, Texas was one of the leaders in implementing electronic benefits transfer (EBT) through the creation of the Lone Star Card. In addition to tremendous cost savings, this program has been successful in reducing food stamp trafficking and fraud. We have been approached by Texas EBT, a division of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, to communicate and request participation from our members regarding a new program to allow ATM access for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) beneficiaries. The program allows for a $.30 fee to be paid to participating ATM providers; withdrawals are not subject to foreign fee charges; and, CRA credit is available to those banks choosing to participate. The Texas EBT Lone Star Card bin number is ?' with a 19 digit total number. Additional specifics regarding the new Texas EBT ATM Project are available at the following website along with an e-mail address for additional information: http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/providers/LoneStar/EBT/index.html
Regional Meetings Nearing Completion
The 2007 IBAT Regional Meeting Tour has four stops remaining - Shiner and Kilgore on February 5, and Sulphur Springs and Dallas on February 6. Don't miss this opportunity to network with community bankers in your area and to participate in a discussion about strategic issues facing our industry this year.
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| ON THE HILL |
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IBAT Weighs In - Again
Legislation to preclude commercial firms from exploiting the ILC loophole is expected to be introduced any time. IBAT wrote a letter to our 32 members of Congress requesting their support and co-sponsorship of this important initiative. We will also be spearheading the effort at the state level to ensure that banking and commerce remain separate and distinct.
U.S. House Passes CTR Bill
In a bipartisan effort, the House passed the Seasoned Customer CTR Exemption Act (HR 323), which is an important step in bringing some semblance of reason to this area. This bill allows financial institutions to avoid filing CTRs on routine transactions over $10,000 for customers they know well. The action now moves to the Senate...similar legislation was not acted on late in the last Congress. We are hopeful that such will not be the case this year. |
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| LEGAL EASE QUESTION OF THE WEEK |
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Question: We would like to deliver Reg E disclosures electronically. Help!
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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IBAT Resource Kit To Meet the Texas High School Mandate
The Texas Legislature set out a mandate to incorporate financial literacy into our high school curriculum by June 2007. Our members can assist their local schools in meeting this mandate using a simple tool that IBAT has created.
"Meeting the Mandate Resource Tool Kit" includes the following templates:
 12 sample exercises (each takes about 15 minutes)
 12 answer keys to accompany the exercises
Background information explaining House Bill 493
Sample letters to your superintendent and principals
Price: $65 for members/$95 for nonmembers
Click HERE for an order form. |
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| SOLUTIONS FROM SERVICES |
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IBAT has recently awarded its exclusive signature debit card product endorsement to Discover Debit. Discover Debit is a new signature debit program developed jointly by PULSE EFT Association LP and Discover® Network, a division of PULSE's parent company, Discover Financial Services LLC. Learn how Discover Debit can help you build customer loyalty and increase card usage through improved revenue potential, simple operating regulations and enhanced product features.
Join this webinar and learn more about Discover Debit and how it can help you improve your debit card program.
Seminar details
Date: Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. (CST)
Place: Hosted via Web Conferencing
Click HERE to register online. |
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| BAKER WEEKLY |
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10-Year Treasury Note rose more than 10bps...durable goods orders increased 3.1%...existing home sales fell 0.8%...new home sales increased 4.8%...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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2007 Bank Investment Basics Summit
February 22, 2007 - The Westin Dallas/Fort Worth Airport
Hotel Deadline 1/31
More information...
What is a bond? What is the price/yield relationship? What affects the price/yield of a bond?
Discussion of the characteristics of each type of bond.
Discussion of basic analysis of specific bonds.
Basics of portfolio management. |
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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 events for 2007.
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February 22, 2007 - D/FW Airport |
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February 28, 2007 - Austin |
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March 8-11, 2007 - Maui, HI |
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IBAT Leadership Conference
June 14-16, 2007 - Hyatt Lost Pines Resort |
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IBAT 33rd Annual Convention
September 30 - October 2, 2007 - Fort Worth |
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TechMecca 2007
November 28-29, 2007 - Las Vegas | | |
