The Arkansas Banker March 2015

Q&A With Governor Asa Hutchinson

Building Loyalty With Millennials

The Arkansas

Banker

Moving into the

Digital Age Volume XCIX, No. 3 | March 2015 March 2015 | The Arkansas Banker

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The Arkansas Banker | March 2015

The Arkansas

Banker Volume XCIX, No. 3 | March 2015

The Arkansas Banker is the official publication of the Arkansas Bankers Association.

EDITORIAL OFFICE

1220 West Third Street Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone 501.376.3741 | Fax 501.376.9243 www.arkbankers.org

CONTENTS COLUMNS

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

MAGAZINE RATES

8

Legislation & Regulation

20

Member News

24

Banker News & Moves

Gov. Frank Keating

Ava Franks

27

Index of Advertisements

10

Get to Know Governor Asa Hutchinson

13

ABA Announces New Office Depot Endorsement

16

What’s Your Bank’s ITE Ratio?

By Hugh Patterson, DD&F

18

Building Loyalty With Millennials Through Financial Education

Cover price is $5.95 each. Annual subscription rates are $40.00 for members and $60.00 for non-members.

The Arkansas Banker (ISSN 004-1726) is published monthly by the Arkansas Bankers Association, 1220 West Third Street, Little Rock, AR 72201.

Phone: 501.376.3741. Periodical postage paid at Little Rock, AR.

Washington Report

27 Classifieds

ADVERTISEMENT

SUBSCRIPTION

6

Bill Holmes

The publication of advertisement does not necessarily represent endorsement of those products or services by the Arkansas Bankers Association. The Editor reserves the right to refuse any advertisement.

Subscription to The Arkansas Banker magazine, which began monthly publication in April 1917, is included in the membership fees to the Arkansas Bankers Association.

President’s Column

EDITORIAL

The Arkansas Banker seeks to reflect the banking news of Arkansas and other news of direct interest to the Arkansas Bankers Association. Statement of fact and opinion are made on the responsibility of the authors alone and do not represent the opinion or endorsement of the Arkansas Bankers Association. Articles may be reproduced with written permission only.

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COVER STORY

By Ryan Swift, EverFi

Moving into the Digital Age: The Arkansas Banker Goes Digital See page 14

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Arkansas Bankers Association, 1220 West Third Street, Little Rock, AR 72201.

March 2015 | The Arkansas Banker

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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Bridging the Past with the Future On behalf of our board of directors, officers, and staff, I invite you — in fact, I encourage you — to experience this year’s Annual Convention May 6-8 at the Little Rock Marriott & Statehouse Convention Center.

The event will be chock-full of lively discussions of our banking industry, presentations by our regulators, inspirational and dynamic speakers, fine dining and more. This is always our state’s largest gathering of bankers, regulators, partners and vendors. Our theme this year is “Bridging the Past with the Future.”

Our convention is the best chance to reconnect with your old friends and

peers, and to make new friends and partners from across the state. One of the greatest benefits of the convention is that one new idea you get to take back to your bank and put to use right away. The opportunities to learn and share are endless.

This year we have a new format. We have moved the golf tournament to a date later in the year (it will be a stand-alone event); and have moved the Day with the Commissioner to Thursday.

PRESIDENT & CEO BILL HOLMES

Three lawmakers are slated to speak to our group this year. Congressman French Hill has been invited to kick off our meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday; the Honorable Governor Asa Hutchinson is invited to speak Thursday morning during Day with the Commissioner; and Senator John Boozman is scheduled speak at Friday’s business session.

We have packed a lot more content into Thursday’s session to give you an incredible journey of learning experiences. All of the speakers are experienced, well-informed and will share their in-depth knowledge and passion for banking.

The day begins with our 19th annual Day

ABA STAFF BILL HOLMES

President/CEO 501.978.3602 | bill.holmes@arkbankers.org

CARLA BRINKLEY

VP/Controller 501.978.3608 | carla.brinkley@arkbankers.org

AVA FRANKS

VP/Director of Government Relations 501.978.3606 | ava.franks@arkbankers.org

JESSICA SAHENE

Marketing Coordinator 501.978.3609 | jessica.sahene@arkbankers.org

STUART THALHEIMER

Executive Assistant 501.978.3605 | stuart.thalheimer@arkbankers.org

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The TheArkansas ArkansasBanker Banker || March March2015 2015

AARON GAMEWELL

EVP/COO 501.978.3613 | aaron.gamewell@arkbankers.org

KAMI TAYLOR COLEMAN

VP/Professional Development 501.978.3614 | kami.coleman@arkbankers.org

TRACI LOGSDON

Director of Communications 501.978.3603 | traci.logsdon@arkbankers.org

TERRI KELLY

Professional Development Coordinator 501.978.3607 | terri.kelly@arkbankers.org

BRENDA SCARBROUGH

Administrative Assistant 501.978.3600 | brenda.scarbrough@arkbankers.org

with the Commissioner, and will feature current banking issues discussed by the representatives of the CSBS, FDIC, Federal Reserve and a presentation of opportunities, challenges and perspectives of hometown banking by Joshua Siegel.

At Thursday’s luncheon, we will begin a new tradition. Working bankers who have accumulated 40 and 50 years of service will be honored with the BKD Milestones in Banking Awards. Come show your appreciation for our long-tenured friends, enjoy a good lunch, and mingle with our business partners in the Trade Show.

Thursday afternoon you will be treated to Lee Wetherington’s educational and exciting presentation on Mobile Payment Plays for Banks. Lee will follow that up by facilitating a panel discussion on IT. (You won’t want to miss this.)

Rounding out Thursday’s session will be a presentation by the new President & CEO of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, Sanjay Bhasin.

to our Scholarship to LSU’s Graduate School of Banking. These auctions will raise funds for our PAC and will be fun for everyone who participates.

Bring your checkbooks...good advocacy is expensive!

Friday kicks off with the Simmons Strawberry Breakfast followed by our business session and a conversation with Senator Boozman. We will close the convention with James Olson, former CIA Chief of Counterintelligence. He will hold you spellbound as he shares his experiences in the war on terror.

Throughout the event, our Trade Show will feature the newest technologies and state-of-theart services. The great support of our vendors, Associate Members and Endorsed Vendors who purchased these booth spaces and paid thousands of dollars for sponsorship rights is a major reason we can host our flagship event. Be sure to visit with them during our opening reception, and luncheon, and breaks.

Let’s make this a record attendance year.

I look forward to seeing you in Little Rock.

Thursday night is our annual Officer Installation Banquet, where we will once again have Silent and Live Auctions. We have several items in addition

Click here to download the 2015 Convention brochure!

ABA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHUCK MORGAN | CHAIRMAN

ROBERT Y. TAYLOR | CHAIRMAN-ELECT

Relyance Bank, Pine Bluff

Parkway Bank, Rogers

SEAN WILLIAMS | VICE CHAIRMAN First National Bank of Wynne, Wynne

MARK FERGUSON | TREASURER First Security Bancorp, Little Rock

DAVID BARTLETT | PAST CHAIRMAN Simmons First National Corp., Little Rock

BILL HOLMES | PRESIDENT/CEO Arkansas Bankers Association, Little Rock

ABA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MARY BETH BROOKS | GROUP 3 The Bank of Fayetteville, Fayetteville

DREW HARPER | GROUP 2 Bank of the Ozarks, Little Rock

DAVY CARTER | GROUP 1 Centennial Bank, Jonesboro

First Bank, Rogers

RANDY SCOTT | GROUP 1 Farmers Bank & Trust Co., Blytheville

DAVE DICKSON | GROUP 5 Union Bank & Trust Co., Monticello

CHARLES HORTON | GROUP 1 Fidelity Bank, West Memphis

MIKE SMITH | GROUP 5 McGehee Bank, McGehee

ELIZABETH FARRIS | GROUP 4 Regions Bank, Hot Springs

J. MICHAEL JONES | GROUP 5 Merchants & Farmers Bank, Dumas

SUSIE SMITH | GROUP 2 Simmons Bank, Little Rock

CURTIS GENTRY | GROUP 1 First National Bank of Eastern AR, Forrest City

CRAIG MOBLEY | GROUP 4 First Financial Bank of El Dorado, El Dorado

JIM TAYLOR | GROUP 3 First Security Bancorp, Fayetteville

GARY GOLDEN | GROUP 4 First State Bank of DeQueen, DeQueen

WILSON MOORE | GROUP 2 Bank of America, Little Rock

STANHOPE WILKINSON | GROUP 3 Farmers Bank & Trust, Greenwood

JON HARRELL | GROUP 3

CATHERINE OWEN | GROUP 2 Eagle Bank, Little Rock

March 2015 | The Arkansas Banker

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WASHINGTON UPDATE Targeting Data Breaches If 2014 was the year of the data breach, then 2015 may well be the year that Congress puts a national standard in place for data security and breach notification. That is our goal and our plan, but it will take bankers to make it happen.

