Obama Provides Details on Community Bank Small-Biz Program
President Obama at a town hall forum in Nashua, N.H., on February 2 unveiled details of his proposed program to provide capital to community banks in exchange for more small-business lending. The proposal, mentioned in the State of the Union address, would transfer -- through legislation -- $30 billion in repaid Troubled Asset Relief Program funds to a new Small Business Lending Fund. Banks with $10 billion or less in assets that receive primary-regulator approval would be eligible to participate in the program, which would be separate and distinct from TARP.  Read more.

Teach Children to Save Day: Registration, Awards and Training Announced
The American Bankers Association Education Foundation (ABAEF) opened registration for the 14th annual Teach Children to Save Day.  This year's event is on April 27.  To help new bankers get started and to enhance the lessons of Teach Children to Save veterans, the foundation is hosting free Webinars that will provide tips on using the event resources kits, planning an event and sharing best practices. The Webinars for new bankers will be held at 2 p.m. on Jan. 27 and Feb 26; 3 p.m. on March 2; and 1 p.m. on March 23. The Webinars for Teach Children to Save returning participants will be held at 2 p.m. on Feb. 11 and March 3; and at 3:30 p.m. on March 24. Read about the Webinars.  Register for Teach Children to Save Day. New this year! The ABAEF will award four banks with a $1,000 donation for a youth or school group.You must register to be eligible for the donation!