The Arkansas Banker May 2016

What Have You Done Lately?

2016 Leadership Conference

The Arkansas

Banker

The

Leadership

Issue Volume C, No. 5 | May 2016 May 2016 | The Arkansas Banker

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The Arkansas Banker | May 2016

The Arkansas

Banker Volume XCIX, No. 5 | May 2016

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

CONTENTS

EDITORIAL OFFICE

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

EDITORIAL

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.

President’s Column

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Emerging Leaders Update

Kevin Thompson

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Washington Update

COLUMNS

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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Bill Holmes

Rob Nichols

10 Political Perspective

Roby Brock

18 Professional Development

DEPARTMENTS

19 Industry News 20 Member News 22 Banker News & Moves 23 Index of Advertisements

SUBSCRIPTION

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

MAGAZINE RATES

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.

THE LEADERSHIP ISSUE

12 ABA Leadership Conference 14 What Have You Done Lately?

By Kevin Wright

16 Networking Sucks

By Jenna Atkinson

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

May 2016 | The Arkansas Banker

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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Our Quasquicentennial Celebration Two weeks ago we welcomed bankers, directors, guests, regulators, and partners to the quasquicentennial celebration of the Arkansas Bankers Association. 125 years old; that’s something to celebrate!

Everyone there has played a role in our rich history.

At the luncheon after Day with the Commissioner, we celebrated the Milestones in Banking awards for hometown bankers who have been serving their communities for 40 and 50 years, or more. We recognized two banks who were also celebrating their 125th anniversaries; First National Bank of Paris and Cross County Bank in Wynne.

We also recognized the good folks from Riverside Bank of Sparkman, who were celebrating their 100th birthday; Fidelity National Bank of West Memphis on their 50th anniversary; and Today’s Bank of Fayetteville, honoring their 25th anniversary.

Did you know that 47 of our 102 banks headquartered in Arkansas are 100+ years old; 45 other banks are 50 years and older.

That means 87% of our banks have been helping grow Arkansas communities for more than 50 years.

As I travel across the state, and across the country, I often hear how regulations and compliance are the growing burdens for our banks; how more new regulations and rising costs have squeezed our margins to uncomfortable levels, and, how consolidation will be the end of hometown banking. However, knowing that we just celebrated our 125th year, I see this as an opportunity to transform into a better version of what we were before, rather than a trend toward our demise that we cannot reverse.

Reading the history of our banks for the last 125 years made me think about

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the events that our banks have not only survived, but have thrived and grown through.

Our banks have been through:

The Panic of 1893, which led to an economic depression second only to the Great Depression of the 1930s The Spanish American War World War I The Great Depression World War II The Korean War The Vietnam War The S&L crisis The Great Recession of a few years ago Enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act And the creation of the CFPB It is amazing that our banks, and thousands of other banks across the country, have gone through these and scores of other life-changing events and have survived all these distresses. So I know that we will indeed survive DoddFrank and our latest financial crisis.

As you see, bankers are accustomed to overcoming and adapting to challenges that face our communities and our banks.

Arkansas’s hometown bankers understand the importance of working efficiently to help ensure that Arkansans can pursue their dreams and goals. We are always there to help empower and protect our customers.

We have evolved. Not only in the way we open accounts, or how we loan monies, or how we issue credit cards, and how we instantly issue debit cards. We are now working on how we will have “real time” banking, probably carried out on a mobile device.

PRESIDENT & CEO BILL HOLMES

125 years into our banking history is the perfect time to focus on how to make your banks into the most trusted provider of financial services and advice to the new millennial generation. I am so confident that our banks will meet these challenges; adapt and innovate so that we continue to be the growth engines in our communities.

It all started anew, two weeks ago, with those of you there to explore new ideas, to learn from experts and share the new efficiencies with your customers. Let’s continue to build on our great legacy.

Send your emerging leaders to the upcoming Leadership Conference. Let them experience the unique opportunity to learn about the many different issues we have faced in our careers in the banking industry; let them find inspiration from the shared stories of how we help our fellow citizens, customers and communities achieve their maximum financial success.

Thanks for being the best part of our 125th anniversary.

All this to make us more effective and efficient when we serve our customers, our communities, and our state.

Celebrating 125 Years!

The Arkansas Banker | May 2016

ABA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CONVENTION Snapshots

Parkway Bank, Rogers

ROBERT Y. TAYLOR | CHAIRMAN

SEAN WILLIAMS | CHAIRMAN-ELECT First National Bank of Wynne, Wynne

DAVE DICKSON | VICE CHAIRMAN Union Bank & Trust Co., Monticello

JUDY LAWTON | TREASURER Heartland Bank, Little Rock

CHUCK MORGAN | PAST CHAIRMAN Relyance Bank, Pine Bluff

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

ABA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Robert Taylor & Sean Williams

PHIL BALDWIN | GROUP 2 Citizens Bank, Batesville

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

GREG CONNELL | GROUP 2 The Farmers & Merchants Bank, Perryville

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

TROY DUKE | GROUP 5 Gateway Bank, Rison

WILSON MOORE | GROUP 2 Bank of America, Little Rock

Regions Bank, Hot Springs

ELIZABETH FARRIS | GROUP 4

JERRY MORGAN | GROUP 1 Focus Bank, Jonesboro

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

Eagle Bank, Little Rock

SCOTT HANCOCK | GROUP 3 Centennial Bank, Fayetteville

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

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

MIKE SMITH | GROUP 5 McGehee Bank, McGehee

JON HARRELL | GROUP 3 Generations Bank, Rogers

JIM TAYLOR | GROUP 3 First Security Bancorp, Fayetteville

DARWIN HENDRIX | GROUP 4

STANHOPE WILKINSON | GROUP 3 Farmers Bank & Trust, Greenwood

Bank of Delight, Delight

Jim Franks, Jerr y Pavlas & Jim Taylor

CHARLES HORTON | GROUP 1 Fidelity Bank, West Memphis

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

Governor Asa Hutchinson Watch for more coverage of the 2016 ABA Annual Convention in the June 2016 issue of The Arkansas Banker!

