Winter 1999

News and Views for

Eighth District Bankers

Financial Institutions Focus on Customers as Y2K Approaches

As Jan. 1 nears, the Fed suggests that financial institutions take advantage of every opportunity to convey key messages to their customers.

Fed Continues to Enroll New ETA Providers

Financial institutions can expand their customer base and receive CRA consideration by offering ETAs.

Meeting the Y2K Communications Challenge

Mary H. Karr, senior vice president of the St. Louis Fed's Legal, Public and Community Affairs Division, recaps Y2K communications efforts and stresses that the task of reassuring the public will be an ongoing one well into the New Year.

Fed Commissions Economic Study of Memphis Zone

According to a St. Louis Fed-commissioned study, Memphis has developed into a vibrant economic environment, while surrounding rural counties continue to suffer from a lack of growth in population, jobs and income.

Fed Districts Will Use the Internet to Communicate during the Century Date Change

To communicate consistent information to its customers and the public during the century rollover period, the Federal Reserve Board has asked each of its Districts to establish a special Y2K web page.

Feditorial: Do Community Banks Have a Future?

St. Louis Fed economist Timothy J. Yeager writes that although the United States has more community banks per capita than any other country in the world, recent changes in the banking environment threaten the long-term viability of these institutions.

Regional Roundup

• Coupon Redemptions Shift to the Dallas Fed
• Fed Offers Educational Seminars on TIP and PATAX

Fed Facts

• Eighth District Offers NewFloat Pricing Option
• U.S. Treasury Unveils Designs for New Bills

Please send comments or questions regarding Central Banker to
kimberly.braun@stls.frb.org