One of the most widely used and successful products endorsed by the LBA is the ABA Sponsored Insurance Program. Recognized as a secure and stable source of insurance since its inception in 1987, this banker directed program provides professional liability and bond coverage for over 1,600 community banks nationwide. Coverages from A+ rated insurance carriers (A.M. Best) include Directors & Officers Liability, Financial Institution Bond, Employment Practices Liability, Internet Banking Liability, Privacy Protection and STAMP Surety Bond. Opportunity to participate in a unique, multi-million dollar profit-sharing program.
--Corporation for American Banking (CAB) Endorsed Product

Access to Money installs and services a wide range of products for financial institutions. These products include Modular Vaults, Vault Doors, Night Depositories (with all safe sizes), Portable Vaults and Safes with Teller and Cash Lockers, Safe Deposit Boxes, Under-counter Steel, Drive through equipment including Teller Windows and Deal Drawers. We also sell and service ATMs by Triton, Nautilus Hyosung, and Wincor Nixdorf. We also offer specialized ATM placement and lease programs for financial institutions.

Affinion’s Customer Appreciation Program gives LBA members a way to thank their customers with a free marketing program that is easy to implement and requires virtually no effort from your staff.

Amalfi Consulting, formerly Clark Consulting's Compensation Group, is a full-service consulting firm focused on providing compensation solutions to community banks throughout the United States. Amalfi Consulting serves more than 400 banks with 20 professionals who are dedicated exclusively to executive, employee and director compensation issues. Our charter is to help organizations become better through the design and implementation of short-term and long-term compensation solutions. Listed below is a sample of services Amalfi Consulting delivers to its banking clients.

• Overall Compensation Reviews for Executives and Officers
• Board of Director Overall Compensation Reviews
• Performance Management Planning for Staff Employees
• Annual Incentive Plan Design and Implementation (cash bonus structures)
• Long-Term Incentive Plan Design and Implementation (equity and equity alternatives)
• Compensation Committee Best Practices
• CD & A and other Proxy Support Services
• Tally Sheet Analysis
• Plan Document and Agreement Review (Employment Agreements, Change-in-Control provisions, Equity Plans, etc.)

Amalfi Consulting, LLC, conveniently serves its clients nationally through our four primary office locations: Minneapolis, MN, (main office) Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA and Dallas, TX.

American Planning Corporation has served the community banking market since 1972.  Our services are designed to assist our clients in setting financial and strategic goals, to monitor progress toward those goals, and to assist in solving problems that prevent accomplishment of those goals. While our 30+ years of service to the industry give us a strong foundation, we continue to offer leading-edge consulting services to meet the financial and regulatory challenges our clients face. Our services include Short and Long Term Financial Modeling; Strategic Business Planning; Board and Management Consulting; Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Financial Reporting Services; Merger & Acquisition Services; Stock Valuations and Regulatory Consulting. At American Planning, we believe in customer service — both to you, our client, and to your customers and the communities you serve.  We invite you to consider us as your partner in continuing a time-honored tradition of providing personalized, community-based banking products and services to your customers. Please visit us at http://www.americanplanning.com/ to learn more.Fax: (225) 765-7200  

BAI Training offers LBA members proven training in a variety of formats to meet specific needs­—all at a special discount. Our comprehensive library has over 450 titles covering topics such as: Compliance, Front Line, Security & Fraud, Customer Service, Sales, Management, Lending, Desktop Software, and more. Training delivery formats from BTCC include video, DVD, print, intranet and online training. Online and intranet training solutions also offer robust administrative tracking abilities that simplify compliance reporting and deliver relevant, consistent training to all your employees. Discover how you can have effective, proven training delivered directly to your bank!

BancVue is passionately dedicated to empowering community financial institutions to compete and win in the war for deposits and become the leader in their market.  BancVue’s REALChecking™ product suite provides innovative and exciting checking accounts that improve profitability, increase core deposits, and deliver new customers.  Each REALChecking product is implemented with BanVue’s REALResults™ turnkey solution that combines experience driven consultation, technology integration, proven marketing tactics and materials, launch support , and training that ensures each product’s success.

Bank Consulting Group, Inc. (“BCG”) is a nationally recognized firm that works with banks to analyze, implement, administer and provide regulatory documentation for Bank Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”), which includes the Northwestern Mutual’s BOLI product, to enhance the bottom-line net income for the bank’s shareholders.  With 22 years of experience, BCG’s team of experts have implemented and administered custom designed plans across the country.  In addition to helping clients evaluate BOLI for the first time, we offer a no obligation analysis of a bank’s existing BOLI portfolio, if applicable; to demonstrate how we can, perhaps, improve a bank’s earnings.

Since its inception 15 years ago, Brintech has worked with more than 1100 banks in projects for: performance improvement, risk management, strategic planning, technology management and planning and performance accountability reporting. Founded as a technology consulting firm in 1993, the company has evolved into one of the leading community bank advisory firms in the nation. Currently, Brintech works as a comprehensive management consulting firm to the financial services industry, specializing in strategic, performance, security, retail, and risk management solutions that support business strategy. Brintech’s foundation in technology allows its clients to merge technology and business strategy to build competitive advantage and maximize financial performance.

Customers come first at Cardinal Software.  Every level of our organization is dedicated to insuring our customers feel valued and are provided with tools to make them successful.  Cardinal Software has been serving the banking industry with a full suite of integrated solutions for over 15 years.  Our range of in-house and data center integrated services include core processing, internet banking, voice banking, teller, loan and deposit platforms, item processing services, remote and branch capture solutions, check 21 with electronic presentment, full document imaging and management solutions, CRM, ATM debit, cold storage, disaster recovery and regulatory compliance. With our browser based solutions and attention to service, Cardinal Software will “change your core experience.”  Please give us a call or visit http://www.cardinal400.com/ to explore how our integration of technology, people, and process can benefit your bank.