Data breaches have become a major security challenge for all — bankers, retailers, health care companies and the government included.

As Troels Oerting, head of the European Cybercrime Centre put it: “A burglar can only burgle one house at a time, but a cybercriminal can rob 100 million computers while he is sleeping from a distance.”

Massive breaches of sensitive data at Target, Home Depot and other retailers may not have been executed in the middle of the night, but the results were the same: They put millions of consumers at risk and cost banks hundreds of millions of dollars to reissue cards and make consumers whole after the attacks.

In fact, an AmBA survey last year found that more than 8 percent of debit cards and nearly 4 percent of credit cards were implicated in the Target breach, and banks reissued nearly every card so implicated. That represents tens of millions of cards reissued in response to a single breach.

Our survey also found that community banks experienced disproportionately higher costs in reissuing cards. Banks with less than $1 billion in assets spent just over $11 per debit card and $12.75 per credit card, including mailing, card production and staff time, while the largest banks — those with over $50 billion — spent under $3 per card. These costs — which will be repeated with each breach — are deeply troubling for all banks, but especially for community banks.

customers ­— including names, addresses and Social Security numbers.

With the Anthem breach as a backdrop, Doug told senators that a national standard for protecting data and notifying customers of breaches was urgently needed to replace the current patchwork of competing state laws and regulations. He urged lawmakers to build on the framework already in place in the financial services industry to see that all parties with access to the payments system maintain the same high data security standards that banks do. He also noted that all those who participate in the payments system need to share equally in the cost of protecting consumers — with financial responsibility resting on those who incur the breach.

GOV. FRANK KEATING President & CEO American Bankers Association

Retailers are resisting this kind of change, unsurprisingly. Instead of legislation that would hold them more accountable, they are trying to sell Congress on a chip-and-pin mandate.

Never mind that security experts — including those who participated in a recent White House Summit on Cybersecurity — now agree that tokenization is the direction all must head.

Our task as an industry is to persuade Congress of the right approach. High-profile data breaches have captured lawmakers’ attention and interest. Now, as they approach legislating the issue, we must ensure they cast informed votes. You can help do this by sharing your story with your lawmakers.

We are using these survey results to help us make the case for change.

Doug Johnson, AmBA’s top expert on cyber and data security, laid out arguments when he testified for banks at a Senate subcommittee hearing in February. The day he testified, Anthem Inc., the second-largest health insurer in the nation, announced it had just been the victim of a major data breach. Hackers gained access to personal information on 80 million © 2015 American Bankers Association. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

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The Arkansas Banker | March 2015

Provide you with face-to-face interaction with an expert instructor!

APRIL 2015

8–9 | Agri Lending Conference

Holiday Inn Presidential, Little Rock Who Should Attend: Agri Lending Officers

21 |

BSA/AML Hot Topics

Crowne Plaza, Little Rock Who Should Attend: BSA Officers

28 |

21–22 | Supervisor Boot Camp Crowne Plaza, Little Rock Who Should Attend: Supervisors and Managers

MAY 2015

6–8 |

Annual Convention

Little Rock Marriott /Statehouse Convention Center

Who Should Attend: CEOs, Presidents, Chairmen, Board of Directors, Senior Executives and Management.

12 | The Risk Rating Process

& Problem Asset Administration

Crowne Plaza, Little Rock Who Should Attend: Chief Credit Officers, Senior Loan Officers, Loan Officers, Credit Analysts, Loan Administrators, Loan Review Officers, Special Asset Officers and Loan Workout Professionals

JUNE 2015

22 | Marketing and Business

Development for the Banker Holiday Inn Presidential, Little Rock Who Should Attend: Commercial lenders, Relationship managers, Branch managers, Private bankers, Business development officers

13 |

ALLL: What Works and What Does Not

Crowne Plaza, Little Rock Who Should Attend: Chief Financial Officers, Senior Loan Officers, Loan Officers, Chief Credit Officers, Loan Review Officers and anyone who is responsible for their institution’s ALLL

Managing Technology: Directors & the Bank of the Future

Crowne Plaza, Little Rock Who Should Attend: Bank Directors, Executive Management, Shareholders, Senior Bank Officers

and review of appraisals

20 | Case Studies in

Appraisal and

Evaluation Compliance Reviews

Crowne Plaza, Little Rock Who Should Attend: Credit Officers, Loan Officers, Credit Analysts, Loan Review Officers, Credit Administration, Supervisors, Loan Assistants, Anyone involved with the ordering and review of appraisals

19 | Case Studies in

Appraisal and

Evaluation Compliance Reviews

The Chancellor Hotel, Fayetteville Who Should Attend: Credit Officers, Loan Officers, Credit Analysts, Loan Review Officers, Credit Administration, Supervisors, Loan Assistants, Anyone involved with the ordering

23 | Commercial Real Estate

Lending in Today’s Economy

Holiday Inn Presidential, Little Rock Who Should Attend: Commercial lenders, Credit analysts, Loan documentation specialists, Branch Managers, Private bankers, Business development officers

25 |

Introduction to Commercial Lending

Hilton Memphis, Memphis Who Should Attend: Commercial Lenders, Credit Officers, Branch Managers, Credit Analysts, Consumer Lenders, Loan Review Officers, Compliance Officers

25-26 | Leadership Conference The Chancellor Hotel, Fayetteville

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | LIVE EVENTS

ABA Live Events...

Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in furthering their leadership skills and networking with colleagues from across the state!

For more information about ABA Live Events, log on to www.arkbankers.org or call 501.376.3741

March 2015 | The Arkansas Banker

7

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS A Light at the End of the Tunnel...

It is now March and there is a light at the end of the 90th General Assembly tunnel. This session, ABA planned to play defense rather than immerse ourselves into the fray, but we have certainly done both this year. So far, so good.

For those of you who subscribe to the ABA Legislative Digest, you know we are monitoring a dozen or so bills. We have a neutral position on most of these bills.

One of those bills, House Bill 1053, which mandates all mortgage assignments be recorded, failed in the Senate Insurance and Commerce committee. Several bankers joined me on February 24 to testify against the bill. Their testimony was paramount in our ability to defeat this bill. Ben Coleman, Foreclosure and Bankruptcy Manager and Vice President at Central Mortgage Company, Arvest, offered an opening statement to explain banker opposition of HB 1053. The other bankers in attendance were Rachael McCain of First Arkansas Bank, Jeff Hildebrand and Stephen Griffin of Centennial Bank, and Mike Milner of First Security Bank. Each of us bounced answers off of one another in a collaboration to illustrate the negative impact of this bill on Arkansas

&

consumers. Our efforts were indeed successful and I have since learned that the sponsors do not intend to run this bill again.

