As part of its ongoing efforts to provide top service to its members, AFSA recently unveiled a newly redesigned Web site (www.afsaonline.org) with many new features that improve the site's efficiency and allow users to find important information quickly.

The site redesign, part of the AFSA Strategic Plan approved last fall by the association's Board of Directors, resulted in several extras like streaming video and searching ability, a site map, a new meetings calendar, a front page Media Center, and a Capitol Hill update section.
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AFSA President and CEO Randy Lively testified November 9 before the House Financial Services Committee on the need for a uniform national standard for data security and breach notification.
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Ohio Supreme Court Hears Arguments
for AFSA v. City of Cleveland

On November 30, the Ohio Supreme Court heard oral arguments in AFSA v. Cleveland. The outcome of this case will determine the validity of municipal ordinances in the state of Ohio.
AFSA's Media Statement

Bill Himpler, AFSA's senior vice president for government affairs, was among a delegation of 65 representatives from financial service trade associations, member companies and the federal government who embarked December 5 on a fact-finding trip to New Orleans to witness hurricane devastation first hand.
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Citing a lack of consensus, House Financial Services Financial Institutions Subcommittee Chairman Spencer Bachus (R-AL) said his panel will wait until next year to mark up H.R. 3997, the Financial Data Protection Act of 2005. Panel members stood at odds over whether to preempt existing state laws on notifying consumers of data breaches that could jeopardize personal information.

Barney Frank

Michael Oxley

Chairman Michael Oxley and Ranking Member Barney Frank introduced H.R. 4320, the National Flood Insurance Program Commitment to Policy Holders and Reform Act of 2005, on November 15. The Committee approved H.R. 4320 by voice vote, and it now awaits a vote on the full House floor.
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AmeriCredit to Acquire Bay View Acceptance Corporation

AmeriCredit Corporation announced a definitive agreement for its operating subsidiary, AmeriCredit Financial Services, Inc., to acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of Bay View Acceptance Corporation. Bay View Acceptance Corporation acquires retail auto installment contracts from auto dealers in 32 states.
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Capital One Donates $5.1 million
to Children and Families in Richmond

Thirty five not-for-profit organizations and school systems that provide direct services for more than 15,000 at-risk youth and their families received funding from Capital One Financial in 2005. The grants provide support for childcare, education, community revitalization and financial education.
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GMAC Agrees to Sell Up to $20 Billion in U.S. Retail
Automotive Assets to Scotia Capital Over Five Years

General Motors Acceptance Corp. (GMAC), the wholly owned financial services subsidiary of General Motors Corp. and Scotia Capital, the corporate and investment banking arm of The Bank of Nova Scotia, today announced a long-term strategic financing agreement regarding GMAC's U.S. automotive retail assets.
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The conference included such nationally known speakers as John Kasich, former Republican congressman from Ohio and the host of "The Heartland with John Kasich" on the FOX News Channel.
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"Marketing in a Do-Not World" is the theme for AFSA's 11th Annual Marketing Forum, scheduled for March 1-2, 2006 at the Hamilton Crowne Plaza in Washington, D.C.
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Fred Grandy

Archie Manning

Under the theme of "Exploring Opportunities in a Changing Environment," the Independents Conference will take place at the Westin La Cantera Resort in San Antonio, TX. Former television star and U.S. Congressman Fred Grandy (R-IA) and All-American quarterback and NFL MVP Archie Manning will headline the conference.
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Mickey Levy, Chief Economist with Bank of America, is the meeting's keynote speaker. AFSA returns for the third time to Amsterdam and this year expects more presenters and investors than ever.
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Back by popular demand, Ron Insana, host on cable channel CNBC, will be the keynote speaker at the 16th Annual Finance Industry Conference. The conference continues the successful two-day format. The meeting will be held at the all new Baltimore Marriott Waterfront (BMW), located near all the Inner Harbor attractions.
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