FLORIDA TRUST SCHOOL &
FLORIDA GRADUATE TRUST SCHOOL
July 12-17, 2009: Embassy Suites USF, Tampa

We are very pleased to announce that the 2009 session of the Florida Trust School and the Florida Graduate Trust School will once again be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel on the University of South Florida Campus. This venue will afford both schools a professional atmosphere in which to live and learn during the week long event. All sleeping rooms will be based on single occupancy unless otherwise requested.

The basic first year Florida Trust School introduces the novice to the world of trust banking. The targeted audience includes the customer service representative and administrative assistant. Personnel with an interest in the trust industry may enroll, whether from the commercial banking side or the trust side. Upon completion of the program the student will receive a certificate. The curriculum introduces students to the trust industry and reviews its history. The establishment, structure, purpose, and general activities of a typical trust department are included.

The Florida Graduate Trust School encompasses two years of study and caters to the advanced trust officer offering graduate level courses. This advanced two year school must be taken in sequence and once students are enrolled, it is presumed that they will continue through the second year, graduate and receive a diploma. The curriculum covers administration of estates and trusts, and offers specialized topics on pertinent issues affecting the trust industry. Students completing both years will receive an excellent education, and will be equipped to contribute to the trust and estate planning team within their organization.

For the past twelve years an opportunity has been offered to bankers with the Certified Trust Financial Advisor (CTFA) designation to earn continuing education credits needed in maintaining their CTFA certification. This program allows registrants to attend classes from one day to a whole week at either the graduate level I or II of the FGTS. No exam is given and specified CTFA credit will be received for each class attended. A brochure with a registration form will be available to download approximately 30 days before the school session.

Each year the school experience begins with registration on Sunday afternoon where the students receive their school materials and check into the hotel.

Later that evening the Basic First Year students attend orientation while the Grad II students pose for their class photo. Later everyone enjoys the welcome reception and begins to get to know one another better. After the reception everyone eats dinner at the opening banquet.

After the opening festivities that evening the students quickly put their noses to the grindstone early Monday morning and apply their energies to learning and studying the prepared curriculum.

Each year, the FBA Florida Graduate Trust School presents the Tinsley-Wells Honor Graduate Award to a graduating senior who has been singled out by the directors, staff, and senior class as the outstanding class graduate. Criteria for the selection of the Honor Graduate includes: scholastic achievement during the two-year course of study, contribution to and participation in class, and overall personal contribution within the student body. The selection is made from the top 10% of senior students according to grades. The name of the honor graduate is announced at the graduation on Friday, and awarded a plaque at the next FBA Annual Trust Conference.

2008 Florida Graduate Trust School Tinsely-Wells Honor Graduate
Pamela Capone
Relationship Manager, Synovus Trust Company, Sarasota
Click here to watch the video
(Click here to download required Windows Media Player 10)

The Florida Trust School and Florida Graduate Trust School could not operate without the dedicated industry professionals that make up the committee. These pictured below contribute their talents, skills, knowledge, expertise, and time to assure that these schools are pertinent, timely and give the attending students the tools needed to become valuable assets to their institutions.

2008 FTS & FGTS Committee
(from left to right)
Sean Maguire, Senior Vice President, Lydian Bank & Trust, Tampa
Steven Tinkler, S.V.P./Regional Fid. Mgr., SunTrust Bank, Ft. Lauderdale
George W. Lange, Jr., S.V.P./Sr. Trust Specialist, Regions Trust, Clearwater
Scott Kellett, Pres. Private Bank West Coast, Bank of Florida Trust Co., Naples
Debra M. McCloskey, V.P./Trust Officer, Comerica Bank, Palm Bch. Gardens
Joseph Dionisio, Vice President, BNY Mellon, New York, NY

Each year the Grad I students select officers to represent them and take the lead on class activities for the following school session.

2008 FGTS Grad II Class Officers
(from left to right)
Brian Ceras , Class Vice President, Sabal Trust Company, St. Petersburg
Jamie Broome , Class Secretary, Colonial Bank, Ft. Myers
Scott Kellett, Class Director, Bank of Florida Trust Co., Naples
Eric Morris, Class President, BB&T, St. Petersburg

After three long years for most students, of studying, attending class, and submitting home study problems, the hard work pays off and graduation is right around the corner. These graduates below would tell you that it was a long grueling process but very much worth the effort. Many friendships were begun and strengthened, skills gained, and they walked away as a more valuable employee with a greater knowledge of their industry.

Florida Graduate Trust School
2007 Graduating Class
Click here to watch the video
(Click here to download required Windows Media Player 10)

The 2008 session will be held from July 6th-11th at the Embassy Suites USF in Tampa. For additional information and registration forms on the Florida Trust School and the Florida Graduate Trust School, please see the link below or email Yvette Downes at the FBA Education Department or contact her by telephone at (850) 224-2265.

Click here to download the 2008 Florida Trust School Brochure	Click here to download the 2008 Florida Graduate Trust School Brochure
Click here to download the 2008 Florida Graduate Trust School CTFA & CFP Brochure