Another bill, House Bill 1558, changes the statute regarding multiple party deposit accounts. This change brings in the definition of “person” as allowed in the State Bank Code, therefore allowing entities such as LLCs and corporations to be named as beneficiaries on these accounts. The sponsor, Rep. Bill Goassage, was very receptive to our needs and worked with us to make the changes necessary for this bill to be amenable for our banks.

VP / DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AVA FRANKS

In nearly every article I write, I ask that you reach out to me with any issues or matters you wish to discuss. This invitation is extended to anyone who is a member of ABA. When you see a bill or an issue that you think we need to address, call, e-mail, or text me. Thank you to those of you who have reached out and I appreciate the receptiveness I receive from the bankers to whom I reach out.

Now that we are on the downhill slide of this session, I will need your eyes and ears more than ever. Here’s to that light at the end of the tunnel and for us to remain vigilant until the end.

Coffee Committee Coffee and Committee was a great success for our Emerging Leaders. The events started with a discussion of the procedure and politics in committee meetings as well as an in-depth look into how a bill becomes a bill, long before a bill may become a law. Once at the Capitol, several ELS members recognized legislators and lobbyists from his or her hometown or college and had a chance to visit about the legislative procedure. Once in committee, attendees witnessed law making in action.

As you are aware, a chance to visit the Capitol during session before you come to testify is invaluable. Be sure to watch for other GR events of this nature throughout the year.

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The Arkansas Banker | March 2015

Provide the option of training as many employees as you wish for one price, all from the convenient location of your home institution!

Understanding the Different Payment Systems

BSA Series: Part I - Growing Your CDD Questionnaire

Opening New Accounts: Part I

Top Trends for Community Banks: Strategies for Success

Top Trends for Community Banks: Strategies for Success

Analyzing Tax Returns for Mortgage Decisions

April 2, 2015 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

April 3, 2015 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

You’ve Been Sued: Is Your Institution Defensible?

April 6, 2015 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Oil and Gas Lending 2015: Structuring and Restructuring April 7, 2015 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Notary Skills for Bankers- The Basics: Part I April 8, 2015 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Call Report: Lending Schedules for Banks April 9, 2015 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Deposit Regulation Update and Review April 9, 2015 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

April 10, 2015 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

April 10, 2015 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Lending To Municipalities April 14, 2015 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Safe Deposit Boxes: The Pitfalls of Vault Security & More April 14, 2015 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Writing An Effective Credit Memorandum April 14, 2015 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Notary Skills for Bankers- Advanced: Part II April 15, 2015 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Excel Explained: Introduction to Spreadsheets

April 15, 2015 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

April 22, 2015 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

April 22, 2015 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Flood Insurance: Compliance Issues & Enforcement Topics April 23, 2015 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Understanding Signature Cards and Account Agreements April 28, 2015 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Home Equity Lines of Credit

April 28, 2015 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Opening New Accounts: Part II April 29, 2015 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Regulation E Compliance: Five Best Practices April 29, 2015 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | WEBINARS

ABA Webinars...

For more information about ABA Webinars, log on to www.arkbankers.org or call 501.376.3741 March 2015 | The Arkansas Banker

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Get to know Arkansas’s 46th Governor

Asa Hutchinson Hometown:

Gravette, Arkansas

Alma Mater:

University of Arkansas School of Law Bob Jones University

Elected to Office: November 4, 2014

“From Walton to Tyson, to the entrepreneurial bankers of Arkansas who have created strong regional and national banks, Arkansas has a history of individuals creating very successful businesses... we need to create an environment for entrepreneurs to have the resources to pursue their dreams.”

- Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson

Governor Hutchinson signs the middle-class income tax cut bill into law.

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The Arkansas Banker | March 2015

What do you hope to accomplish in your first 150 days, which gets you through the first legislative session?

What concerns do you hear most expressed from Arkansans?

When I was elected as Arkansas’s 46th governor, I pledged to hit the ground running. The promises I made during my campaign stay at the forefront of my mind as I lead the state. I’m proud to say that many of those promises have been fulfilled even before the end of the first legislative session.

Since my inauguration in January, we have passed legislation to cut taxes for the middle class, established a task force to take a big-picture review and make recommendations to reform Medicaid, announced an action plan to address prison overcrowding, and recruited a team of dedicated educators, parents and students to study the Common Core standards. Each part of my agenda supports my vision of a strong and growing economy in Arkansas that retains and attracts entrepreneurs and businesses.

In addition, we have initiated the plan to have computer science offered in every high school.

How would you describe your leadership style? What experiences have you had to cultivate that style?

I know that any successful organization, whether in business or government, requires listening to people on the ground.

I spent the campaign listening to voters—hearing their concerns and suggestions. Now, I’ve surrounded myself with people I trust and who have experience, but I still make a point to listen to the communities across Arkansas.

For example, I made a surprise inspection of the Alexander Unit in the prisons system to see for myself the conditions and get context for discussions for improvement. It is vitally important to hear both sides on every issue because we can learn something from everyone.

Arkansans are a dedicated, loyal people. That’s why I love this state. We always put family first, and that is reflected in the concerns I hear from Arkansans, whether it is concern for quality education for our kids or the ability to provide for loved ones through steady employment. Arkansans care about the wellbeing of others, and that gives me confidence that we will face our challenges together, working as a team.

You have delivered on your campaign promise to cut taxes on middle-class Arkansans. Explain how you hope these tax cuts will benefit Arkansas citizens and the state economy.

Arkansas has been an island of high taxation, where every neighboring state has a lower income tax rate than we do. That means that any business that chooses to locate in Arkansas is penalized from the start. Arkansas is a great place to do business and our tax cut makes Arkansas more competitive and an even better place to do business.

Through this tax cut, we are signaling that Arkansas is a growing marketplace and ready for business.

What two qualities make Arkansas a good place to do business?

Our optimism and our work ethic. Our optimism because we always have a vision for a better future, and our work ethic because of our willingness to sacrifice and work hard to achieve that better future.

Contact Governor Asa Huchinson State Capitol Room 250 500 Woodlane Street Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone: 501.682.2345 Email: www.governor.arkansas.gov/contact

March 2015 | The Arkansas Banker

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What economic advantages does Arkansas have that other states don’t?

Arkansas has a history of entrepreneurial talent of which we are very proud. From Walton to Tyson, to the entrepreneurial bankers of Arkansas who have created strong regional and national banks, Arkansas has a history of individuals creating very successful businesses. Recognizing that, we know that we need to create an environment for entrepreneurs to have the resources to pursue their dreams.

In addition, Arkansas has abundant natural resources and a strategic location on major highways and rivers. These ample resources combined with our hardworking people, give Arkansas an edge over competing states.

What role does the banking industry play overall in the ongoing economic success of Arkansas?

The banking industry plays a critical role in the economic engine by providing capital for entrepreneurs to establish their own businesses and expand current businesses.

My plan is to grow jobs in the state, but that plan could not be successful without a strong banking industry. I’m proud of our banking industry and look forward to working together to bring even more success to the entrepreneurs and job-creators in Arkansas. Certainly, we need fewer regulations in the banking industry.

Children from the Arkansas School for the Deaf sit in the Governor’s office during a surprise visit to the Capitol.

We recently passed legislation requiring all high schools in Arkansas to offer computer-science courses, thus better preparing our young people for jobs in a knowledge-based, data-driven economy. Also, a group of open-minded, dedicated Arkansans will review the Common Core standards to ensure that we are setting high standards in our schools and holding our students to them.

What are the last two books you’ve read?

41: A Portrait Of My Father by George W. Bush

Describe three ways in which you will try to grow Arkansas’s economy.

Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War by Robert M. Gates

One of my priorities has been to make Arkansas taxcompetitive. We have made progress on that by passing the middle-class income tax cut during my first month in office. Another priority is to improve Arkansas education.