CATHERINE OWEN | GROUP 2

BARRY JACKSON

SVP/COO 501.978.3613 | barry.jackson@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

BRENDA SCARBROUGH

MARKETING COORDINATOR 501.978.3609 | jessica.sahene@arkbankers.org

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR 501.978.3607 | brenda.scarbrough@arkbankers.org

STUART THALHEIMER

CAROL ALLEN

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 501.978.3605 | stuart.thalheimer@arkbankers.org 501.978.3600 | carol.allen@arkbankers.org May 2016 | The Arkansas Banker

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EMERGING LEADERS UPDATE 2016 Leadership Conference The 2016 Arkansas Bankers Association Leadership Conference is fast approaching, scheduled for June 16-17 in Fayetteville. See Page 12 for details!

The ABA staff and Emerging Leaders Council have put together a great two days that everyone will enjoy while learning valuable information that they can bring back to their banks.

We are excited to have former NCAA Division I football player, bank executive and motivational speaker Kevin Wright as our keynote presenter

this year. We also welcome Jenna Atkinson to our agenda, ready to train us on networking, business development and career success. Our breakout sessions will allow you to visit with experienced bankers and consultants on some of the hottest topics we all face on a daily basis in our industry and lives.

In addition to an excellent line-up of speakers, this annual event gives you a great opportunity to meet and network with young and aspiring bankers from across the state. I look forward to seeing you in June!

ELS PRESIDENT KEVIN THOMPSON

Vice President - Lending Centennial Bank Fayetteville

2015-16 ELS Council In back, Jacob Box, Simmons Bank, Dumas; Robert Hargis, Parkway Bank, Monticello; John Bollinger, The Bank of Fayetteville, Fayetteville; Hunter Windle, Malvern National Bank, Malvern; Ben Ridings, Bank of the Ozarks, Little Rock; George Purvis, Cornerstone Bank, Eureka Springs; Blake Johnson, Evolve Bank, Jonesboro; Eduardo Abril, First State Bank of DeQueen, DeQueen; and John Anderson, Relyance Bank, Pine Bluff.

In front, Blake Fletcher, Stone Bank, Little Rock; Greg McCarroll, Centennial Bank, Little Rock; Brandon Gentry, Cross County Bank, Wynne; Kevin Thompson, Centennial Bank, Fayetteville; Andy Horton, Fidelity National Bank, Marion; and Matt LaForce, First Security Bank, Searcy.

Not Pictured: Tyler Davis, Diamond Bank, Ashdown; Burt Hicks, Simmons Bank, Pine Bluff; and Hunter Norton, First Security Bank, Fayetteville.

ABA EMERGING LEADERS SECTION COUNCIL KEVIN THOMPSON | PRESIDENT Centennial Bank, Fayetteville

Stone Bank, Little Rock

BLAKE FLETCHER | VICE PRESIDENT

Relyance Bank, Pine Bluff

JOHN ANDERSON | SEC./TREAS.

EDUARDO ABRIL | GROUP 4 First State Bank of DeQueen, DeQueen

ROBERT HARGIS | GROUP 5 Parkway Bank, Monticello

GREG MCCARROLL | GROUP 2 Centennial Bank, Little Rock

JOHN BOLLINGER | GROUP 3 The Bank of Fayetteville, Fayetteville

BURT HICKS | GROUP 5 Simmons Bank, Pine Bluff

HUNTER NORTON | GROUP 3 First Security Bank, Fayetteville

JACOB BOX | GROUP 5 Simmons Bank, Dumas

ANDY HORTON | GROUP 1 Fidelity National Bank, Marion

GEORGE PURVIS | GROUP 3 Cornerstone Bank, Eureka Springs

TYLER DAVIS | GROUP 4 Diamond Bank, Ashdown

BLAKE JOHNSON | GROUP 1 Evolve Bank, Jonesboro

BEN RIDINGS | GROUP 2 Bank of the Oarks, Little Rock

BRANDON GENTRY | GROUP 1 Cross County Bank, Wynne

MATT LAFORCE | GROUP 2 First Security Bank, Searcy

HUNTER WINDLE | GROUP 4 The Malvern National Bank, Malvern

WHAT IS THE EMERGING LEADERS SECTION? The Emerging Leaders Section (ELS) was organized by the Arkansas Bankers Association Board of Directors to provide information concerning educational opportunities available for its members. The ELS was established to provide leadership training for young bankers, to enhance banking careers, offer its members the opportunity to learn, network, and be productive members of the banking profession.

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The Arkansas Banker | May 2016 2016

ABA Live Events ABA Professional Development

Live Events...