Endorsed by the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association and established in 1957, our family owned business, Casey & Casey, has become the largest licensed public tag agent in Louisiana with seven locations to better serve you. We work for you, the financial institution, as your own personal motor vehicle office, where customer service matters. Services Include:

• Registering of Motor Vehicles in Louisiana
• Recording Liens and Issuing Duplicate Titles
• Issuing Plates including Special Interest and Personalized
• “Rushed Files” same day processing
• Monthly Penalties & Interest Reports
• Itemized Invoices
• Free OMV Training Seminars
• Temporary Markers
• For a minimum fee: Notarization of Documents,  Electronic Registration Transfer Service, Registering files in other states

Our services will improve cash flow, eliminate visits to your local DMV, receive registrations quickly, reduce rejected files and paperwork, have information electronically at your finger tips, and the technology that will bring you at the forefront of Electronic Lien, Registration, and Titling. Because we are a licensed and bonded Public Tag Agent, our company is allowed, under law, to collect a convenience fee. This fee is set up so you as the financial institution can pass this onto the consumer. For more information, please call Amy Casey toll free 888-284-8537 and visit http://www.autotitle.com/

Cherokee National Life is rated "A" by A.M. Best and domiciled in Macon, Georgia.  The organization provides loan protection products including credit life and disability insurance, mortgage life and disability insurance, accidental death coverage, group term life coverage, collateral protection insurance, mortgage fire insurance, flood insurance services, GAP insurance, and many other insurance services related to community banks. Cherokee National Life is part of Securian Financial Group, Inc.

Clark Consulting leads the industry in providing tailored executive benefit programs and strategic financing and investment solutions that help banks manage risk, optimize earnings, improve shareholder value, and realize key financial goals. Our consultative approach has benefited nearly 2,400 financial institutions and their shareholders nationwide for over 25 years. Clark Consulting's customized products and services and multiple client solutions include placement of General Account, Separate Account and Hybrid Separate Account Bank-Owned Life Insurance (BOLI), nonqualified deferred compensation plans, long-term care programs, asset administrative solutions and assistance in the retention of key executives that assures the continuity of the banking organization. Confidence in the expertise of Clark Consulting is reflected in its endorsement by numerous banking organizations including the American Bankers Association through its subsidiary, the Corporation for American Banking (CAB).

Coastal Ecology Group is a nationally recognized real estate due diligence services provider that conducts Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments and Property Condition Assessments for lenders, investors, developers, buyers and sellers of commercial and residential real estate.  While our many years of service to the banking industry gives us a strong foundation, we continue to offer leading-edge real estate due diligence products and services to meet the environmental and regulatory challenges our clients face.  We utilize a state of the art report template that is much more user friendly and easier to navigate through when searching for specific information.  In addition, all of our assessments conform to the latest ASTM Standards and meet the strict requirements for “All Appropriate Inquiry” as set in federal law.  Our report turn-around times are legendary.  We excel in delivering the fastest report turn-around time in the industry; in some instances in as little as 3 days after on-site activities.  Although the aforementioned is not a norm, we consistently deliver reports to our clients within 2 weeks after on-site activities.

ComCo Direct is an industry leader in backroom integration and teller systems innovations. In addition to our patented dual-sided technology remote transaction units we offer a full line of conventional banking equipment which includes pneumatic systems, vaults, safes, video surveillance systems and alarm systems. ComCo Direct services all brands of banking equipment, including Diebold, Mosler, LeFebure, Hamilton Air, American Vault, SSE and Fortis and we stock a wide variety of replacement pneumatic carriers at extremely competitive prices. 

Commerce Street Capital is a full-service broker/dealer specializing in serving financial institutions.  Our expertise lies in corporate and municipal finance, securities trading and bank development. Headquartered in Dallas, we strive to be the leading financial services and investment banking company based in the Southwest.  We have banking and trading offices in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Memphis, San Antonio, and New York City.

Community Financial Insurance Center is an independent insurance agency owned by 46 Louisiana community banks with an admirable history of over one hundred years. Our mission is to provide our customers with the best insurance options available while maximizing the earnings of our participating member bank agencies. Community Financial sells and services traditional property, casualty, life and health policies and has a Financial Institution Division that insures and consults with more financial institutions than any other agency in Louisiana. Products include Financial Institution Bonds and Professional Liability. The agency’s Life and Health Department is the endorsed agency of the LBA for its group life, health and supplemental benefit programs.
--LBA Endorsed Vendor

Computer Services, Inc., provides service and software solutions for community banks. In addition to core processing, our integrated banking solutions include imaging, cash management, Internet banking, corporate intranets, secure web hosting, e-messaging, online shopping, teller and platform services, ATM and debit card service and support, risk assessment, network management, and compliance software and services for regulatory compliance, homeland security and fraud prevention.

Credit Risk Management, established in 1989, provides US community and regional banks with superior credit risk management products and processes. These are integrated across the entire credit function to promote a sound and consistent credit culture. CRM clients get practical and strategic advice and personal service from experienced bankers who have walked in their shoes. This results in superior lending, risk management and compliance practices that complement their Bank’s credit philosophy. To learn more about our products and services please visit us at http://www.creditriskmgt.com/.

Crestmark Capital is an accounts receivable financing company with its operations headquartered in Louisiana. It specializes in working with bankers to assist them with lines of credit for their commercial borrowers, when the bank cannot extend, renew or increase a line of credit for a new applicant or for an existing borrower. (Oftentimes, the bank benefits by removing a classified loan from its portfolio.) Through an extensive process of evaluating and enhancing invoice documentation and establishing credit limits for a client’s customers, Crestmark Capital is able to approve an asset-based of credit, when the borrower’s financials do not justify a bank line of credit. Until such time as the borrower’s financials improve, the bank has maintained the deposit and other relationships. Crestmark Capital also provides overlines; whereby, the bank keeps its existing line of credit and Crestmark Capital takes the overage. Or, if the bank wishes, Crestmark Capital can take the whole line and offer a participation back to the bank.

Crews & Associates, Inc. is a full-service broker/dealer with over 100 investment professionals registered in 48 states. The firm serves bank portfolios, trust departments, fund managers, and institutional clients. The firm specializes in trading municipal, corporate, and government agency bonds, US Treasury bonds, and mortgage-backed securities. Crews & Associates has public finance offices in Baton Rouge, Dallas, Jackson, MS and around the country. The firm's investment bankers underwrite new issue muncipal bonds and private placements. Crews also offers free account maintenance and safekeeping services.

DCI provides leading core technology with a personal touch. Owned and trusted by bankers for 46 years. iCore processing and management software features single-source relational data, integration and support. Additional options for paperless banking; remote capture; ATM/card; online banking; teller; networking, data security, more. Innovation by bankers for a more rewarding experience, focused on your success.          

Established in 1975, Design Build Concepts partners with financial institutions to develop and transform business objectives into successful, long-term facility solutions.  With a proven reputation and unparalleled experience in the industry, DBC’s team provides comprehensive services including strategic facility consulting, branding, merchandising, design, construction management and training.