...and the last two movies you’ve seen?

The Judge American Sniper

Governor Hutchinson at a meeting of the National Governors Association in Washington, D.C.

Visit Governor Asa Hutchinson’s web page!

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The Arkansas Banker | March 2015

Register for the ABA-Office Depot program!

ABA Announces New Office Depot Endorsement

Bank and associate members can now access national group purchasing plan The Arkansas Bankers Association is proud to announce a new endorsed relationship with Office Depot. ABA has joined forces with over 30 other state bankers associations across the country to bring its members tremendous buying power, exclusive discounts and real savings. Current participants of this program have saved an average of 20-30 percent over their prior office product costs.

As an Office Depot customer, ABA members will enjoy steep discounts on a core list of 350-plus frequently used office and banking products. In addition to this core list, ABA members can add an additional 75 items tailored to the needs of their organization. This is where members would want to add specific items such as toner or ink jet cartridges. For miscellaneous items outside the core and custom tailored list, members will receive a 10 percent discount on Office Depot’s retail catalog pricing (some exclusions may apply).

There’s more to the ABA–Office Depot program than just office supplies. ABA members will also receive discounts on office furniture, print/copy services, custom business forms, stationery, promotional products, lunchroom and janitorial provisions and more.

Benefits go beyond great pricing – customers will also receive free delivery on all orders over $50.00. If placed by 4:00 p.m. local time, orders are delivered next day in most markets by Office Depot or UPS.

Customers will also have access to Office Depot’s exclusive Business Services Division website, strategic brand name partnerships, and ease in economizing operations.

As a member of the powerful national group purchasing program, ABA members will enjoy a higher level of support with a dedicated account manager and Office Depot’s best, most experienced customer service reps from the National Account Help Desk. An Office Depot account manager will provide your organization with on-going creative and innovative procurement solutions by identifying preferred product and process improvement opportunities.

ABA members may also extend this program to your employees, who will enjoy the same steep discounts on the core list as well as 10 percent off their retail store purchases.

In addition to all of these benefits, don’t forget that your participation in this program drives an essential stream of support to the Arkansas Bankers Association. This provides the ABA with important non-dues revenue that directly supports key strategic initiatives including advocacy, education and media relations.

If you’re ready to start taking advantage of this new program, log on to www.arkbankers.org and click the Office Depot logo, or contact Amber Smith at (501) 317-6267 or amber.smith2@ officedepot.com.

Founded in 1986, Office Depot is on the world’s largest sellers of office products and an industry leader in every distribution channel, including stores, direct mail, contract delivery, the Internet and business-to-business electronic commerce.

March 2015 | The Arkansas Banker

13

Sign up now to receive The Arkansas Banker in your inbox each month!

Moving into the Digital Age:

The Arkansas Banker Goes Digital

Starting with the March 2015 issue of The Arkansas Banker, the magazine will launch an online, interactive version of its printed counterpart.

2014 issue? Do you remember where you put that copy of the magazine? Now you will be able to access archives to search for a specific article or photo from a previous issue.

The digital version of The Arkansas Banker will be available online the day that it hits mailboxes, and can be accessed by logging on to our website at www.arkbankers.org. If you would like the magazine delivered to your inbox, please log on to the ABA website, click “Sign Up to Receive The Arkansas Banker in Your Inbox,” and enter your contact information.

The digital version of the magazine will allow for various interactive features, such as links to photo galleries from recent events, and to vendor websites.

Why digital? The decision to go digital has been years in the making—it began with the mention from an ABA Board member who was scanning magazine articles to email other bank employees.

The digital version of the magazine allows for ease of sharing information — if you find an article you like, you can print an individual page, save the page, or just send a link to those you’d like to share with.

Do you remember our article on .bank from the November

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The Arkansas Banker | March 2015

Not to worry, the print edition of The Arkansas Banker isn’t going anywhere... while the wave of the future may be online accessibility, some of us still like to lean back in our chair with a hard copy.

While member banks receive complementary subscriptions of The Arkansas Banker, many banks purchase additional print copies for staff and bank directors. Both the paid and complementary subscriptions will continue as long as you wish.

If you have any questions regarding the digital edition of The Arkansas Banker, please contact Traci Logsdon, Director of Communications, at traci.logsdon@arkbankers.org.

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97 Years of The Arkansas Banker

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1917

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In April 1917, what would become The Arkansas Banker was published as The Cash Item. The front page read “Read carefully and circulate this copy to everyone in the bank from the president down.”

1947

Digital Features

1930

A monthly cartoon chronicling the antics of Nathan Banker and his money-spending family begins in February 1930.

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The first full-color cover of The Arkansas Banker hit shelves in September 1947, featuring a view of the Ada Valley from Petit Jean State Park.

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5 Table of Contents

1965

The Arkansas Banker shows a little Razorback pride with an ad for the 75th Annual Convention, held May 17-19 in Hot Springs.

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The magazine moves a step closer to its current state, with a glossy photo cover featuring ABA President Joe Hiatt in June of 1979.

2015

The Arkansas Banker adds a digital component to its monthly magazine in March 2015.

2002

The 2002 Convention gets full color coverage when The Arkansas Banker officially becomes a full-color publication.

March 2015 | The Arkansas Banker

15

What’s Your Bank’s ITE Ratio?

A How-to for Decreasing Expenses, Increasing Efficiency and Maximizing Your Technology Investment Bankers love ratios, so here’s a new one for you — your ITE (IT Expense) ratio. That is, how much your technology is costing you as compared to its contribution to your bottom line. So how does your ITE ratio stack up?

The truth is, many times bankers feel they spend too much on technology and find that their solutions are still inefficient.

Paying too much for the wrong technology solution can cost you market share and erode your bottom line.

Maximizing your investment in technology may seem like the impossible dream, but it isn’t. The good news is technology vendors are in the mood to deal. After four consecutive years where technology spending has remained relatively flat and the number of banks continue to decline, technology vendors are looking for revenue opportunities, and that means aggressive pricing.

Existing vendors want to protect or increase their revenue while competing vendors want to increase revenue via new customer acquisitions.

This scenario has created a competitive environment in which “routine” vendor contract renewals can be parlayed into

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The Arkansas Banker | March 2015

opportunities for earnings improvement and increased efficiency.

Pricing structures have changed in recent years so the decision to allow your contracts to auto renew or to accept the “improved” pricing of your current vendor almost always leaves money and functionality on the table.

Staying knowledgeable of emerging solutions and actively evaluating your financial institution’s business need is essential to selecting technology that increases your bottom line rather than decreasing it. This process starts by taking a hard look at your business goals and matching the best, most cost effective solution with your business needs.

In a less competitive climate, one could hardly criticize any bank’s management team for simply renewing vendor contracts as they expire. But with the squeeze in margins that most banks are experiencing, contract renewal time presents a real and significant opportunity to reduce expenses and maximize your technology investment. But don’t wait until the contracts are due to renew. This process needs to start at least eighteen months prior to your expiration date.

You may be tempted to “go it alone” to avoid additional cost; however, seeking the assistance of a consultant who has experience in proven technology solutions, vendor evaluations and contract negotiations will allow you to

more quickly evaluate viable candidates, their pricing, and match viable solutions to your business goals, not to mention avoiding costly contractual pitfalls.

Almost invariably, the cost of the industry expertise a consultant can provide is a fraction of the cost savings your bank can realize through vendor negotiations — potentially saving hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of the contract.

If you are looking at a contract renewal within the next 18 months, give us a call. We’ll do a quick complimentary review of your contracts and tell you if we think there is opportunity to improve your ITE ratio!

This article is based on the book “Technology Solution: Selection, Implementation and Management” by Hugh Patterson.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hugh Patterson is the Principal of IT Consulting at DD&F Consulting Group. Hugh provides guidance to DD&F clients in the areas of strategic technology planning, project management, vendor management, technology solution selection, implementation and utilization.