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

JUNE 2016

1

2

| Loan Assistants & Processors Workshop

Holiday Inn Presidential, Little Rock Who Should Attend: Loan Assistants and Loan Processors, Credit Administration Supervisors, and other members of the bank’s loan support staff with credit administration responsibilities

16–17 | Emerging Leaders Leadership Conference

The Chancellor Hotel, Fayetteville Who Should Attend: Anyone in the bank interested in furthering their leadership skills

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| Collecting Debts the Smart and Efficient Way

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| FDIC Banker Outreach

| Introduction to Consumer Lending

Holiday Inn Presidential, Little Rock Who Should Attend: Community bankers and lenders who participate in their bank’s consumer loan origination process; Newly appointed loan officers, and members of the bank’s credit administration and loan processing areas

Holiday Inn Presidential, Little Rock Who Should Attend: Loan Officers, Collectors, and Loan Administration Personnel Embassy Suites, Little Rock Who Should Attend: Bank Directors, CEOs and Bank Officers

14–15 | Certified Bank Security Manager Certification Holiday Inn Presidential, Little Rock Who Should Attend: ISO, IT Managers, Compliance Personnel, Security Officers, Operations Officers

JULY 2016 14–15 | Consumer & Real Estate Lending Compliance

Embassy Suites, Little Rock Who Should Attend: Compliance Officers, Loan Officers, Loan Processors and Auditors

AUGUST 2016 3–5

| Bank Management Seminar

Hilton Sandestin, Destin, Florida Who Should Attend: Bank Directors, CEOs, Presidents, and Senior Management

8–12 | Consumer Lending School

Crowne Plaza, Little Rock Who Should Attend: Bank personnel who would like a better understanding of consumer lending, particularly those who are new to banking

18 | BSA/AML Compliance Management

Crowne Plaza, Little Rock Who Should Attend: Personnel who have responsibility for maintaining or auditing BSA compliance efforts

23 | Legal Issues of New Account Documentation Crowne Plaza, Little Rock Who Should Attend: Customer contact personnel, Internal Auditors, Compliance Officers, Supervisors & Officers whose responsibilities include opening or managing new accounts and CDs

ForFor more more information information about about ABA ABA Live Live Events, Events, loglog onon to to www.arkbankers.org www.arkbankers.org or or callcall 501.376.3741 501.376.3741

May 2016 | The Arkansas Banker

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WASHINGTON UPDATE Putting Customers in Homes — Despite Washington Bankers are a resilient bunch.

I know this from the years I have spent working for what I consider to be the most important industry on the planet during what was the most challenging time for banking in a generation.

And I know it from the conversations I have been having on the road these past few months, hearing bankers express both frustration with current banking policy but also resolve to do what it takes to serve their customers.

In fact, these twin sentiments are documented in the results of ABA’s latest real estate lending survey. The survey of 159 banks, 68 percent with less than $1 billion in assets, turned up seemingly contradictory findings. It found, for instance, that 72 percent think the ability-to-repay/Qualified Mortgage rule will continue to restrict credit availability and 75 percent say regulation is having a negative impact on their business.

But it also found that more banks — 74 percent last year, compared to 67 percent in 2014 — are willing to extend some non-QM loans, even if on a highly targeted basis. It also found that banks made the highest percentage of loans to first-time homebuyers — 15 percent — in the survey’s 23year history.

These latter findings are far from a vindication of Washington’s approach to mortgage rulemaking.

Instead, they should be seen as a testament to banks’ resiliency and customer focus.

Few would call the current mortgage lending environment particularly appealing. Between the dramatic increase in prescriptive mortgage regulations and the persistent low interest rate environment, there’s not much to recommend the line of business. But customers still want to buy homes. And bankers know better than anyone

that communities need vested homeowners to truly thrive. That’s why bankers are finding a way to deliver what customers want and need, Washington be damned.

While this is a positive, it shouldn’t let policymakers off the hook. Yes, there are banks that are making loans happen. But there are still 26 percent too concerned with liability to make a non-QM loan. And more than a third in the survey report that they have lost customers due to the increased time and paperwork it takes to approve a loan. Where did these customers go — to a less-regulated lender?

ROB NICHOLS

President & CEO American Bankers Association

Increased costs to the banks are a given.

More than eight out of ten bankers said their compliance costs have climbed thanks to increased personnel, added technology costs and a loss of efficiency. Ninety two percent cite increased time allocation.

Of course, members of Congress don’t care what regulation costs banks. But they do care what it costs their customers. So let me suggest that every time you lose a customer due to regulatory rules — whether because they couldn’t stand the hassles and dropped out of the process, or because their debt-to-income ratio didn’t make the QM cut — drop a line to your elected representatives. Tell them one less loan was made today because Washington has tied your hands.

Let lawmakers experience the same steady drip of frustration that you have experienced these last few years as one Dodd-Frank rule after another has made an obstacle course of mortgage lending. Your stories can help persuade Congress to take action — giving lawmakers the chance to demonstrate that they are as committed to their constituents and communities as banks are theirs.

Hear more from Rob Nichols at the 2016 Bank Management Seminar!

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The Arkansas Banker | May 2016

© 2016 American Bankers Association. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

ABA Webinars ABA Professional Development

Webinars...

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8

THURSDAY, JUNE 16

Advanced Loan Documentation 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Excel Explained: Pivot Tables 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

THURSDAY, JUNE 2

Same Day ACH: Coming to You Very Soon 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Seven Habits of Effective Credit Administration in Banks 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

What to do When a Customer Dies 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Game Plan to Pass Your Next Fair Lending Exam – 10 Steps 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Regulation CC: Check Holds 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, JUNE 9

SSNs, EINs, and ITINs: Understanding Your Job 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17 Bank Accounting Essentials 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Regulatory Pressure for Third-Party Management 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Dealing with Subpoenas, Summonses, Garnishments, Etc. 10:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3

New Federal Rules Target Student Bank Accounts: Top 10 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Business Accounting Essentials 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Mobile Threats and Best Practices 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21

Employment Compliance Basics 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

MONDAY, JUNE 6 Call Report Operational Schedules 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, JUNE 7 Basic Underwriting 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Untangling the Web of Fee Disclosures 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

BSA Series 10: Examination Hot Spots 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

MONDAY, JUNE 13 Rebroadcast: Call Report Lending Schedules 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, JUNE 14 How to Analyze the Purchase of an Existing Business 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Rebroadcast: Top 10 Mistakes in Analyzing Financial Statements 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

MONDAY, JUNE 20

Your First TRID Exam: What to Expect 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Checks and Deposits: Vital Issues 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Conducting Investigations 1:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m.