The Dixon Hughes Financial Institution Services Group combines significant industry resources, a broad knowledge of the financial institutions industry and a deep understanding of how financial institutions operate and what makes them unique. We currently serve more than 100 banks across the Southern U.S., including community, regional and U.S. Top 10 banks, all with a hands-on, responsive service philosophy. Currently, the Financial Institution Services Group has 18 Members and more than 100 professionals dedicated to serving your industry and committed to delivering the highest-quality professional services at a reasonable cost.  Our services include: external audit, tax compliance and consulting, internal audit, risk assessments, IT reviews and consulting, SEC reporting, Sarbanes-Oxley assistance, FDICIA assistance, merger due diligence and loan defeasance services.  To excel in today’s environment, you need an independent CPA firm to provide an objective view on your bank’s financial and operating performance, as well as one committed to accessibility and responsiveness. At Dixon Hughes, our Financial Institution Services Group delivers on both sides of the service equation.

EFT Network, Inc., a privately-held company since 1998 has extended its ACH and check processing expertise to provide a Comprehensive Payment Processing Modular System to financial institutions of every size. Our Web Based Remote Deposit Capture Modules are designed for financial institutions to increase fee revenue, improve and win commercial account relationships and to capture a leadership position in their market area. Remote Deposit Modules include: ARC, BOC, FAX, Check21Image/IRD, POP. EFT Network continues to provide its Remote Deposit Modules to banks to give them the ability to successfully offer remote deposit services to both existing and new commercial customers. Other  benefits offered by EFT Network include: its ability to integrate with leading Bank Core Systems; to offer Multiple Clearing Capabilities (either through the bank or its core processor, directly to the Federal Reserve on behalf of the Bank or through EFT Network’s own ODFI relationships); a complete line of low to high capacity Digital Scanners; Branch Capture capabilities and integration to a variety of Accounts Receivable Systems all for a fully integrated and complete payment processing experience for the end user.

A Washington, DC-based law firm specializing in the representation of community banks and savings institutions. The firm’s practice includes mutual to stock conversions, mutual holding company reorganizations, mergers/acquisitions, executive compensation and employee benefits and general regulatory and corporate practice. The firm represents its clients before such agencies as the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Trade Commission.

Our company Elite Financial Products, Inc. services installs and sells multiple products for the financial marketplace. These products include VSI Vaults, Vault Doors (Class M through Class III), Night Depository Systems (UL Listed) with all size safes including "mules", Cash Lockers, Teller Lockers, Time Locks, Safe Deposit Boxes, Alarms by DMP, CCVS Systems, March Network and Iris DVR's, U.L Fire (Nicet approved), Under-Counter Steel, Remote Transaction Drive-up Systems by Lane, Drive-in Windows, and Deal Drawers. We also sell and support ATM's by TRITON and refurbished ones by Diebold, NCR, Fujitsu and others. Our licensed employees perform Service and installation and we cover multiple states.

EnviroScore is a report that scores commercial loans according to their environmental liability risks—similar to a credit score. No other product can exceed EnviroScore. It is the least expensive, easiest-to-understand and fastest environmental due diligence tool on the market. EnviroScore is better than expensive insurance products, which provide limited coverage for major losses but cannot exempt banks from FDIC and SBA compliance requirements. It is also better than Phase I reports, which are costly and time-consuming, and therefore not competitive for most loans. An EnviroScore report provides all required information for a cost of $550, compared to an industry average of $2,000 for a typical Phase I environmental assessment. EnviroScore reports have an index score that interprets all conclusive technical data so there is no need to review an extensive report…and with a turn-around time of 48 hours, it is the industry leader.

Equifax/Noesis Data is the leading provider of credit reporting information in the state of Louisiana. We are a member owned organization founded in 1923 as the Credit Bureau of Baton Rouge, Inc. Our mission, then as it is today, is to facilitate commerce between business and consumers. What has changed since that time is that we now not only serve consumers and businesses in the Baton Rouge area but in 57 of the 64 Louisiana parishes making us Equifax’s largest partner in Louisiana. Equifax is one of the three major credit reporting networks in North America.

ERF Wireless Enterprise Network Services designs, engineers, installs, monitors and maintains encrypted wireless networks for banks providing the bandwidth critical to today’s banking business.  With customers throughout Texas and Louisiana, ERF Wireless ENS is rapidly expanding their reach to a national level.  If improved customer service, efficient internal communications and network ownership are important to the success of your bank, ERF Wireless has the answer.

For more than 70 years, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas has provided valuable financial services to hundreds of financial institutions throughout Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and New Mexico. A member owned financial intermediary, the bank also supports housing and economic development by providing low cost funds and grants to our members.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta serves the 6th Federal Reserve District, which encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia and parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. As part of the nation's central banking system, the Atlanta Fed participates in setting national monetary policy, supervises numerous commercial banks and provides a variety of financial services to depository institutions and the U.S. government.

Fidelity National Information Services (FIS), one of the world’s largest financial processing and services companies, offers a range of core processing, check imaging, EFT, eBanking, card processing and business intelligence solutions.

Fifth Third Processing Solutions has been providing EFT services since 1973.  Our products include transaction processing, network gateway access, card support, merchants programs, terminal support, stored value programs, and value-added services including commercial banking, treasury management and investment management services.

FISC is a bank service corporation owned by its 43 member banks which collectively represent more than $8 billion in assets.  FISC offers the latest technology in data processing, check imaging, document imaging, image statement rendering, internet banking, networking and bookkeeping services designed specifically for the strategic environment of the community bank.  In addition to these services, FISC offers check image forward and receipt, branch and merchant capture, and platform automation.  We welcome the opportunity to discuss our services with you and encourage you to contact our users.  Ask them for their opinions about our systems, our service and support.  For more information about FISC, please call us at 318-387-0691.

Financial Insurance Consultants, LLC has been providing insurance programs for Louisiana banks since 1973.  FIC specializes in Force Placed Hazard and Flood Programs for Mortgage Loans and Force Placed Coverage for Collateral Loans (Rolling Stock & Movables). We have both internet based and full service insurance tracking programs. Flood Zone Determinations are available with an innovative approach, an additional Map showing the location of the property in a Special Flood Hazard Zone. To help you increase your Bottom-Line income we offer Automobile, Boat and Motorcycle GAP, Auto Mechanical Protection Program, Credit Life & Disability Insurance, and Life Programs for the larger and longer term loans.