As a seasoned banking operations and technology professional, he draws from his 33 years in community banking and technology vendor sales and service to ensure effective implementation of solutions to support sales growth, increase revenue and mitigate operational and compliance risk exposure.

JUNE 12TH , 11:01 A .M .

HOME GROWN DIVIDENDS IN AN INS TANT,

C A RO L M U R PH Y R E A L IZE D HER VA LU E TO THE CO M M U NIT Y

Carol approved a loan that helped a family buy a home — a family that would go on to start a local business, and raise two children who would start businesses of their own. CNA’s broad coverages and depth of experience help banks such as Carol’s manage emerging risks and respond to changing regulations.

These insurance products and solutions can help meet the needs of customers from generation to generation.

Way to go, Carol.

At CNA, we salute the memorable experiences that lead to memorable milestones.

Please visit www.cna.com/communitybanks

CNA is proud to be the endorsed carrier of the Arkansas Bankers Association.

Please remember that only the relevant insurance policy can provide the actual terms, coverages, amounts, conditions and exclusions for an insured. All products and services may not be available in all states and may be subject to change without notice. The examples provided in this material are for illustrative purposes only and any similarity to actual individuals, entities, or places is coincidental. CNA is a registered trademark of CNA Financial Corporation.

Copyright © 2014 CNA. All rights reserved.

CNA-FI-032_ArkansasBankersAssociation_FINAL.indd 1

4/1/14 4:24 PM

March 2015 | The Arkansas Banker

17

Building Loyalty

with Millennials Through Financial Education

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ryan Swift is Vice President of Business Development at EverFi, a provider of online financial education platforms for high school students and adult consumers.

Hear more from Ryan Swift at the 2015 ABA Leadership Conference, June 25-26, in Fayetteville.

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With a new year upon us, most banks are evaluating their marketing plans and asking, “What are we going to do differently in 2015?” A key priority for many banks is to find new ways to strengthen their relationship with Millennial consumers. But effectively engaging this savvy, independent and often skeptical generation can feel like a daunting task, especially when the media often paints a negative picture of Millennials’ mistrust of banks.

At EverFi, we’ve helped millions of young people build their financial know-how, and we believe there is a tremendous opportunity for banks to use digital education to connect with the “mobile-first” generation of consumers.

Our research shows that offering financial education is a highly effective way to engage Millennials, earn their trust, and increase their wallet-share. But in order to effectively connect with this demographic, banks must

The Arkansas Banker | March 2015

first understand and adapt to Millennials’ style and embrace their preferred methods of communication.

In November 2014, we surveyed hundreds of Millennials on their relationship with their primary bank, and the majority of respondents used words like “transactional” and “boring” to describe this relationship. When asked to rate the relationship on a 1 to 5 scale, the majority of respondents felt completely “neutral.” In a world in which many banks are competing on the same features and brand is a critical differentiator, “neutral” is simply not enough. So what can banks do to strengthen their brand with Millennials and become a trusted source of financial guidance?

Our survey revealed that Millennials want help when it comes to managing their finances, specifically, training on how to avoid fees, better mobile tools, and education on relevant products that will help them stay on

a budget and manage student debt. In fact, two thirds of respondents said that they would actually like more communication from their bank if the information provided is relevant, beneficial, and not overly commercial.

hours. Peak traffic to EverFi’s financial education platform is between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and 20% of traffic between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Banks must focus on providing short, fun and engaging content that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

In order to effectively reach Millennials and provide this financial guidance, mobile engagement is key. According to the Federal Reserve, more than 70% of Millennials have used mobile banking services within the last 12 months, compared to only 40% for the remaining adult population. At EverFi, we see this data play out every day. The vast majority of traffic to our adult education platform comes from a smartphone or tablet.

Lastly, incentives are a highly effective means to get young people to engage with your educational offerings. Our partners have seen huge spikes in user activity by offering scholarships, contests, one-time fee forgiveness, a $25 savings account credit, or other incentives.

Secondly, Millennials have short attention spans and want on-demand access to information when it fits their schedule, which may be outside of normal banking

A key takeaway here is that young people want help when it comes to managing their finances, but it has to be convenient, relevant, and mobile-friendly. This presents an incredible opportunity for financial institutions to become that source of trustworthy guidance for the next generation of customers. In fact,

consumers that engage with a company’s educational offerings are five times more likely to make a purchase than consumers reached by more traditional advertising campaigns.

Millennials expect innovation in banking to come from outside the industry, either from high-tech startups or well-established names like Google, Amazon, or Apple. But at EverFi, we’re helping community banks be the source of that innovation. Hundreds of leading banks are using our technology to build private-labeled financial education campaigns that empower consumers and build their trust and loyalty.

See how banks are using EverFi technology to build customer loyalty!

March 2015 | The Arkansas Banker

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MEMBER NEWS Commissioner Franks Testifies on Importance of Community Banks Candace Franks, Commissioner of the Arkansas State Bank Department, testified on February 10 before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs regarding regulatory relief for community banks and credit unions.

Commissioner Franks was testifying on behalf of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS), an organization of which she serves as Chairman.

Her testimony centered on the impact community banks have on the economy, and working to find a solution to current regulatory burdens being faced by these banks.

“In my 35 years with the Arkansas State Bank Department, it has become abundantly clear that community banks are vital to economic development, job creation, and financial stability.

I know this Committee shares my convictions, and I appreciate your efforts to examine the state of our country’s community banks and regulatory approaches to smaller institutions,” Franks said.

“Congress, federal regulators, and state regulators must focus on establishing a new policymaking approach for community banks.

We must do so by moving away from an inconsistent, piecemeal regulatory relief strategy that uses hard asset thresholds. We will need a new definitional framework based upon the easily identifiable attributes of a community bank. Only then will we be able to provide community banks with a regulatory framework that effectively complements and supervises their unique relationship-based lending model,” she stated.

View Comissioner Franks’ full testimony online!

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The Arkansas Banker | March 2015

Simmons First National Corporation Completes Acquisitions of Liberty, Community First Bancshares Simmons First National Corporation has announced the completion of the acquisition of Liberty Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of Liberty Bank headquartered in Springfield, Mo., and Community First Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of First State Bank headquartered in Union City, Tenn.

Definitive agreements to acquire both companies were previously announced in May 2014 and approvals from Simmons, Liberty and Community First shareholders were received in November 2014.

organization positioned for continued, long-term success.”

“These acquisitions bring together three high-performing organizations with a shared commitment to associates, customers, communities and shareholders,” said George A. Makris, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Simmons First National Corporation. “Together, we create a premier community banking

Both Liberty and First State Bank will temporarily remain separate banks and continue their operations as subsidiaries of Simmons First National Corporation until they are merged into Simmons First National Bank (“Simmons Bank”). The Liberty Bank conversion is slated for completion April 24, 2015, followed by

GSB Scholarships Still Available Below is a list of GSB scholarships still available for the 2015 session. For more information and application instructions, log on to our website, www.arkbankers.org.

Prochnow Educational Foundation & Arkansas Bankers Association Scholarship GSB at Wisconsin - Madison, WI Application Deadline: April 17, 2015 2015 Session: August 2 – 14, 2015 Total Value: $1,300 for three years

SWGSB Millenium Scholarship

SW GSB - Dallas, Texas Application Deadline: March 31, 2015 2015 Session: May 25 – June 5, 2015 Total Value: $1,500 for three years

Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University Scholarship

GSB at LSU - Baton Rouge, Louisiana Application Deadline: March 31, 2015 2015 Session: May 24 – June 5, 2015 Total Value: $3,845 for first year only

With the completion of these acquisitions, Simmons has approximately $7.6 billion in assets, $4.7 billion in loans, $6.2 billion in deposits, over 2,000 associates and more than 160 locations across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee. The company will benefit from significant growth opportunities through its expanded footprint and its balance sheet with exceptional asset quality and solid core deposit funding.

the First State Bank conversion, which is scheduled for completion September 4, 2015. “After months of planning and hard work by associates from all three banks, we are looking forward to implementing and completing the integration process,” said Marty Casteel, Chairman and CEO of Simmons Bank. “Liberty and First State customers should continue their banking as usual and will receive the same great service from the same associates they have come to know and trust. We are working closely with teams at both banks to ensure the transition for customers is as easy and seamless as possible.”