TILA-RESPA Disclosure: (TRID) Rule 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22 Managing Fraud in the Payments World 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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

May 2016 | The Arkansas Banker

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POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE The Personal & Impersonal Side of Banking I know a lot of bankers and they’re all among some of the most personable people I know. It’s a distinguishing characteristic that most of the successful ones all share.

Some bankers can make you feel comfortable in a pickup truck on the farm. Others have the ability to navigate a high-rise lunch club in downtown Little Rock. Some wear suits and ties or dress to the nines like they’ve stepped out of a fashion catalog. Others just roll up their sleeves or wear a knit shirt and khakis. I’ve heard some bankers tell hilarious stories that I could repeat in mixed company and some that I couldn’t repeat without blushing.

In short, bankers are some of my favorite people to spend time with, bond with, and study business and life with.

Banking is personal and bankers know that. But that’s changing.

In our latest magazine edition of Talk Business & Politics, we took a deep dive into how bankers are working to appeal to the Millennial generation. They’re a tough crowd, but here’s what we know about them, according to the story written by TB&P’s star finance reporter Kim Souza.

Bank advertising expert Mike Sells of the Sells Agency shared survey results from his research that showed: 82% of the young professionals in the survey said the number of branches a bank has is important to them because they want convenience.

The majority of them (56%) said they went into a bank branch less than once a month.

Roughly a third said they used bank branches from one to a few times monthly, and 11% never use a branch.

Anecdotally, Millennials are tech savvy enough to use big banks and national agencies — such as Wells Fargo or Quicken Loans — without worrying about a local bank relationship. Talk to a young 20-something about coming to a bank lobby and filling out a multi-page form for a loan. They’d rather jump on their iPhone and complete a few questions by click before submitting for an immediate answer.

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The Arkansas Banker | May 2016

This form of banking couldn’t be any more impersonal.

So for those bankers I know who have spent a lifetime building relationships and priding themselves on getting to know their customers, the paradigm shift is here. Other industries have dealt with it and survived.

Auto dealers have folks walk on the lot for a personal experience and they have customers they never meet through online sales. Realtors have to wade in both worlds of providing customer service. They may meet their clients via Internet pre-shopping, but they still show homes and process paperwork in person.

GUEST COLUMNIST ROBY BROCK

My industry — the media business — is coping with it. The daily, run-of-the-mill stories that everybody gets can be commoditized. We have to do things differently, thus our effort to find stories and provide analysis and opinion that you can’t find anywhere else. And we serve our brand of news like bankers serve their bank services.

Instead of ATMs, bank branches and Internet banking, we provide news online and via social media, through email or magazine, or on TV and radio.

Banking has shown its ability to adapt. While banking has evolved into a multi-channel delivery system, the Millennial generation is pushing the industry to evolve even further.

The challenge is how to make the “commodity” business transactions that once were all about who you know and how you treat them a little more cut-and-dry. It goes against everything my banker friends ever learned.

So in this era of great technological change, be prepared to serve your old school customers and this brave new world. There is an opportunity for small, nimble operators to distinguish themselves and for larger regional banks to utilize their scale.

Banking has always been about relationships. It’s always been a personal profession. In 2016 and beyond, bankers must learn to be both personal and impersonal — and be pretty good at both.

Roby Brock is the Editor-in-Chief of Talk Business & Politics, an Arkansas-based multimedia news organization.

Read news or sign up for daily newsletters at TalkBusiness.net.

AmBA Training ABA Professional Development

AmBA Training...

Provides valuable curriculum in a virtual classroom setting, with the leadership of industry professionals. All assignments and exams are completed online.

General Accounting 6/6/2016 - 9/25/2016

Managing Funding, Liquidity, and Capital 6/6/2016 - 7/17/2016

Principles of Banking 6/6/2016 - 9/25/2016

CTFA Online Review Course 6/20/2016 - 9/11/2016

Introduction to Trust Products & Services 6/20/2016 - 7/24/2016

Consumer Lending 7/11/2016 - 10/30/2016

Economics for Bankers 7/11/2016 - 10/30/2016

Introduction to Mortgage Lending 7/11/2016 - 10/30/2016

Introduction to Ag Lending 7/18/2016 - 9/11/2016

General Accounting 7/25/2016 - 11/13/2016

Analyzing Financial Statements 8/1/2016 - 11/27/2016

Managing the Bank's Investment Portfolio 8/1/2016 - 9/4/2016

Commercial Lending 8/8/2016 - 10/30/2016

Building Customer Relationships 8/8/2016 - 9/2/2016

CRCM Online Review Course 8/15/2016 - 10/23/2016

IRA Online Institute 9/6/2016 - 11/27/2016

Building Customer Relationships 9/6/2016 - 9/30/2016

Bank Lines of Business 9/12/2016 - 10/7/2016

Building Customer Relationships 9/19/2016 - 10/14/2016

Bank Lines of Business 9/26/2016 - 10/21/2016

The Banking Industry

Building Customer Relationships

8/15/2016 - 9/9/2016

10/3/2016 - 10/28/2016

Bank Lines of Business

Building Customer Relationships

8/15/2016 - 9/9/2016

Building Customer Relationships 8/22/2016 - 9/16/2016

The Banking Industry

10/11/2016 - 11/4/2016

Building Customer Relationships 10/24/2016 - 11/18/2016

8/29/2016 - 9/23/2016

Bank Lines of Business 8/29/2016 - 9/23/2016

For more information about AmBA Training, log on to www.arkbankers.org or call 501.376.3741

May 2016 | The Arkansas Banker

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6 1 20 e c n e r e f n o C p i h s r e d a Le June 16-17, 2016 | The Chancellor Hotel, Fayetteville

Are you ready to let your leadership potential soar to new heights? With the right mix of knowledge, ingenuity, and motivation, you can become an influential leader in your bank and in your community. Join the Arkansas Bankers Association for the 2016 Leadership Conference to gain the momentum you need to take your career to the next level! 2016 session topics include networking, goal-setting, Linked-In, and more.

