Have You Contributed to NYSIBPAC This Year?
If not...now is the time! We need your help in this statewide election year to support candidates and committees who understand community banks' needs. Can we count on you?
CLICK HERE for our 2016 PAC contribution form. Help support IBANYS' political action efforts in New York State.
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For more information, visit:
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Only 46
Days Left Until. . .
IBANYS' ANNUAL CONVENTION:
October 3-5, The Turning Stone Resort
In the heat of August, October can seem a long way off. But there are only 46 days until the start of our 2016 IBANYS Annual Convention,
October 3-5 at The Turning Stone Resort in Verona, New York.
That's when New York community bankers, IBANYS' preferred providers, associate members, sponsors and exhibitors and guests will gather
to enjoy an agenda filled with unique networking opportunities, outstanding speakers and presentations and great recreation activities.
We'll be hearing from
three distinguished keynote speakers:
- Ray O'Conor (former President of Saratoga National Bank & Trust and a Past IBANYS Chairman)
- R. Scott Heitkamp, Chairman-elect of the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) and President and CEO of ValueBank Texas in Corpus Christi, Texas. He's also a previous chairman of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.
- Steve Greenberg, veteran New York State politics analyst/ commentator/Siena College Pollster
Ray O'Conor is the author of "She Called Him Raymond: A True Story of Love, Loss, Faith and Healing" -- a candidate for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for non-fiction. Ray has also been a newspaper columnist, Special Agent with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Border Patrol Agent. His presentation will share the story behind his book, and provide a look into the true tale of two ordinary people who led extraordinary lives during the most tumultuous of times. Ray will kick off our convention Monday evening, Oct. 3.
R. Scott Heitkamp is the Chairman-Elect of the
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), the only national trade association that exclusively represents community banks. Scott will bring the ICBA perspective on community banking, and an update on the Washington, D.C. legislative, regulatory scene and the value of ICBA membership.
Steve Greenberg will preview the critically important 2016 election for community banks. Every single member of the New York
State Legislature and New York Congressional Delegation is up for election, and control of the New York State Senate is definitely expected to be hotly contested. A number of key congressional races are also up for grabs, and results could impact the balance of control. Steve will be our closing speaker Wednesday morning, Oct. 5.
In addition to our keynoters, we'll have a full menu of speakers, panels and presentations on the most important issues and trends impacting New York community banks. They
will focus on
innovative topics and trends in banking such as cashless societies, as well the basic "blocking and tackling" of banking -- such as building a successful ERM. Check out the links below for all the details!
Along
with the important and timely business program, we would like you to have a little fun as well. You can register to play golf, take a little time and enjoy the spa, do a little shopping and participate in IBANYS' first "Texas Hold'em" poker tournament. We also have a few other surprises that are being planned.
There will be plenty of great food and drink, outstanding opportunities to network with fellow bankers and to learn more about the companies that support our industry throughout the year, and sponsor and support IBANYS and our convention annually.
Last but not least,
our traditional PAC auction is the highlight of our convention -- with all proceeds going to our state political action committee, NYSIBPAC. Every year, we have great auction items and I look forward to having more at the Turning Stone 2016. PLUS, we'll have
our traditional business show, and we're bringing back last year's successful "6-Minute Drills" for preferred providers/associate members.
We are looking for a great turnout, so register early and book your rooms ASAP. As always we thank you for your support and let's make this convention the best yet!
IBANYS also thanks our supports and sponsors who are already on board for the convention:
- ACBB
- Continuity
- Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
- ICBA
- Pentegra Retirement Services
- Roosevelt & Cross
- Sandler O'Neill & Partners
- T.Gschwender & Associates, Inc.
- Wolf & Company
IBANYS Preferred Providers, Associate Members & Exhibitors:
Have You Reserved Your Booth?
Have You Signed Up As A Sponsor?
IBANYS' Annual Convention combines a balance of casual networking, educational programming, and opportunities to reserve a booth to showcase your company on the tradeshow floor. We also have sponsorship opportunities available. By sponsoring an event, it provides your company a greater opportunity to connect with your target audience and to expose your brand.
Don't delay....select your exhibitor space and the event you would like to sponsor today.
Associate members, preferred providers, exhibitors: Click here for registration materials, sponsorship and exhibitor information
We hope you join us for this exciting event, which in addition to our networking and educational programs, will also include golfing, a "Texas Hold'em" tournament, Jack Daniels tasting, and our signature event....our PAC silent auction (
Tuesday
evening) emceed by a very own John Witkowski, President and CEO.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need more information.