Liberty Chairman and CEO, Gary Metzger, will join Simmons Bank as Regional Chairman of Missouri and Kansas. John Clark, President and CEO of Community First, will become Regional Chairman of Tennessee.

FHLB Dallas Offers $7.6M in Affordable Housing Program Grants The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) is pleased to announce it is offering, through its member institutions, $7.6 million in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) competitive grants in 2015.

Each year, FHLB Dallas returns 10 percent of its profits in the form of AHP grants to assist in the development of affordable owner-occupied and rental housing for very low- to moderate-income families throughout FHLB Dallas’ five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. The grants are made available through FHLB Dallas’ member institutions and are awarded annually.

Community organizations interested in applying for an AHP grant are urged to establish a relationship with an FHLB Dallas member institution, through which the grant application is submitted to FHLB Dallas.

AHP grants may be used to purchase, construct, or rehabilitate owner-occupied, transitional, and rental projects for very low- to moderate-income households.

“Since 1990, FHLB Dallas has awarded more than $237 million in AHP funds to support affordable housing projects in our members’ communities,” said President and CEO Sanjay Bhasin. “We look forward to seeing the progress that comes from this round of funding.”

AHP grants are utilized for a variety of projects, including emergency home rehabilitation for low-income, elderly, and disabled residents; down payment and closing- cost assistance for qualified firsttime homebuyers; and the development and construction of low-income, multifamily apartment communities and single-family subdivisions.

March 2015 | The Arkansas Banker

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MEMBER NEWS

Jeff Lynch Appointed to Community Depository Institution Advisory Council James Bullard, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, has announced that Jeff Lynch, President and CEO of Eagle Bank and Trust, has been appointed to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council (CDIAC) for a threeyear term beginning March 31, 2015.

The Council consists of 12 members of depository institutions within the Eighth Federal Reserve District covering Arkansas and portions of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee.

The Council serves as advisors to the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank on issues related to their local credit conditions, economic conditions of local markets,

effects of regulatory policies on their ability to provide financial services to their market, and credit terms and conditions in the members’ local market, among other topics.

Lynch joined Eagle Bank as Executive Vice President in January 2008 after serving as President and CEO of United Bank of Springdale. He was elected President and CEO of Eagle Bank on July 1, 2010.

He received his BSA in Finance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is also an alumnus of the Graduate School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University.

Lynch and his wife, Dana, are the parents of two daughters and reside in Heber

Springs. They are members of the Heber Springs First United Methodist Church.

Miller Retires as Regions Bank Searcy City President After 37 years of service at Regions Bank, Searcy City President Donnie Miller will retire on March 31, 2015. Miller joined the bank in 1978, and has held numerous positions with the bank and was named President & CEO in 1997.

“I have been blessed throughout my career with great family support and a great group of co-workers, customers, and supervisors,” Miller said. “I have had an excellent banking organization in which to work and a wonderful community in which to live and work. For all, I am grateful.”

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The Arkansas Banker | March 2015

“I am excited for Donnie and the things that await him in retirement. We will miss his leadership and contribution to the success of our franchise throughout Arkansas, especially in White County. He has been a key member of our leadership team for almost forty years. There is no way to replace that amount of influence, but he is leaving a great team in place to continue meeting the needs of our customers throughout the years to come,” said Lynn Wright, Regions Bank Arkansas Area President.

After retirement Donnie will maintain an office at the Regions Bank Searcy Main office and serve as an ambassador for Regions in the community.

Southern Bancorp Names New Chief Financial Officer Christopher M. Wewers joins executive leadership team Southern Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Southern Bancorp Bank, has announced that Christopher M. Wewers has joined its executive leadership team as chief financial officer. Wewers succeeds former CFO Robert Cern, who retired in 2014, and former board member and interim CFO Daniel Kohler who served in the position during an extensive national search. Wewers recently served as Executive Vice President and COO of Bear State Bank, and prior to that served as President and CEO of First Federal Bank, located in Harrison. Wewers also previously served as CFO of Summit Bank in Arkadelphia.

executive vice president and chief financial officer. In 2011, Wewers joined First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas Inc., the holding company of First Federal Bank in Harrison, as executive vice president and chief operating officer before being named president and CEO in 2013. After First Federal Bank was merged by Bear State Financial, Wewers was named executive vice president of Bear State Bank.

“I’m excited to welcome Chris to the Southern Bancorp family,” said Darrin Williams, CEO of Southern Bancorp, Inc. “He brings to the position an impressive record of strong financial leadership, a history of serving small communities in our markets and an energetic attitude that will serve Southern well as we continue to grow our mission-focused brand of financial services.”

A Hope native, Wewers is a 1992 summa cum laude graduate of Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. He earned his MBA from the University of Arkansas in 1995 and was named an Outstanding Graduate. In 2006, he was named to Arkansas Business’ 40 Under 40 Class, in 2010, he was named Arkansas Business’ CFO of the Year, and in 2014, was named to Henderson State University’s Business Hall of Fame. Chris and his wife Debra have two children, Ashley, 20 and Stephen, 17.

Wewers began his banking career at Merchants & Planters Bank in Arkadelphia in 1992. In 1998, he left to join Community Bank of North Arkansas before returning to Arkadelphia to join Summit Bank in 2001, where he served as

“I’m excited about joining the great team at Southern Bancorp,” said Wewers. “I look forward to working with the executive leadership team, the board of directors and the rest of the Southern organization as we build communities and change lives.”

“With his extensive experience working with strong community banks, many of

which were located in Southern’s home community of Arkadelphia, I’m confident that Chris will feel right at home and do an excellent job in this new role,” said Glen Jones, Southern Bancorp, Inc.’s Board Chairman. “I look forward to him helping grow Southern’s mission to increase economic opportunity in communities across the mid-South.”

Nominations Sought for 40, 50-Year Banker Awards Nominations currently are being sought for recipients of the 40- and 50-Year Banker Awards, being presented by the Arkansas Bankers Association in May.

The ABA is proud of the 1,900+ men and women who serve the Arkansas banking industry, and the connections they forge to make our hometown banks successful.

We would like to recognize those individuals who are celebrating their 40-year and 50-year milestones in banking with “Milestones in Banking” awards sponsored by BKD, LLP, at the ABA Annual Convention, and with a feature in The Arkansas Banker magazine.

Nominees should be actively employed in an Arkansas bank, and have completed the designated number of years of service. The ABA invites you to submit all eligible bankers by returning completed nomination forms to us by Monday, April 6, 2015.

Because this is our inaugural year of the program, we invite you to submit nominations for bankers who have served 40+ years and 50+ years, as well as those celebrating their specific 40- and 50-year milestones.

For nomination forms and instructions, please contact Traci Logsdon at traci.logsdon@arkbankers.org or 501.376.9243.

March 2015 | The Arkansas Banker

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BANKER NEWS & MOVES PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCED AT FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CROSSETT Gene Crawford, President and CFO of the First National Bank of Crossett announced the promotion of Cody Hollis to Vice President & Commercial Loan Officer; Glenda Danzy to Assistant Vice President – Retail Lending; and Joyce Cummins to Credit Administration Officer.