Who Should Attend?

Anyone who would like a chance to further their leadership skills, listen to motivating speakers, and network with colleagues from across the state!

For more information

For more information, log on to www.arkbankers.org, or contact the ABA Professional Development Department at (501) 376-3741 or brenda.scarbrough@arkbankers.org.

2016 Speaker Line-up

Jenna Atkinson

Randy Dennis

Bruce Johanson

Jenna Atkinson Consulting

DD&F Consulting Group

The Johanson Group DB Squared

Past Presidents Golf Tournament Stonebridge Meadows Golf Club This 4-Man Scramble is open to all bankers & guests. Invite your co-workers and customers to play in the tournament with you!

Rex Kyle

Kevin Wright

First Security Bank

Author / Motivator

Be sure to indicate that you would like to register for the tournament on the Conference registration form. Make additional copies as needed. Registration includes range balls, greens fee, golf cart & lunch. Tee Time is at 1:00 p.m.

Note: Past Emerging Leaders Section presidents golf for free.

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The Arkansas Banker | May 2016

2016 Leadership Conference Agenda Thursday, June 16

1:00 p.m.

Past Presidents Golf Tournament Stonebridge Meadows Golf Club 6:00 p.m.

Registration & Opening Reception

Friday, June 17 7:30 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

Registration / Continental Breakfast Opening Comments Kevin Thompson, ELS President 8:40 a.m.

ABA Welcome & Update

Bill Holmes, ABA President & CEO 9:00 a.m.

Economics Arkansas Presentation Lisa Taylor, Master Economics Teacher,

Willis D. Shaw Elementary 9:15 a.m.

Be That Leader!

Kevin Wright

Ever see a leader that everyone is clamoring to work for? Her teams love her and will stop a speeding bullet or go through a fire for her. He’s the leader people really want to hang out with at the company holiday party or happy hour. Ever wonder what their secret sauce is, and where you can get a bottle for yourself? Get your secret sauce to leadership in this session with Kevin.

Walk away with the secrets he’s developed over decades of leading in some of the largest companies in the country.

10:15 a.m.

Networking Break 10:30 a.m.

Network Like a Pro: Building Win-Win

Relationships to Reach Your Goals Jenna Atkinson

As the old saying goes, “it’s not what you know— it’s who you know.” In this dynamic session, you will learn efficient and effective strategies to build a powerhouse network that will help you accomplish your goals and reach the next level of success. From targeting specific contacts to working a room like a seasoned professional, this session touches on a wide variety of actionable tactics every emerging leader needs to know!

11:30 a.m.

12:30 p.m.

1:20 p.m.

Lunch Breakout Session I Breakout Session II

2:15 p.m.

3:05 p.m.

Breakout Session III Breakout Session IV

Break Out Session I & II Topics Jumpstart- How to Reach Your Biggest Goal in 100 Days Jenna Atkinson Leading at the Speed of Trust Bruce Johanson, The Johanson Group Crafting your Career in the Face of Technological Change Rex Kyle, First Security Bank

Break Out Session III & IV Topics LinkedIn- Optimizing Your Profile to Gain Contacts and Credibility Jenna Atkinson Quality Service Everytime Bruce Johanson, The Johanson Group Mergers & Acquisitions Randy Dennis, DD&F Consulting Group

3:55 p.m.

Networking Break 4:15 p.m.

Legislative Update

Ava Franks, ABA Vice President / Director of Government Relations 4:30 p.m.

Business Session 5:00 p.m.

Adjourn

Click here for details on the 2016 Leadership Conference!

May 2016 | The Arkansas Banker

13

What Have You Done Lately?

We Did It! “There has got to be a better way.”

Ever been on an early morning drive, the traffic light turns red and you come to a complete stop? You glance out of your car window and catch two people jogging along the path. You think for a second, “I should be out there.” Still half-full and feeling the weight from last night’s dinner, a second thought crosses your mind, “I really need to do something.” “Maybe I should have skipped the dessert?” Another quick glance as the runners pass by heading in the opposite direction and the thought crosses your mind again, “I really need to do something.” The light turns green and you pull off. Secretly wishing they’re engaged in a walk-run workout, you can’t deny the urge to glance in your rear-view mirror to catch them walking. They’re not. Still running, they’re jogging out of focus. Again you think, “I really need to do something.” But. “There has got to be a better way.”

Much like dreaming of needing to do more to be fit, we spend time dreaming of the life we want to live. We think of the profession we want, the family and the impact we want to make on the world. We even spend time, though likely not much, contemplating what our first purchase would be if we won a multimillion dollar lottery each time it gets into the hundreds-ofmillion-dollar stratosphere. We dream. These

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The Arkansas Banker | May 2016

thoughts are typically fleeting and done in almost an autopilot fashion. We also spend an inordinate amount of our lives on autopilot. Research has shown we spend as much as almost half of our days on autopilot. We have to interrupt this method of existing and drive the life we want. By focusing on areas, 5 dimensions of our lives; professional, relational, community, financial and wellness, we can D.R.E.a.M. We can Drive Real Engagement and Meaning in our lives.

While presenting at The Arkansas Bankers Trust Conference last October, I challenged the attendees to commit to driving the lives they wanted to lead. As I often say, even though my teenager hates it, I said what I often do, “You can have anything in life if you’re willing to run head-first through fear to get it.” The first step was to commit to accomplishing something that had been a longtime goal, but either fear or lack of focus and support stopped them from accomplishing the goal. First, they would text the goal to themselves. After a bit more of the presentation, they were required to text 1-3 of the closest people in their personal or professional network to assist, support and hold them accountable to accomplishing the goal.