We look forward to seeing you in October.
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Associate Members, Preferred Providers, Exhibitors:
Click here
IBANYS' Annual Regional
Security Conferences
Save these dates, and plan to attend IBANYS' Annual Regional Security Conferences --
October 19
(
Rochester
Marriott Airport)
and October 20 (Comfort Inn & Suites in Castletown, in the
Capital District
). These programs will once again provide top-notch sessions with outstanding speakers, who will address important security subjects, issues and trends impacting New York community banks.
The program will focus on:
- "Vulnerability & Penetration Testing: What You Need To Know"
- "Why The Board Can't be Bored With Cybersecurity",
- "Cloud Computing: Is It Safe For Your Institution & Your Customers?"
- "Proven Tips For Mitigating Your Top 10 Cyberthreats"
Click here for the brochure including program and registration information.
IBANYS New "Innovation Committee"
Seeking Members
IBANYS is seeking volunteers to serve as members of our new Innovation Committee. The new committee will be comprised of executive bankers to hear presentations on products and services that may help New York community banks increase their revenue, reduce expenses and increase efficiency.
The first meeting of the committee will be held October 5 at The Turning Stone after the conclusion of IBANYS Annual Convention. Meetings will be held two or three times each year, and will introduce new or provide more details on products and services currently in the market. I
nterested in serving on the Committee? Contact
John Witkowski ([email protected]) or Linda Gregware ([email protected]). We already have three volunteer members, and are looking to add seven more to bring the total membership to ten.
The NYS Office of Information Technology Services Enterprise Information Security Office (NYS ITS EISO) is pleased to announce that the
August Cyber Security Tips Newsletter is now available. The monthly newsletter, developed by the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), provides helpful cyber security tips and is located on the ITS EISO website at http://its.ny.gov/eiso/awareness-training-events/news.
The information provided in the Monthly Cyber Security Tips Newsletters is intended to increase the security awareness of an organization's end users and to help them behave in a more secure manner within their work environment. The increased awareness is intended to help improve the organization's overall cyber security posture.
End users should adhere to the direction provided by their organization's policies. Organizations have permission and are encouraged to brand and redistribute this newsletter in whole for educational, non-commercial purposes.
If you have questions contact
John Borst,
Cyber Security Outreach Coordinator,
NYS Enterprise Information Security Office.
E-mail
[email protected].
ICBA & Dell Offer Preferred Pricing
For Member Banks
Do you know that the
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and Dell Computers have an agreement in place that
allows community banks that belong to ICBA to take advantage of preferred pricing on computer equipment such as work stations, servers and laptops? Participating banks will also have access to a dedicated account executive familiar with ICBA's program to advocate for them with appropriate Dell teams, including technical experts.
To check the August - October 2016 specials
Click here
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
The New York State Legislature is adjourned until the new session begins in January, 2017, and Congress stands in recess until September. Nevertheless, legislative and regulatory actions continue to impact New York community banks.
ALBANY
Legislation (A.10745) was introduced in Albany last week by Assemblywoman Weinstein that
would include reverse mortgage transactions in the definition of "home loans" for the purpose of residential foreclosures and related notices (under the State Real Property and Proceedings Law). If enacted, persons who hold reverse mortgages would be eligible to receive pre-foreclosure notices and be entitled to mandatory foreclosure settlement conferences.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
White House: Community Banks
Strong, Despite New Regulations
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According to an issue brief released by the White House Council of Economic Advisers, community bank performance remains strong since financial reforms passed in 2010. The report noted while the number of community banks has declined since passage of the Dodd-Frank Act, the
industry's lending health and geographic reach remain strong.
The report said
the law should be implemented equitably to ensure community banks are allowed to compete on a level playing field, and cited ICBA-led initiatives to expand deposit-insurance coverage, allow for an 18-month exam cycle, and streamline community bank call reports.
ICBA President & CEO Cam Fine said the excessive regulatory burdens facing community banks are due to numerous laws across decades of increasingly complex and onerous regulations, commenting: "ICBA will continue advocating tiered and proportional regulations that allow community banks to reach their full potential as catalysts for locally based entrepreneurship, economic growth and job creation."