Since 1984, we have been a trusted partner to our shareholders and customer banks. Our mission is to provide high quality correspondent products and services which encourage the growth of community banks in Louisiana and the Southeastern United States. As a banker’s bank we view ourselves as an extension of the community bank’s management and financial strengths, never as a competitor for their customers. We provide Lending Services, including but not limited to participations, bank merger and acquisition financing and holding company loans. We also provide a complete array of Investment Services, Retirement Programs, Operations Services, Image Exchange Network, Audit, and Compliance Services. Our philosophy and commitment to personalized service beyond comparison remains the same today as it did 25 years ago when we opened Louisiana’s first banker’s bank. We invite you to contact one of our Business Development Officers in our Baton Rouge or Shreveport offices to learn more about any of our services. Additional information can also be found on our website at http://www.bankers-bank.com/.

Fiserv is a leading technology resource for information management systems used by the financial industry. Headquartered in Brookfield, WI, with offices in Beaumont, Houston, San Antonio and Oklahoma City serving Louisiana and Southwest Region, Fiserv provides information management technology and related services to banks, broker-dealers, credit unions, financial planners and investment advisers, insurance companies and agents, leasing companies, mortgage banks and savings institutions. Our company operates centers nationwide for full-service financial data processing, software system development, item processing and check imaging, technology support and related product businesses. In addition, the company has business support centers in Argentina, Australia, Colombia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Poland, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Fiserv, Inc., common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol FISV.

FTN Financial is an industry leader in fixed income sales, trading and strategies for institutional clients in the U.S. and abroad. FTN Financial also provides equity research, correspondent services and formulates strategic client alliances. To learn more about FTN Financial, please visit us at www.ftnfinancial.com.

Gulf Guaranty provides credit life and disability insurance to protect the banks assets in the event of death or disability of the insured. Collateral protection insurance is used to provide coverage on real estate, flood and physical damage on automobiles. Quick Quote software is used to provide an accurate method to calculate premiums on financial products and to provide the necessary documents.

Established in 1924, Hannis T. Bourgeois, LLP, is one of the oldest, largest and most respected accounting firms in Louisiana. With a total staff of over 90 employees, 35 of which are CPAs, HTB is large enough to provide a full range of accounting, tax, audit and consulting services while also providing prompt, personalized service. Because HTB has been working with financial institutions for more than 50 years, our audit team members are specialists in evaluating internal controls, conducting compliance tests, reviewing loans and obtaining sufficient competent evidential matter to support opinions. HTB also implements the most effective accounting methods for financial statement presentation and tax planning. In addition, HTB is a member of PKF North American Network (PKF NAN), one of the largest and most successful accounting associations today.  This membership enables us to provide our clients with a wealth of resources not usually found in a local firm and allows us to offer our clients the benefit of access to national firm expertise while maintaining the close personal attention of a smaller firm.

Harland Financial Solutions is a leader is compliant loan and deposit origination, compliance training, branch automation, mortgage lending, core systems and customer relationship management solutions. Laser Pro® has a 20-year history of documenting simple to complex loans for more than 2,800 financial institutions. The Laser Pro design leads a loan processor through the necessary data collection tasks and automatically selects and completes the exact documents needed for a specific transaction. Laser Pro is reviewed by a 50-state network of attorneys ensuring compliance nationwide. Optional modules include an extensive set of SBA lending documents, Participation Agreements & Certificates, ability to email loan documents, and other workflow tools to meet the needs of specific bank procedures.
--LBA Endorsed Vendor

Heard, McElroy, & Vestal, LLP is a locally owned and based professional service and certified public accounting firm with offices in Shreveport and Bossier City.  Since 1946, Heard, McElroy, & Vestal has strived to be a pillar of trust, integrity and competence, remaining focused on the same goal, striving for the unconditional confidence of its clients.  No matter what the scope of the engagement, HMV seeks to understand the client’s ultimate goals and motivations and searches beyond fiscal information for answers to their questions.  With 13 partners, an affiliation with Business Valuation Consultants, LLP, and a partnership with Enterprise Computer Services, LLP, a business computer firm, Heard, McElroy, & Vestal ha endless ways to help clients reach their full wealth potential.  At Heard, McElroy, & Vestal we’re well prepared to meet both your business and personal financial needs.  From basic accounting issues to the most complex business transactions, we are staffed with the right people to help you make the right decisions. 

Hunton & Williams LLP provides legal services to corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals, as well as to a broad array of other entities. Since our establishment more than a century ago, Hunton & Williams has grown to more than 975 attorneys serving clients in 100 countries from 19 offices around the world. While our practice has a strong industry focus on energy, financial services and life sciences, the depth and breadth of our experience extends to more than 100 separate practice areas, including bankruptcy and creditors rights, commercial litigation, corporate transactions and securities law, intellectual property, international and government relations, regulatory law, products liability, and privacy and information management.

ICBA Bancard/TCM Bank provides community banks access to comprehensive and competitive electronic payment solutions, including credit card issuing, debit/ATM card programs for both consumers and small businesses. Additionally Bancard offers an exclusive Fraud Loss Protection program, training & education and robust customizable marketing solutions. Competitive credit card portfolio valuation, consultation and purchase options are also available.
--LBA Endorsed Vendor

ICBA Securities provides community bankers with quality investment products, services and education at competitive prices.  Included are asset/liability and liquidity assistance, bond accounting and safekeeping, transaction analysis, performance profiles, and research assistance.  ICBA Securities also has a mandated set of policies for the protection of the banker:  rigorous sales rep requirements, a suitable security list, and a pricing policy that is determined by the Board of Directors (also community bankers).  ICBA Securities, thru its Capital Markets division, can also provide a comprehensive set of investment banking services, including market making, research, and a full range of corporate finance options.  ICBA Securities is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Independent Community Bankers of America.
--LBA Endorsed Vendor

Want to add 30-50% sustainable profit to your bottom-line?  IntegratedQSG, in partnership with your bank, can help you get there!  IntegratedQSG is your one-stop resource to grow profitability through employee performance!  Best-Place-to-Work is a proprietary QSG solution to significantly improve employee buy-in, commitment, morale and proactive performance.  Business Development Strategies drives bottom-line results by increasing new net loans and core deposits through new customer acquisition and customer retention.  Performance-based Incentive Architecture enhances employee performance and retention.   Bank Trainers Academy provides trainers with comprehensive skills, tools and resources to develop your employee’s knowledge and performance.  Integrated Consulting Services provides bank executives with a top-down/bottom-up evaluation of your current performance base-line, including ‘next level’ financial projections for the untapped potential.  Call John Cotton at (800) 943-9638 to discuss your needs and potential.   

