Newton Citizen

Photo by Howard Reed

COVINGTON -- Those who need a crash course in banking basics and how the economy is affecting banking can be updated at Banking 101 offered by the Covington-Newton County Chamber of Commerce.

The event will feature bank consultant Geri R. Forehand with Sheshunoff Consulting + Solutions, who will cover topics such as the future of consumer lending and FDIC regulations. It will take place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, at DeKalb Technical College, located 8100 Bob Williams Parkway.

Forehand has more than 35 years of financial institution experience with work focusing on board structure, strategic planning, succession planning, profit planning, performance measurement and compensation evaluation.

"Any banker, anybody who owns or deals in real estate -- agents, broker, investors -- any business owners large or small who have any kind of real estate collateral associated with loans," should attend, said Chamber President Hunter Hall.

Of particular concern in today's climate are loans secured by real estate used as collateral. The property is often reappraised at a lower value, resulting in banks coming back and demanding additional collateral, Hall said. Forehand will also provide insight on why so many banks aren't lending these days, largely the result of FDIC regulations.

"I really hope small business owners come so they can understand the impact for anybody who has a line of credit or a loan up for renewal in the next two years. Banking has completely changed from when those loans originated a few years ago," Hall said.

The event is free to Chamber members and costs $20 for non-members. To reserve a seat, call 770-786-7510.