“Cody, Glenda and Joyce represent the tenacity and work ethic that has made this institution great, and we are very excited about their promotion and their continued contribution to the Bank. They represent a new generation of bankers at FNBC – strong customer service skills and efficient application of technology in a community bank” said Crawford.

Cody Hollis has been promoted to Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer.

Hollis began his career with First National Bank of Crossett in February 2012 as a main bank teller and then quickly transferred to the administrative department as accounting clerk in April.

Later that year, he transferred to the commercial lending department as commercial loan processor and in January 2014, Hollis was promoted to Commercial Loan Officer.

A Fountain Hill native, Hollis is a graduate of Trinity Christian Academy and the University of Arkansas in Monticello with a Bachelor of Business Administration with emphasis in Finance.

He is a 2013 graduate of the

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Arkansas Bankers Association Commercial Lending School. Hollis was the 2013 Employee of the Year at First National Bank. He is an active member of Trinity Freewill Baptist Church in Hamburg. He currently serves on the board of the Ashley County Skilled Work Center.

Glenda Danzy has been promoted to Assistant Vice President – Retail Lending.

Danzy began her career with First National Bank of Crossett in 1988 as a full-time teller at the main bank. She has worked in the capacity of note clerk, mortgage loan processor and as consumer loan account representative.

She was promoted to Consumer Loan Officer in January 2012.

A Crossett native, Danzy is a 1979 graduate of Crossett High School and attended the University of Louisiana at Monroe (formerly known as Northeast Louisiana University.) She has also completed Principles of Banking as well as many other Arkansas Institute of Banking certifications. Danzy was recognized as the First National Bank Employee of the Year in 2003. She is a 2005 graduate of the Arkansas Bankers Association Consumer Lending School.

She is active in various civic organizations including the Kiwanis Club of Crossett, the Ashley County Single Parent Scholarship Association and past board member of the Crossett Education Alliance.

She is also a volunteer for many of the activities the bank sponsors. Danzy is a member of First Baptist Church of Crossett and a member of Silver Star

The Arkansas Banker | March 2015

Chapter #306 Order of the Eastern Star. She has three sons, Johnathan, Joshua and Drew, as well as one grandson, Jade.

Joyce Cummins has been promoted to Credit Administration Officer.

Cummins began her career with First National Bank in August 1991, when she and her family relocated to Arkansas. She was hired as a Mortgage Loan Processor in the Mortgage Loan Department. In January 1996, she obtained the position of Mortgage Loan Officer, until her family relocated to Atlanta, Ga. In 1997 she returned to Crossett, and in January 2014, Cummins was asked to rejoin First National Bank as a Mortgage Loan Processor in the Mortgage Loan Department. In September 2014 she was promoted to Credit Administrator.

Cummins is a 1980 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School and attended South Central Career College in Little Rock, where she studied Accounting. Cummins has completed several Arkansas Institute of Banking certifications, as well as FHA/ HUD certifications. She has been a part of various civic organizations including Beta Sigma Phi, Chamber of Commerce Committee for ACE (Arkansas Community of Excellence), board member of the Crossett Education Alliance and is a volunteer for many of the Bank’s community activities. She is a member of Crossett First Baptist Church. Cummins is married to Charlie Cummins and they have 2 daughters, Brittany and Casey and a granddaughter, Chloe.

ARVEST BANK PROMOTES BRYLES IN FAYETTEVILLE Arvest Bank in Fayetteville is pleased to announce that Roger Bryles has been promoted to Vice President, Trust Client Advisor for Arvest Asset Management.

Bryles has worked as a Trust Client Advisor for Arvest Asset Management for more than five years. Before he joined Arvest, he was a vice president, chief financial officer and board treasurer of a private foundation, a registered investment advisor with a regional investment firm and a bank examiner with the U.S. Treasury.

“Roger has been an invaluable asset to Arvest Bank and our customers,” said Tabitha Lipscomb, executive vice president and trust manager for Arvest Bank in Fayetteville, Springdale and Benton County. “His background and education helps him to provide the best guidance for his customers and help them reach their financial goals.”

Bryles earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Arkansas in 1986 and a Juris Doctor at the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1991. He is a licensed attorney and maintains a CPA license on an inactive basis.

He is a Paul Harris Fellow and member of the Fayetteville Downtown Rotary Club and a past member of the board of the United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas and West Little Rock Rotary Club.

He and his wife, Mary Jane Meadows Bryles, have two daughters, Sophie and Lily.

BANKER NEWS & MOVES MATT REDDIN TO LEAD SIMMONS BANK PRIVATE BANKING GROUP

Simmons Bank has announced the addition of Matt Reddin as President of the Private Banking Group within Simmons Bank according to Marty Casteel, Simmons Bank Chairman and CEO. “We are extremely excited to announce the development of a Private Banking Group within Simmons Bank, and equally excited to have Matt Reddin join the Simmons Bank family to develop and lead this group.

Matt is a well-known and highly-respected banking executive with many years of experience in successfully leading teams in developing and growing customer relationships. The Private Banking Group, under Matt’s leadership, will further enhance our ability to provide tailored banking services customized to individual circumstances, needs and wealth goals to customers throughout our multi-state footprint and complements our traditional banking and financial services offerings,” said Philip Tappan, Executive Vice President, Financial Services Division.

Reddin has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management from Ouachita Baptist University and has completed the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. Reddin brings

more than 12 years of industry experience to Simmons Bank.

Reddin was selected as one of Arkansas Business’ 40 Under 40 in 2009 and is a graduate of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Greater Little Rock program.

As an active community leader, Reddin serves on the board of the Arkansas Arts Center and has previously served on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas and Arkansas Children’s Hospital Committee for the Future.

JEFF LEWIS JOINS EAGLE BANK

Jeff Lynch, Eagle Bank and Trust President and CEO, has announced that Jeff Lewis has been hired as Vice-President and Commercial Lending Officer.

Lewis is a 20-year banker, most recently serving as a Commercial Loan Officer with another Little Rock bank. He will maintain his office at the North Hills branch of Eagle Bank located at 7311 North Hills Blvd. in Sherwood.

A native of Sherwood, he received his BSBA in Finance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock after graduating from Sylvan Hills High School in 1989. Lewis is a past member of the North Little Rock Rotary Club and Past President of the Harrison House, a non-profit organization providing low cost shelter to kidney and heart transplant and cancer patients and their families.

Lewis and his wife, Terri, are the parents of three children and are members of the First Baptist Church of Sherwood.

FOCUS BANK ANNOUNCES MATTHEWS AS CHIEF APPRAISAL OFFICER/VICE PRESIDENT

FOCUS Bank is pleased to announce Julie Matthews as the new Chief Appraisal Officer and Vice President for FOCUS Bank. With more than 20 years of appraisal experience in Northeast Arkansas, Matthews will oversee appraisal operations for FOCUS Bank.

“We are very excited to have Julie join the FOCUS Bank team,” said Glen Burnett, Regional Bank President.

“Her experience and professionalism along with her outstanding customer service will be a true asset to FOCUS Bank.”

As the owner and appraiser of Matthews Appraisal Service, Matthews has been successfully providing appraisal services for the Jonesboro area since 1996.

Prior to starting her own business, she worked as an HR Assistant for Best Diversified Products.

Matthews earned a degree in Business Management from Arkansas State University. She is an Arkansas State Certified Residential Appraiser, Designated Member (IFA), National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers, Candidate for Designation Member of

Appraisal Institute, and is a member in good standing with the National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers.

KENNEDY NAMED COMMERCIAL BANKER FOR ARVEST BANK

Springdale.

Arvest Bank is pleased to announce that Andrea Kennedy has been named a Commercial Banker in

Kennedy is a vice president with more than 12 years’ experience in with Arvest, most recently as a private banking advisor.

“Andrea’s extensive experience both with Springdale and with the private banking customers here make her especially skilled for her new position,” said Richard Winesburg, commercial loan manager for Arvest Bank in Springdale.