Not long after the conference, I received this a note that read the following.

“Hello Kevin, it was very nice to meet you at the Arkansas Bankers Trust Conference in Little Rock. I enjoyed the conference, gleaning both useful information and insights. Your presentation struck a chord with me and, since returning from the conference, I have spoken to family and co-workers alike about your message. With your prompting, I am taking the first steps to The Journey To The Best ME!” Merissa Spicer, a Trust VP at Arvest shared her goal with me at October’s Conference. She texted her son and let him know her aspirations. She wanted to run the Bentonville Halfmarathon; with him. She had always wanted to run a half-

Merissa Spicer of Arvest Bank, Lowell, and her son Malcolm, after finishing the Bentonville Half-Marathon.

marathon and nothing would be as special as sharing the accomplishment of this lifelong aspiration with her son Malcolm.

Last Saturday I received the attached photo, with a simple yet powerful note. “WE DID IT!” Merissa shared what she wanted to accomplish: The Bentonville Half-marathon in April. A dream with a date is a goal. She committed to practicing and even shared a picture after running the very day of the conference. She took immediate action.

She and Malcolm created a schedule of what they would run almost daily. A goal broken into steps is a plan. Yes. There were days they didn’t feel like running. Yet most of those days, they ran. Consequently, they felt great as they got into the run.

There were a few days that they opted not to run. Consequently, they regretted their decision. It’s our actions that drive our emotions and not the other way around. More than not, they fought through it and persevered. They ran. The only time they didn’t feel good, was when they planned to run and didn’t. A plan backed by action is how dreams come true.

What’s your “half-marathon?” What have you always wanted to do? Merissa made the decision, created the plan and put in the work. What will you decide? How will you persevere?

What will you do in the next 24 hours that will have a profound impact on your life?

“You can have anything you want in life, as long as you’re willing to run head-first through fear to get it.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Wright is a big guy with a big message: from humble beginnings in Philadelphia spending every summer on his family’s farm, to NCAA Division 1 Conference Champion football player, to a seasoned executive at one of the top 5 banks in the U.S. A seasoned executive, Wright has insight on leading and motivating your team.

Hear more from Kevin Wright at the 2016 Leadership Conference!

May 2016 | The Arkansas Banker

15

Networking

Sucks Yes, I said it. Networking sucks — or at least that’s what a lot of people think then they hear the term.

“Networking” has become a buzz word in business and in many cases a word that makes people cringe. Thinking of a big, intimidating room filled with strangers having forced and awkward conversations in not that most people consider to be an inviting and enjoyable time. However, if you can look past the term and get to what the word truly means, networking is essential for success. Networking is simply building relationships with people. The financial industry is driven by people: advisors, administrative team members, clients, referral sources and many other positions that help make your organization successful. You having the right connections can be the difference between career and business success or failure. Here are a couple tips to get you started for successful networking:

Walk Before You Run

Think of networking as creating win-win relationships, not the stereotypical conference room or bar filled with strangers. Start by building on existing relationships. Ask for introductions to people in your network’s network or for suggestions as to what meetings or events have been beneficial for others. When you attend larger gatherings, it can be helpful to attend with someone who can make initial introductions to get you started.

Give ‘em WIFMs

Many people approach networking thinking about what new contacts can do for them, when in reality, you will be much more successful if you look for ways you can help others. Be prepared with an arsenal full of items to answer a new contact’s question “What’s In it For Me” or “WIFMs.” Offer up an invitation to an upcoming seminar or social event. Recommend a beneficial book or article. Offer to make an introduction to another contact in your network. If you put the other person first, it will help build the foundation for a solid win-win relationship.

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The Arkansas Banker | May 2016

Start with a Plan

One of the main reasons networking can seem intimidating is that the term is very broad. Start by setting specific goals focused directly on this aspect of your career. How many networking contacts or events will you commit to per month?

How many lunch meetings with centers of influence or referral sources will you set up? What amount of new sales do you want to realistically general from referrals this year?

If you have specific objectives in mind before you get started, you can more efficiently find contacts and build relationships with the people who can help you reach those goals.

Make it a Priority

Building meaningful relationships takes time. Be honest with yourself about how much time you are willing to dedicate per month to reach your networking goals. Once you set a reasonable amount of time that fits in with your schedule- stick to it. For me, things aren’t real

unless they are on the calendar. Schedule your networking events, meetings and follow-up time on your calendar and make those commitments as important as those you make to clients.

Have a Follow-Up Strategy

One of the most important steps to successful networking is follow-up. Make sure to follow up with all new contacts, even if you might not have a specific business purpose in common at the time. Every relationship matters and you never know you might be able to help you down the road. Deliver any additional materials as promised; there is no quicker way to lose credibility that to not follow through on what you have offered. A handwritten follow up card can also be a quick and easy way to differentiate yourself in the market!

So no, networking doesn’t really suck; if done correctly it can be one of the fastest ways to reach higher levels of success for you and your organization. These are just a few tips to get you started.

I will be sharing many more strategies on how to create winwin relationships at the ABA Leadership Conference on June 17. Whether you are an experienced professional or brand

new to the industry, this is a must see presentation that is guaranteed to leave you with actionable takeaways to enhance your business or organization! I look forward to meeting you in June!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jenna Atkinson is the President of Jenna Atkinson Consulting and Host of the Growth Bomb Podcast. She speaks, trains, and consults nationally on topics related to personal branding, networking, business development and marketing strategy. She writes for several professional publications and is a 2014 40 Under 40 Recipient and a 2013 Athena Young Hear more from Professional Award nominee.