John M. Floyd & Associates (JMFA) is a profitability and performance improvement consulting firm and a leading provider of overdraft privilege programs serving more than 2,000 financial institutions in 50 states and Central America.  JMFA is also recognized for training, account acquisition, executive placement and earnings enhancement programs, as well as product, service, pricing and technology improvement consulting.  As a direct result of our programs JMFA has helped thousands of clients dramatically improve their performance and bottom line.
--LBA Endorsed Vendor

Attorneys in the Banking & Financial Services Practice Group at Jones Walker have many years’ experience in advising insured depository institutions on matters of corporate law and compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements.  As counsel to both state-chartered and federally chartered institutions, the firm has represented them in dealings with federal financial regulatory agencies, such as the FDIC, the OCC, and the Federal Reserve, and before financial regulatory authorities of numerous states, including the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions.  Jones Walker represents a number of publicly held financial institutions, providing advice on matters that include corporate governance, shareholder relations, and compliance with state and federal securities laws, both in regular ongoing operations and in debt and equity offerings.  The firm also acts, from time to time, as counsel to independent committees of boards of directors that have been appointed to evaluate claims of breaches of duty or other misconduct by management or board members.  Jones Walker’s clients also include numerous privately held financial institutions, which it advises in regard to matters such as corporate governance and taxation, and it provides representation to both publicly and privately held banking clients on a wide range of other matters, including regulatory compliance, operational issues, purchases and sales of loan and deposit portfolios, branch offices, and other assets, arranging debt and equity financing, compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, workouts – including management or disposition – of distressed debt, and federal and state legislative issues.         

The Kansas Bankers Surety Company, Topeka, Kansas, celebrating its 100 Year Anniversary serving community banks, is rated A++(Superior) by A.M. Best and AAA by Standard & Poor’s, a reflection of its experience, superior financial strength and solid operating results.  KBS offers Financial Institution Crime Bonds, Internet Banking Catastrophe Bonds, Internet Privacy Liability Policies, Directors and Officers Indemnity, Check Kiting Fraud Indemnification and Bank Employment Practices Defense Policies.

LSRH, established in 1946, has over 140 employees and is the one of the largest, independent accounting and consulting firms in Southeast Louisiana with offices in Baton Rouge, Metairie, and Covington. Our firm is organized into multi-disciplinary industry groups and Financial Institutions has long been a focus industry of our firm.  This commitment has translated into a significant financial institution client base and state recognition as a leader in serving financial institutions.

In addition, our affiliation with the RSM McGladrey Network provides immediate access to other professionals serving financial institutions across the nation.  Our clients benefit from our local experience as well as from the boundless resources available to us.  A few of our services include Financial Statement Audits, Internal Audit, Internal Control Evaluations, Benefit Plan Audits, Deferred Compensation Plans, Tax Consulting and Return Preparation, Cost Segregation Studies, Multi State Issues as well as Information Technology Audit Services.

The firm, Lisa D. Traina, CPA, LLC, works primarily in the information systems/technology area providing information systems auditing for community financial institutions, serving more than 75 institutions in Louisiana and Mississippi. The firm provides traditional IT audit services as well as network security reviews and vulnerability assessments.  The firm’s team of professionals has over 90 years of combined experience in the information technology/information systems, banking and audit areas; they have combined 40 years experience as bank employees working directly in the IT arena and over 30 years combined audit experience.  Professional certifications include:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Information Technology Professional - AICPA (CITP)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
• Master Certified Netware Engineer (MCNE)
• Master Certified GroupWise Engineer (MCGE)
• Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA)
• CompTIA A+ Certification (A+)
  

Louisiana Capital Certified Development is a private/non-profit corporation which markets and facilitates the SBA 504 loan program. We are most commonly referred to as a “CDC”. There are approximately 275 CDCs located in various parts of the country. We are the most active SBA 504 lender in Louisiana given that over the last 10 years we have facilitated slightly over 50% of all the 504 loan production within the state. SBA 504 is a program that enhances economic development through fixed asset financing, whereby long term (20 year fixed rates) financing is available for owner occupied real-estate and/or some of the fixed (non-moveable) equipment needs (10 years fixed rates) of all Louisiana small businesses. The 504 structure is unique in that the SBA actually participates in the funding, taking a second mortgage or security interest for up to 40% of the project cost and the participating bank will fund 50% of the long term financing secured by a first mortgage. Many banks have recognized the 504 program as a value added product given the benefits of risk mitigation and alternate financing options.

Lela is Louisiana’s non profit student loan provider; allowing banks to offer low cost student loans to customers through our Marketing Partner Program.

MAPP Construction, LLC, founded in 1991, is headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with offices in New Orleans, Dallas, Houston, and Orlando. MAPP provides preconstruction and construction services for commercial projects and has experience with projects including banking, retail, office, warehouse and distribution, hospitality, interiors, and healthcare. Since its inception, MAPP has completed over $1 Billion in projects throughout the Southeast, with 99.8% completing on time or better. MAPP also has a group in place that focuses exclusively on tenant build-outs and interior remodels.

Metavante (NYSE: MV) delivers banking and payments technologies to over 8,600 financial services firms and businesses worldwide. Metavante products and services drive account processing for deposit, loan and trust systems, image-based and conventional check processing, electronic funds transfer, consumer healthcare payments, electronic presentment and payment, and business transformation services. Metavante is headquartered in Milwaukee.

Started in 1903, Mitchell Signs is a complete, full service identity resource. We can offer your financial institution creative design services, up to date "in house" manufacturing capabilities, experienced professional installation personnel, factory trained service technicians and an internet based "Identity System" to manage all your locations; all this from one source! Project management is our one of our strengths --- from reimaging 4 locations to over 400 hundred, we can work with you to ensure everything is on time, on budget and meets or exceeds your expectations. Our banking and financial experience reaches across the country. No project is too large or too small. Pylon signs, building letters, directional signs, ATM signage, window graphics, electronic message centers; we are your full service resource. Mitchell Signs looks to develop long-lasting customer relationships through fulfilling their needs with quality service and/or products delivered on time at a reasonable price.