“Her professionalism and focus on customer service are a credit to Arvest and a benefit to our customers.”

A native of Springdale, Kennedy graduated from Springdale High School and attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She holds an Arkansas Insurance license, Series 7 Securities license and Series 66 license.

Kennedy is a member of the Springdale Rotary Club and volunteers with Partners in Education.

She and her husband, Keith Kennedy, live in Springdale with their three children, Lexy, Allie and Carter.

March 2015 | The Arkansas Banker

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BANKER NEWS & MOVES JAMIE MOBLEY ANNOUNCED AS REGIONS SEARCY CITY PRESIDENT Lynn Wright, Regions Bank Arkansas Area President, announced today that Jamie Mobley will become the Searcy City President, effective April 1, 2015.

“Jamie has shown leadership skills and a passion for customer service in her past roles with Regions Bank.

She will continue a legacy of service and leadership in the communities in which she serves,” Wright said of Mobley.

Mobley joined the Regions family in 2001. In her more than 13 years with the bank she has held a variety of positions including most recently, Business Banking Relationship Manager.

Mobley is a graduate of Searcy High School and earned her degree in Business Administration from Arkansas State University in 2006. She currently holds the position of treasurer for the Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce and serves on the ASU Development Council, as well as serving as a board member of the Searcy Board of Zoning Adjustments.

Mobley’s other community activities include Facilitator of the Searcy Leadership Institute, Liberty Christian School board member, and committee member for the White County Community Foundation Future Fund.

Of her new position Jamie said, “I appreciate the

26

leadership of Regions Bank for having the confidence in me to serve in this capacity. I look forward to the opportunity to work with our excellent team of Regions bankers to deliver a vast array of products and services to our customers and markets.”

Mobley resides in Searcy with her husband Jason and their two children Madison and Braxton. She is a member of Trinity Baptist Church, where she serves in AWANA and on their finance committee. She will maintain an office at the Regions Bank Searcy Main location and continue to serve as a Business Banking Relationship Banker for Regions in the following communities: Searcy, Bald Knob, Beebe, Cabot, Jacksonville, Augusta, Heber Springs, & Batesville.

HARRIMAN JOINS ARVEST PRIVATE BANKING IN SPRINGDALE

Arvest Bank is pleased to announce that Randall Harriman has been named Private Banking Advisor in Springdale.

Harriman has more than 14 years’ experience in banking and lending, most recently as an assistant vice president, lender and security manager for First Security Bank. He has worked at various local banks as a branch manager, consumer lender and commercial lender.

“Randall brings to our team the experience and knowledge needed to work with our private banking clients on their complex

The Arkansas Banker | March 2015

financial needs,” said Mary Pedersen, Private Banking Manager for Arvest Bank. “We are excited to add Randall as a valuable addition to our private banking team in Springdale.”

A native of Springdale, Harriman graduated from Springdale High School and earned his Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Harriman serves on the Board of Directors of the Arts Center of the Ozarks.

He and his wife, Lindsay Harriman, have 7-year-old twins, daughter Reese and son Eli. The family attends Johnson Church of Christ, where Harriman serves as a deacon.

SOUTHERN BANCORP ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Southern Bancorp Inc. and Southern Bancorp Bank recently announced new board appointments for 2015. The new board members represent some of the leading voices in banking, development finance, community economic development and community revitalization.

They include Donna J. Gambrell and Mike Meyers to the Southern Bancorp, Inc. board and Michael Montgomery and Darryl Swinton.

Joining the board of Southern Bancorp, Inc. are Donna J. Gambrell, the longest serving director of the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) and first African American woman appointed

to that position, and Mike Meyers, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Winrock International, an international nonprofit working to increase economic opportunity in disadvantaged communities around the world.

“Southern Bancorp’s mission to increase economic opportunity by building net worth in underserved communities calls for passionate and experienced leadership at the board level,” said Dr. Glen Jones, Southern Bancorp, Inc.’s Board Chairman. “There are few individuals in this country who possess an institutional knowledge of CDFIs that is on par with Ms. Gambrell, who over the course of her six year tenure oversaw significant growth in the CDFI Fund as well as the creation of a number of new initiatives targeting underserved communities. Her experience in the CDFI industry and many years focused on compliance and consumer protection at bank regulatory agencies will be invaluable to our own growth.”

“Also bringing a wealth of experience to the board is Mr. Mike Meyers, who as CFO for Winrock International is responsible for the financial management of that $100 million organization,” Jones continued. “His responsibilities include overseeing the organization’s international accounting and banking systems, both of which make him a critical asset to Southern as it grows and continually improves the organizational efficiencies needed to succeed in rural markets.”

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ADVERTISEMENTS For more information on advertising in The Arkansas Banker, please contact Traci Logsdon, Director of Communications, via email at traci.logsdon@arkbankers.org, or by phone at 501.978.3603.

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE OR LEASE: Modular Bank Buildings. Looking to branch, remodel or test market a new location. Immediately available, 14’x66’ or 24’x66, bank equipment and drive-thru included.

316.821.9590. www.NorthAmericanBuildings.com FT COMPLIANCE OFFICER: Eagle Bank and Trust Company, in Little Rock, AR, is seeking a FT Compliance Officer.

Competitive Pay and Benefits Package, FDIC Insured/EOE and EOE of Vets and IWD. General description: This is a full time position responsible for the compliance of the Bank. Develops, administers and monitors programs for compliance with laws, regulations and rules governing operations and product offerings.

Informs and educates appropriate personnel and Senior Management.

Maintains and updates appropriate risk assessments, policies and procedures throughout the bank. Acts as a Bank’s CRA Officer and BSA Officer.

Qualifications, Duties & Technical Skills: • Possess an overall knowledge of deposit, lending and BSA compliance.

Continued from page 26

Banker 1220 West Third Street Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone 501.376.3741 Fax 501.376.9243 www.arkbankers.org

• Research questions and gray areas as related to updated, upcoming and existing regulations and the impact on the bank.

• Arrange and coordinate training for departments and staff as needed.

• Maintain, enroll and update NMLS for applicable MLOs within the organization.

• Provide regular training for newly hired employees.

• Provide support and assistance to internal and external auditors when necessary.

• Perform bi-weekly – and as required – 314 (a) checks through FinCen. • Maintain CTR filings and applicable documents • Investigate possible SAR related filings to determine necessity to file.

To find out more about the job description and complete an application please go to: www.eaglebank.com.

BANKER NEWS & MOVES Southern Bancorp Bank added two new members to its board ranks, each with extensive experience that will greatly add to Southern’s depth of knowledge in providing financial services to underserved communities.

The Arkansas

• Provide guidance on transactional issues as they arise with the help of legal council as needed.

New Southern Bank Board members include Michael Montgomery, a retired member of Alltel Information Services, Inc.’s executive management committee whose responsibilities included software development, operations management, sales and marketing and merger and acquisition activity.

Montgomery currently operates a successful small business and is an active investor and shareholder in a variety of banks and financial institutions. Also joining the bank board is Darryl Swinton, Director of Housing and Economic Development for Better Community Development,

Inc., a Community Development Corporation serving disadvantaged neighborhoods in Little Rock with health and wellness opportunities, youth activity programs, career readiness and homebuyer support and education.

“Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Swinton bring extensive resumes to the Southern Bancorp Bank board, each of which will greatly add to our depth of knowledge in providing financial services to underserved communities,” said Sherman Tate, CEO of HT & Associates and Southern Bancorp Bank Board Chairman. “As we continue to grow our impact and service footprint in rural America, Southern will continue to rely on the technological, financial, and community engagement expertise provided by board members such as Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Swinton.

Both will serve us well as we continue our growth.”

March 2015 | The Arkansas Banker

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The Arkansas Banker | March 2015