Jenna Atkinson at She is the Host of Growth Bomb podcast- a bi-weekly show that the 2016 Leadership interviews the nation’s top Conference! entrepreneurs and executives on strategies for business and personal success.

May 2016 | The Arkansas Banker

17

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

2016 Security Workshop The 2016 Security Workshop was held April 28-29 at the Crowne Plaza in Little Rock with more than 40 bankers in attendance.

Geared toward bank security personnel, this two-day event focused on security issues including fraud, robbery, money laundering, and workplace violence. Speakers were Barry Thompson and Arvin Clar, both of the Thompson Consulting Group. Topics included internal fraud, robbery, security mistakes, hostile customers, money laundering, and conducting investigations.

Pottsville High Students Complete Banking Courses Students from Pottsville High School completed two banking educational programs through the American Bankers Association this school year: Principles of Banking, and Today’s Teller. Pictured are the seniors that completed the course, along with Jeff Small and Brandon Turner of First State Bank, who presented the certificates.

These students also received cords for completing the Banking and Financial Systems required classes to be considered “completers” for Arkansas Career and Technical Education.

Students completing the courses were Shyanne Chronister, Katie Cormier, Alex Cowan, Chase Darter, Jake Dugger, Josh Dugger, Jordan Duncan, Zach Edwards, Victoria Garner, Cody Gilbert, Savanah Gosnell, Kaitlin Gray, Payton Hubbard, Dylan Keathley, Spencer Maske, Caleb McAlister, Robert Philpott, Zach Riggs, Kaylynn Sears, Hayden Simpson, Sydnee Simpson, Savanna Sims, Dirk Thompson, and Jason Thompson.

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The Arkansas Banker | May 2016

INDUSTRY NEWS

LIFE Award Presented to Economics Arkansas Legacy Leader, Kenneth Pat Wilson One of Arkansas’s most admired bankers and business leaders was recognized recently for his enduring impact on the state’s economy and education system. Kenneth Pat Wilson of Jacksonville, along with the late Governor Winthrop Rockefeller and Mike Wilson, posthumously received the 2016 Leadership in Free Enterprise (LIFE) Award during a gala luncheon in Little Rock on April 12 hosted by Economics Arkansas. The three men were honored for serving as champions of economic education and for advancing the economic development of Arkansas through the expansion of free enterprise.

Delivering the tribute to Wilson, Bob Hamilton of Digital Benefit Advisors praised the honoree as “a man of vision.”

It was Wilson’s vision that prompted him to establish his home town’s first bank, aptly named First Jacksonville Bank & Trust, known today as First Arkansas Bank & Trust. Currently, the bank owns almost 1 billion dollars in total assets.

Wilson also had the foresight to push for industrial and economic growth in Jacksonville. In 1947, he organized its Chamber of Commerce and served as

its first president. A few years later, he successfully spearheaded local efforts to promote Jacksonville as the site for the Little Rock Air Force Base. Today, the base ranks as the state’s fourth-largest employer, with a total impact on the regional economy of $813 million in 2015.

Last, but not least, Wilson realized the connection between an economically literate population and a thriving economy. Students who mastered a solid understanding of economics and personal finance in grades K-12 would as adults know how to navigate and thrive in a free-market society; would understand the importance of investing in themselves through education and continued learning—what economists call “investing in human capital”—and would understand the rewards of earned success. That, in turn, would attract new industries to the state, bringing new jobs and opportunities to raise the overall quality of life of all. Consequently, in 1963, he joined the Economics Arkansas board when the organization was only in its second year and assumed the role of board chairman in 1964. As a tribute to his lasting impact as a visionary business leader, his family established the

Kenneth Pat Wilson Center for Economic Education at UALR in 2006.

At the luncheon, there was living testimony to prove Wilson right. A group of first-graders from the Fort Smith School District and their teacher, Sheila Humphrey, spoke knowledgeably and in rhyme (!) about such economic terms as “specialist,” “resource extender,” “interdependence,” “public goods and services” and more. Their presentation quickly enlightened anybody who might mistakenly believe that economics was for high school students only. What a way to master economics, which is defined as “the science of decision making.”

Wilson’s son Larry, currently the CEO and chairman of First Arkansas Bank & Trust, accepted the LIFE award on behalf of the family.

Sidebar: One of the most important legacies Kenneth Pat Wilson left Economics Arkansas was his role in facilitating a strong partnership with the Arkansas Bankers Association, which has meant more than $2 million dollars in contributions to the organization in 54 years.

May 2016 | The Arkansas Banker

19

MEMBER NEWS Citizens Bank Commits Home BancShares, Inc. to Revitalization of Announces Appointment of Former Governor Beebe Downtown Batesville Citizens Bank has announced a comprehensive plan to revitalize Historic Downtown Batesville. to Board of Directors Home BancShares, Inc., parent company of Centennial Bank, announces the appointment of former governor Mike Beebe to its Board of Directors to fill a vacancy on the Board. “We continue to attract highly valued talent to our organization, including the addition of Mike Beebe to our Board of Directors,” said John Allison, Chairman. “Our Board aims to maintain both relevant skill sets and experience among its members, and we’re confident Mr. Beebe’s broad leadership experience, ability to collaborate and his long-time development and knowledge of business make him an excellent addition to what is already a strong and diverse Board.”

“Being from Arkansas, Home BancShares is one of the companies I’ve followed since its inception,” Beebe stated. “I’ve been impressed with the tremendous growth this company has achieved throughout the years under the leadership of not only John Allison, but also the entire Home BancShares Board of Directors. It’s an honor to be selected to serve the Company’s shareholders alongside these Board members and become a part of the Company’s growth story.”