MPA Systems, Inc, a trusted name in the financial industry for more than 40 years, provides modular bank buildings for institutions across the United States. MPA also offers enrollment in our Disaster Recovery Program, which guarantees delivery of a fully-equipped, ready-to-use modular unit in the event of a disaster. Additionally, our satellite-enabled Connectivity Package is the ideal solution for Disaster Recovery customers in need of a data recovery and communications contingency plan. MPA’s modular units are available for lease or purchase and combine ease of portability with the integrity of a permanent structure. These buildings are often used by financial institutions for new charters or branch expansions, during remodeling of an existing location, and for permanent facilities.
--LBA Endorsed Vendor

Open Solutions Inc.® offers a fully featured strategic product platform that integrates core data processing applications built on a single centralized Oracle relational database, with Internet banking, cash management, CRM/business intelligence, financial accounting and management, profitability, wealth management, imaging, digital documents, interactive voice response, network services, HSAs, payments and loan origination solutions. Open Solutions’ full suite of products and services allows banks around the world better compete in today’s aggressive financial services marketplace.

A one-source resource specialist in the financial industry, Optimum System Products provides outsourcing services to community banks nationwide. Offering many ways to reduce the cost of printed products and office supplies, Optimum works closely with banks to individualize a program for their operation. Backed by state-of-the-art software and top notch customer service, Optimum guarantees significant savings for their clients. Supplies outsourcing covers a wide range of services, and saves time and money.

Payment Express Systems in partnership with Sage is a leading supplier of Electronic Payment Processing Services, Merchant Accounts, and Merchant Accounting services for retail, mail order/telephone order and Internet businesses.  PES believes in empowering its customers by creating one-stop solutions that simplify payment processing. We are committed to providing secure payment options through advanced technology, diligent anti-fraud procedures and solid industry relationships. Our products and services have been designed to offer “one stop solutions” that improve our customer’s operating efficiencies and convert their cost to profit.  Our management team brings over 50 years experience in the processing industry to insure the success of our relationships with our partners.  We are a registered MSP of Harris Bank-Chicago with Visa®, MasterCard®, Registered ISP with Discover®, Global E Telecom®, Valutec Card Solutions® and American Express®, along with our proud memberships with the Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau. We listen to our customers and their needs drive the development of our products and services. We believe that value is created when our customers receive exemplary services for reasonable, competitive rates.  For more information, please call us or visit our website at http://www.paymentes.com/. 

At Pentegra, we understand the demanding retirement plan requirements of community banks and design retirement plans that meet them. Since our founding by the Federal Home Loan Bank System in 1943 as an independent, not-for-profit cooperative, today Pentegra is the retirement plan provider of choice for community banks nationwide. We’re focused on bringing capabilities to community banks that are usually available only to large corporate and public retirement plans. We offer a full range of retirement programs for community banks, including 401(k) plans; ESOPs; defined benefit pension plans; profit sharing plans; and executive benefit and director plans, and a full-service private label 401(k) program banks can offer their commercial customers. Our unique, independent approach has earned the endorsement of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), America’s Community Bankers (now a part of the ABA) as well as the Louisiana Bankers Association.
--LBA Endorsed Vendor

Pinnacle Affirmative Action Services, LLC, while headquartered in New Orleans, provides LBA members with technically accurate, cost effective solutions to all their affirmative action planning needs—guaranteed. From obtaining and enhancing their employee data through the development of their Affirmative Action Plans, to providing customer support for implementation and consulting support for compliance reviews and training, Pinnacle is your LBA partner throughout the process. The main principals in Pinnacle have been providing affirmative action planning solutions, audit support and training for clients throughout the U.S. and have a combined 50 years of Affirmative Action Planning experience. Partner with Pinnacle and let our expertise work for you!

Since our inception in 1977 PKM’s knowledge of the financial services industry has been a core competency of the firm. Today, this knowledge encompasses multiple facets of the community banking industry including banks registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), S Corporation banks, and De Novo banks. PKM works with more than 130 bank clients in 26 states, ranging in size from $20 million to more than $8 billion in assets. As such, all PKM professionals work on bank engagements, with experience ranging from one to over thirty years. These statistics have earned PKM a place on Public Accounting Report’s national list of “Public Community Bank Audit Leaders;" PKM was also named one of "America's Top 100 Auditors" and America's 50 "Best of the Best" firms.

Profit Protection, LLC, also very familiarly known as the National Association for Bank Security, is a bank security educational and consulting firm that has served members of the financial industry for more than 25 years with its products and services. Those services are offered in not only all areas of bank security governed by the mandates of the five regulators, but all facets of Bank Secrecy Act regulation requirements. In performing these services, Profit Protection offers bankers Security Management and Bank Secrecy Act Seminars on an annual basis, including a telephone consulting service at no extra charge to the client; The Advisor, a casehistory-driven bank security newsletter; comprehensive textbooks, manuals, and shorter printed information of topical interest dealing with security and Bank Secrecy Act matters; and videotapes oriented towards training in a wide variety of areas relative to bank security and Bank Secrecy Act compliance functions.

Profit-On-Hold is an on-hold teleadvertising company in business since 1991, providing on-hold marketing systems and programs for more than 3,000 clients in 35 states and Ireland, with orders for Germany, France and Japan pending. Profit-On-Hold began as a subsidiary of a telecommunications conglomerate which divested itself of its on-hold division, which was purchased by its existing Vice President of Sales Mr. Otto Mehrgut. Mr. Mehrgut is today the president/chief executive officer of Profit-On-Hold with headquarters in Metairie, LA. Carey Zink is Profit-On-Hold’s production coordinator and copywriter, with more than 12 years’ experience in the on-hold industry and an extensive background in advertising in virtually every type of major media.

Promontory Interfinancial Network offers three profit-building solutions that help financial institutions to compete more effectively: CDARS®, IND®, and Proceed Business LoanSM. With CDARS, banks can attract and retain large deposits by offering customers access to $50,000,000 or more in FDIC insurance. (A typical CDARS customer places over $1,000,000 at a time and reinvests funds greater than 80% of the time.) Banks can also use the service to sell excess funding in exchange for fee income. CDARS and IND can be used to purchase wholesale funding at cost-effective rates without collateralization or stock purchase requirements. Proceed Business Loan allows banks to provide small business customers who don’t qualify for traditional lending products with access to cash (without incurring any lending risk).

PULSE is one of the nation’s leading ATM/debit networks, currently serving more than 4,500 banks, credit unions and savings institutions across the country. PULSE is owned by Discover Financial Services (NYSE:DFS). The network links cardholders with more than 260,000 ATMs, as well as POS terminals at retail locations nationwide. The company is also a valued resource for industry research related to electronic payments and is committed to providing its participants with education on evolving products, services and trends in the payments industry. For more information, visit http://www.pulsenetwork.com/.