Meanwhile, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCen) named Thomas Ott as associate director of its Enforcement Division. He will oversee Finn's Bank Secrecy Act compliance and enforcement program, and has been acting in this position since March.
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NY Fed's Dudley: Rate Hike Possible At
September Policy Meeting
New York Federal Reserve President William Dudley said yesterday he believes a September rate hike "is possible. . .I
don't think my views have changed very much. . .I think we're looking for growth in the second half of the year that'll be stronger than the first half - so some acceleration in the growth outlook." Dudley noted
the labor market continues to generate reasonable job gains.
"We're edging closer towards the point in time where it'll be appropriate to raise interest rates further." He indicated he thinks a rate hike is possible at the Fed's next policy meeting on Sept. 20-21.
"We have to see how the data falls and where we are in terms of the broad supports for the economy. I think the economy is in OK shape."
In Other Economic News:
- U.S. consumer prices were unchanged in July, according to the U.S. Labor Department. The cost of gasoline fell for the first time in five months, underlying inflation moderated, which some believe could further diminish prospects of a Federal Reserve interest rate increase this year. The flat reading in the Labor Department's Consumer Price Index was the weakest since February, and followed two straight monthly increases of 0.2%. In the past 12 months, through July, the CPI rose 0.8% after increasing 1.0 percent in June. Economists had forecast the CPI would be unchanged last month and rise 0.9 percent from a year ago.
- The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that factory activity in New York slowed in early August for the second straight month, and manufacturers in the state cut jobs. The New York Fed's Empire State manufacturing index dropped to a reading of minus 4.2, from 0.55 in July. Any reading above zero points to expansion. U.S. manufacturing has struggled for the past 18 months, as a stronger dollar and weak overseas economies have cut into exports. Nationwide, factories have shed 30,000 jobs in the past year.
- A shortage of existing homes for sale is helping the market for newly-built homes, fueling confidence among builders. A monthly reading of builder sentiment rose two points, to 60, in August; anything above 50 is considered positive on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. July's reading was revised down one point. The index stood at 61 in August of 2015. On a three-month moving average, builder confidence in the Northeast rose two points to 41. Just 62 percent of both new and existing homes sold between the beginning of April and end of June were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $65,700, according to the NAHB; this is down from the 65 percent in the first quarter.
Clinton Holds Big Lead In New York
In New Siena College Poll
A new Siena College presidential poll of registered New York voters was released yesterday. "...The Empire State seems firmly planted on the blue side of the map, as Clinton holds a commanding 30-
point lead
in a head-to-head matchup and a similarly strong 25-point, two-to-one lead in a four-way matchup," said
Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg.
"New Yorkers have voted Democratic in the last seven presidential elections and there does not appear to be a real threat to end that streak.
(Greenberg will present a detailed pre-election preview and political analysis of state and federal races and their impact on New York's politics and policy at IBANYS Annual Convention on Wednesday morning, October 5.)
Clinton had held a 54%-31% lead in June. By a 40-point margin, voters say Clinton is more qualified to be commander in chief than Trump, and she beats him by 32 points on being more effective working with Congress to move America forward. By a 16-point margin, voters say Clinton is more honest and trustworthy than Trump: 60% say she is not honest, and 69% percent say he is not.
On a series of six issues, between 47% and 58% percent of voters say their views are closer to Clinton's, while only between 23% and 35% say Trump's views are closer to theirs. By a narrow 49%-45% margin, New Yorkers say America is great now, rather than it's time to make America great again. 62% believe Trump's candidacy hurts Republicans efforts to maintain control of the State Senate, while 31% said it helps.
Another new Siena poll out this morning showed that Senator Schumer holds a 63% - 24% lead over his GOP and Conservative challenger Wendy Long. Governor Cuomo's favorability rating was at 53%, and his job performance approval rating is up from June, but still underwater.
The Battle For Control Of The State Senate
"City & State New York" analyzed each New York State Senate race, identified what they see as the most competitive contests, and predicted which party is likely to win each seat -- providing "an early look at how well Republicans and Democrats are positioned to win the majority" in the hotly contested battle for control of the senate.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW OR COPY AND PASTE IT IN YOUR BROWSER TO READ THE FULL ANALYSIS AND PROJECTIONS
IBANYS Member Services Programs:
Are
YOU Taking Full Advantage?