Q2 Software, Inc., a CBG Holdings company, is a privately-owned and bank-owned provider of electronic banking software and services for financial institutions focused on delivering leading-edge technology and unmatched customer service. Their online banking, voice banking and web content solutions can be hosted either at the financial institution or in the Q2 data center and operate on an easily-supported Microsoft®-based platform.  Unique "on demand" feature access within a single, packaged application enables Q2 financial institutions to configure products and services to meet the varied needs of their customers. Q2 offers unprecedented integration between the web, voice and mobile banking channels, and supports cross-channel Multi-Factor Authentication as well as open vendor integration with the financial institution’s other customer-facing third-party applications.  Q2 also offers web services contracts that support third-party development and controlled extension of their solutions. To learn more about Q2 Software, visit their website at www.Q2software.com.

For the past 45 years, RDSI Banking Systems has been committed to offering the best in data processing software, technology and service to the banking and financial industry.  RDSI Banking Systems provides world-class financial processing solutions, utilizing Single Source™ software, developed by New Core Banking Systems.  Single Source™ offers a comprehensive system built on a .Net framework embedding mission critical banking applications --- core, business and retail internet banking, telephone banking, item processing, teller capture, remote deposit capture, ACH, document origination, image archive and many others --- into a single application that is right-time (real-time), scalable, fully redundant, stable and secure.

The acquisition and management of BOLI has entered a new era with new challenges. Bankers are seeking practical guidance from trusted advisors who can bring a new approach to address issues that have only recently begun to surface.  Renaissance Bank Advisors (RBA) has developed the processes, assessment tools, and deliverables that are designed to help bankers navigate and thrive in this new era.

Retail Management Resources, Inc., is a sales, marketing and management resource company that focuses on providing your company with a valuable management, consulting and training resource that will bring your vision to reality. Our mission is to provide clients with a valuable sales, marketing, management and training resource that will aid in the growth and retention of current clients as well as win new profitable clients.

The firm of Roy Chenevert, CPA provides audit, tax and consulting services to community banks throughout Louisiana.  Our CPAs, with 90 years combined experience, are continuously serving the banking industry throughout the year by conducting financial statement audits, BSA independent reviews, internal audit outsourcing, and tax planning and preparation.  The majority of our time is dedicated to serving Louisiana banks.  With our extensive experience in the banking industry, our CPAs are familiar with the needs of Louisiana community bankers.  This familiarity helps us in providing prompt personalized services for reasonable fees.  Our internal audit outsourcing and BSA review services assist Louisiana community bankers in implementing required procedures that may not be available or affordable internally.  With the number of banks that we serve, our CPAs have the ability to offer efficient solutions to today's banking challenges.

SecureWorks is a market leading provider of world-class information security services with more than 2,700 clients worldwide. Organizations of all sizes, including more than 10 percent of the Fortune 500, rely on SecureWorks to protect information assets, improve compliance and reduce costs.  SecureWorks is the leading provider of Managed Security Services to the banking industry.  With over 1,100 clients in the banking industry spanning community, regional, national and international institutions, we protect more banks than other provider.  SecureWorks leverages this deep experience to provide our clients with the most effective managed security solutions to help them achieve their security objectives.

The Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation (SHCPF) is a national non-profit organization that serves as a risk-free, profitable conduit for banks to use to fulfill their federally mandated Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) requirements. The Foundation’s mission is to provide safe and secure living environments for our nation’s senior housing residents through the operation of the nationally-acclaimed Senior Crimestoppers program in each participating bank’s CRA assessment area. Participating banks enjoy positive public relations exposure in their communities, gain access to a proven profitable business development opportunity, and earn CRA credit - all without taking risk or adding an administrative burden. Crime against the elderly in our society is a longstanding, constant battle that can be reduced and prevented through the operation of the Senior Crimestoppers program in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Senior Crimestoppers is a coordinated set of components that work together to create a zero tolerance-to-crime platform in senior housing facilities. Components include personal lockboxes for the residents, cash rewards up to $1,000 paid anonymously for information about wrongdoing of any kind, and effective, on-going education and training for staff members and residents. Senior Crimestoppers is in operation in more than 4,000 nursing home facilities in 45 states, and has reduced all aspects of crime in participating facilities by a certified 92.76% through December 31, 2009. For more information, contact Peter Gwaltney at (877) 232-0859, or email him at Peter.Gwaltney@SHCPFoundation.org.

Shay Financial has been serving the needs of banks since 1981.  The company was established to meet the unique investment demands and regulatory requirements faced by financial institutions.  From eight offices across the country, from Wall Street to Main Street, we only serve community banks, helping them build more profitable balance sheets.  Shay utilizes a “balance sheet based investment approach” to our core competencies of:  Securities Analysis and Selection; A/L IRR Modeling; Investment Portfolio Analysis and Modeling; Asset Management via the highly acclaimed Asset Management Fund family of bank specific mutual funds; Wholesale Growth Program; Sweep Account; and Wholesale Funding strategies via National Market CD’s.  In order to maintain an unbiased perspective when assisting clients, the firm chooses not to own an extensive inventory of securities for resale.  At Shay Financial Services, Inc., we take pride in our history, our accomplishments, our commitment to community banking, and our enduring client relationships.

For more than 30 years, SHAZAM has been helping community financial institutions compete in their local markets by providing a comprehensive suite of EFT products and services, including ATM processing, Debit MasterCard® and Visa® Check national debit card products including business debit and health savings accounts (HSA), card authorization services, merchant processing, ACH services and information security solutions. SHAZAM is a not-for-profit, member-owned and controlled network and processor, which enables us to act as a strategic partner with each of our participants. Governance of SHAZAM is administered by elected financial institution representatives. SHAZAM remains responsive to all participants and decisions are made for the benefit of all SHAZAM customers. We are committed to our independent, not-for-profit philosophy. This assures you that our loyalties are not split. We will never be your competition.

For over 30 years, the experienced consultants at Sheshunoff Consulting + Solutions have been helping financial institutions improve their bottom-line and gain competitive strength. Our experts can help your institution improve profitability, optimize business process, manage risk, maximize technology, meet regulatory requirements and find your best opportunities for growth. Let a trusted name give your institution the tools you need to meet your business goals and improve performance.

Established in 1932 and being one of the oldest and most respected firms in the region, currently with a staff of 34, Silas Simmons, LLP offers a complete range of accounting, auditing, tax preparation, tax planning and business advisory services including financial statement, audits, tax consulting, compliance, and preparation for banks and holding companies, S corporation tax issues, internal audits, trust department audits, IT examinations, ACH audits and loan review engagements, and mergers and acquisitions. Silas Simmons, LLP, is a member of AICPA Private Companies Practice Section and The Firm Foundation.

Silverton Bank headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a leading national correspondent bank chartered specifically to serve the needs of community financial institutions across the United States. Our product and service offerings include Clearing/Cash Management, International, Investments and Investment Banking, Bankcard, Lending and Consulting. Silverton Bank has grown to more than $2 billion in assets, more than 400 employees and a customer base of more than 1,400 community financial institutions. Silverton Bank has been serving the Louisiana market since 2006 and the people of Silverton Bank have been inspired by the great response from bankers in Louisiana.

SMARTS is a PC based sales management and sales tracking system for financial institutions. It greatly helps the bank to create new business because it offers the sales tools that will energize the bank’s sales efforts. Banks are better able to create new business because they can measure and manage sales results throughout the organization. Incentives, referrals and sales can be reported on all product activities selected. Management has continuous information for monitoring sales strategies and results by branches and departments. SMARTS can track all branch and officer call results.

At Sterne Agee, our mission is to build wealth for our clients. For more than a century, we have worked in the belief that we succeed only when our clients thrive. For a brokerage firm to survive for more than 100 years is hard enough. One can only thrive that long, though, by ensuring that your clients thrive first. Sterne Agee is one of the oldest and largest privately held brokerage firms left in the industry. We are a member of the New York Stock Exchange, and a registered Broker Dealer. We offer clients all the advantages of a full-service firm, yet retain the flexibility and personal attention that are rarely found in the huge names. Our expertise includes Retail and Institutional Brokerage, BOLI, Asset and Liability Management and Modeling, Investment Banking and Underwriting; Secondary Trading of Corporate, Municipal, and Government Securities, and Market Making in Over-the-counter Stocks. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Sterne Agee has offices located in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Synergy Partners / Synergy Capital is a premier consulting firm headquartered in the greater New Orleans metropolitan area.  Serving banking institutions nationwide, Synergy is a leading provider of enterprise risk management services, comprehensive performance assessments and financial advisory strategies designed to enhance operational efficiencies, financial performance and regulatory compliance.   Our extensive services include loan portfolio diligence and valuation, regulatory compliance audits, management assessments, custom software applications and sophisticated ALM financial models; thereby, allowing our clients to efficiently organize corporate resources and optimize Capital Adequacy, Asset Quality, Management and Administration Effectiveness, Earnings, Liquidity and Sensitivity to Market Risk.  Staffed with former bank executives, Synergy provides each client with an experienced team dedicated to providing timely solutions utilizing the most advanced resources currently available. As you are aware, today’s environment presents fundamental challenges for banking institutions of all types and sizes.  To meet this challenge, Synergy assists its clients in constructing a strategic framework to prepare for the inevitable uncertainty that lies ahead.  To learn more, kindly visit http://www.SynergyPartners.com/ or call Douglas Cunningham at 504-342-4982 x101.

The Tandy E. Jackson Agency has marketed specialty insurance products to lenders for almost 30 years. Our programs offer the products and expertise that our clients need to increase profits and protect their loan portfolios. We specialize in Collateral and Mortgage Protection Insurance, VSI, forced placed flood insurance, flood determination services, online loan tracking, Credit Life and Accident and Health Insurance, GAP Insurance and Mechanical Breakdown Insurance. Let us design a program to meet your needs.

The Travelers Insurance Companies offer a wide range of insurance products through Travelers SelectOne For Community Banks, our portfolio of products designed specifically for financial institutions. We have been providing effective insurance solutions for financial institutions since 1890. Our product line includes the Financial Institution Blanket Bond, Directors & Officers Liability coverage, Employment Practices Liability coverage, Property & General Liability coverage, Automobile coverage, Workers Compensation coverage, Identity Theft coverage, as well as a variety of products designed to address specific Electronic Banking exposures.

Vining Sparks is nationally recognized as a leading broker/dealer in serving the investment needs of institutional investors. The firm was started in 1981 by Jim Vining to serve the investment and asset/liability needs of community banks. Vining Sparks currently employs more than 300 people in 12 domestic offices and one in London. The firm has a strong presence in the banking industry and transacts securities business with more than 2,600 banks and savings & loans. The customer base additionally includes hundreds of other clients such as municipalities, money managers, trust departments, insurance companies, pension funds, and investment advisors. Vining Sparks has over $45 million in capital and an annual trading volume exceeding $250 billion with customers located in all 50 states and many foreign countries.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified financial services company providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through almost 6,000 stores, the internet and other distribution channels across North America and internationally. Wells Fargo has $622 billion in assets and 159,000 total team members across our 80+ businesses. We ranked fifth in assets and third in market value of our stock among our peers as of September 30, 2008. Wells Fargo is the nation’s #2 total originator (2007 year-end data, Inside Mortgage Finance) and #2 servicer of home mortgages (2007 year-end data, Inside Mortgage Finance). We serve all 50 states through more than 2,400 mortgage and Wells Fargo banking stores, and the internet. We serve 8 million customers nationwide and have $272 billion originations (year-end 2007, Inside Mortgage Finance). Wells Fargo has $1.53 trillion in owned mortgage servicing (year-end 2007), is the #1 retail originator of reverse mortgages and the #1 provider of renovation financing. Our vision is to satisfy all our customers' financial needs, help them succeed financially, be the premier provider of financial services in every one of our markets, and be known as one of America’s great companies.

Wolters Kluwer Financial Services is the leading provider of regulatory compliance solutions and services for banking, securities, and insurance. We bring together some of the industry’s most trusted and reliable solutions to help financial organizations address compliance requirements, reduce risk, and operate more efficiently. Our leading brands include AuthenticWeb™, Bankers Systems, CCH® Capital Changes, CCH® Wall Street, Expere®, GainsKeeper®, GulfPak, PCi, NILS INSource®, Uniform Forms™, and VMP® Mortgage Solutions. From paper documents, software, and training resources to fully integrated technology solutions, we deliver the products and services you need in today’s rapidly and constantly changing financial services industry. For more information, visit http://www.wolterskluwerfs.com/ or contact Pam Braland at 800-397-2341, Extension 5313.

Zurich North America Financial Enterprises is part of the nation's leading bonding and insurance group providing innovative risk management solutions tailored for the financial services industry since 1890. We are one of the top insurers of financial services institutions in the U.S. Over the years, we have built the expertise needed to develop products that meet our customers' changing needs, including fidelity bonds, property and casualty, collateral protection, professional liability and electronic commerce protection. We work through a nationwide network of independent agents and brokers and are a part of the Zurich Financial Services Group.