IBANYS has introduced
several initiatives
which can
provide real value and bottom line benefits to New York community banks
. Take a moment to review these programs. If you have any questions, contact us, or visit
www.ibanys.net. We hope you'll decide to take full advantage of these exciting opportunities.
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IBANYS and NYBDC have announced a partnership with Excelsior Growth Fund (EGF), a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution formed by New York Business Development Corporation (NYBDC). EGF is endorsed by IBANYS as the exclusive online lending partner for association
members.
EGF provides innovative financial solutions and business advisory services to underserved small businesses in New York State through a fast, simple and secure online lending platform. Its core product is the EGF SmartLoan™, which features amounts up to $100,000, approvals within 1-2 days and disbursements within one week. Importantly, interest rates a fraction of those typically offered by online lenders.
EGF offers banks a unique customer retention solution when a customer either does not qualify for a bank's loan offerings, or is seeking the fast,
transparent process available through online lenders. To facilitate retention, EGF shares performance information on the referred loan portfolio on a quarterly basis and offers the opportunity for the bank to purchase referred loans at par at any time.
Additional details on the EGF SmartLoan, including eligibility criteria, are available at:
- The "My Wellness Resource Card" offers a low-cost, non-traditional program to help community banks to save time and money. It helps provide on demand health care from U.S. board-certified doctors who provide
- diagnosis, treatment options and necessary prescriptions via unlimited telephone medical consultations. The My Wellness program offers discounts and significant savings on a variety of medical and dental products, and is designed to improve productivity, decrease absenteeism and boost morale without straining your bottom line. It's an exciting new way for community banks to provide health care benefits, reduce cost and retain employees. For more information, contact Alan Justin, Managing Partner at (716) 907-5500.
- We also joined the "Cure the Blue" effort to raise funds and awareness regarding prostate cancer in New York State. We are partnering with the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation, and hope to see a number of IBANYS members participate. Please join us in supporting this worthwhile cause. Visit www.curetheblue.com to get involved!
New York Community Bank Officers,
Directors & Employees:
Sign Up For IBANYS Webinars!
On a daily basis, New York's community banks must cope with an ever wider array of challenges. Your officers, board members and employees understand that their responsibilities -- and, potential liabilities -- are not about to diminish. Is YOUR community bank providing the information and tools required to help them meet their responsibilities, and properly prepare the bank for the future? Here's an outstanding -- and convenient -- way to do so. Sign them up for
IBANYS' webinars, designed to meet the needs of New York community banks. The webinars are effective and cost-effective. Your officers, directors and employees can participate directly from the ease and comfort of their offices. Over the past two years, the number of bankers participating in IBANYS webinars has risen significantly. Join
your industry and association peers and take full advantage of these timely webinars.
Review our upcoming programs by clicking the link below:
https://ibanys.fed.financialedinc.com/store/webinar
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. . .First Data Corporation
A leading cost effective provider of innovative Non-Core Community Banking products.
First Data simplifies the connections that make commerce possible. Every day, merchants, financial institutions and governments around the world rely on First Data to deliver the simple yet sophisticated solutions that help their customers thrive in the changing world of commerce and make the most of every transaction.
Call or Email to discuss our scalable offerings such as Online/Mobile banking, Voice Services, EFT, Debit/Credit solutions, Star, Apple Pay and Loan Processing. First Data is committed to quickly growing your ROI and customer base.
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Gallup
conducted a smaller, but more scientifically based survey, in which he polled a demographically representative sample. Gallup correctly predicted Roosevelt's landslide victory.
Elmo Roper
was another pioneer in
political forecasting,
using scientific polls, and predicted the reelection of President Franklin D. Roosevelt three times, in 1936, 1940, and 1944.
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New York community banks play a key role in our state and local economies. Help spread the good news among your customers, business and elected leaders and media! |
Click here for quotes from Governor Cuomo and DFS Superintendent Lawsky extolling the performance and value of New York community banks. |
Click here for the full NYS Study on community banking. |
Click here to read IBANYS President & CEO John Witkowski's comments on the new tax changes and benefits for New York community banks as approved in the 2014-15 State Budget. Click here for IBANYS' letter to the Editor of Consumer Reports Magazine correcting failure to mention community banks as an alternative to using "big banks." _________________________________ |
John J. Witkowski
President and Chief Executive Officer
Stephen W. Rice
Director of Government Relations and Communications
Linda Gregware
Director of Administration and Membership Services
William Y. Crowell, III
Legislative Counsel
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