Beebe currently serves as a director of Tyson Foods, Inc. and a member of the Governors’ Council of the Bipartisan Policy Center (“BPC”) in Washington, D.C. He is also Of Counsel for the Roberts Law Firm, P.A. in Little Rock, Arkansas. Beebe was the Governor of the State of Arkansas from 2007 to 2015 and the state’s Attorney General from 2003 to 2007, prior to which he served as a state senator for 20 years. Beebe began his law career in 1972, practicing law at Lightle, Beebe, Raney, Bell and Simpson in Searcy, Arkansas. From 1974 to 1979, he was a member of the Board of Trustees at Arkansas State University. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Arkansas State University in 1968, Beebe completed law school at the University of Arkansas while serving in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1968 to 1974.

Anstaff Moving to State Charter Anstaff Bank, N.A., headquartered in Green Forest, Arkansas, announced today its intent to convert from a national bank charter to a state-chartered bank, according to Steve Stafford, CEO. “The charter conversion is a strategic undertaking that we believe will enhance our operations long term,” said Stafford. “The OCC has been a good regulator for Anstaff for 85 years and I appreciate their help and guidance. But we feel the State Bank Department better understands our concerns and customers. We look forward to working with them and hope to have the transition complete by the end of June.”

Anstaff Bank, N.A., is a full-service community bank with nine locations serving Green Forest, Huntsville, Jasper, Harrison, Kingston and Berryville.

In 2015, Anstaff acquired Twin Lakes Community Bank, which has three locations in Flippin, Mountain Home and Norfork. First National Bancorp, Inc., parent company of Anstaff Bank, N.A., has combined total assets of approximately $540 million.

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The Arkansas Banker | May 2016

Phil Baldwin, Citizens Bank President and CEO indicated that, “Citizens Bank will support the Impact Independence Strategic Plan with the formation of a $10 million redevelopment fund comprised of low interest rate loans and grants.” Mr. Baldwin indicated that this is a promise from Citizens Bank to the Independence County community. “Historic Downtown Batesville will be redeveloped.”

The announcement was part of an open house and progress report hosted by the Historic Melba Theater. The community was treated to a tour of the historic theater and heard a progress report on reconstruction activity.

Additional important community announcements were provided by Main Street Batesville, with specific focus on the redevelopment of Maxfield Park and the Barnett Building Business Incubator Project. The Greater Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce provided an exciting update on the Impact Independence Strategic Plan Initiative. Impact Independence is the 10-year strategic plan for Independence County initiated in 2015

by Lyon College, the University of Arkansas Community College of Batesville and the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Citizens Bank Redevelopment Fund will specifically support the Impact Independence Strategic Plan and is comprised of: A $10 million low-interest rate loan fund to stimulate downtown economies and promote historic downtown redevelopment; and A $100,000 fund to provide cash grants to property owners, business owners and tenants with smaller business needs (painting, restoring exterior finishes and materials, signs, exterior lighting, awnings, sidewalk renovation, landscaping, etc).

Mr. Baldwin concluded his comments with this statement, “I am excited that Historic Downtown Batesville will now have the ability to combine the vibrancy of a college community and the ambiance of a small southern town.

My hope is for Historic Downtown Batesville to come alive again and provide family friendly entertainment with diverse and eclectic shopping, dining, arts, cinema, music and pubs; to become residential again, with loft apartments above and shops below; to be a place for all generations to gather, walk, bike or talk – a people gathering place for all of Independence County.”

Arkansas Banks ‘Teach Children to Save’ More than 50 Arkansas banks and branches partnered with local schools to celebrate Teach Children To Save Day with savings education in April. As part of the program, Arkansas youths explored a number of financial subjects including the difference between needs and wants, how to identify expenses, and ways to cut spending.

Established by the American Bankers Association in 1997, Teach Children to Save has reached 7.2 million young people through the commitment of 210,000 banker volunteers.

The American Bankers Association provides financial education initiatives and resources that help bankers make their communities better. The association’s signature initiatives, Teach Children to Save and Get Smart About Credit, bring bankers and students together to increase financial education.

Eagle Bank and Trust employees used the AmBA “Teach Children to Save” curriculum to provide six weeks of financial education lessons to Lawson Elementary School in Little Rock. Pictured here is the second grade class, showing their certificates of completion and piggy banks provided by the bank to help them start saving.

Using the AmBA curriculum “Teach Children to Save,” Eagle Bank and Trust taught third graders at Concord Elementary in Concord the importance of saving.

Thank You to these Arkansas Banks for Teaching Children to Save!

Alma

BancorpSouth Bank

Ashdown

BancorpSouth

Bauxite

Malvern National Bank

Brinkley

BancorpSouth Bank

Cabot

Centennial Bank

Carlisle

BancorpSouth Bank

El Dorado

BancorpSouth Bank First Financial Bank

England

Bank of England

Farmington

Great Southern Bank

Forrest City

First National Bank of Wynne

Fort Smith

Arvest Bank BancorpSouth Bank

Cherry Valley

Genoa

Conway

Greenwood

Crossett

Harrisburg

First National Bank of Wynne Arvest Bank First National Bank of Crossett

De Queen

BancorpSouth Bank

Des Arc

Farmers & Merchants Bank

DeWitt

Farmers & Merchants Bank

BancorpSouth BancorpSouth Bank First National Bank of Wynne

Harrison

Bear State Financial, Inc

Hazen

BancorpSouth Bank Farmers & Merchants Bank

Hope

BancorpSouth Bank

Horseshoe Bend

Mountain Home

Hot Springs

Osceola

Jonesboro

Paragould

BancorpSouth Bank

Integrity First Bank, NA

BancorpSouth Bank

BancorpSouth Bank

BancorpSouth Bank Simmons Bank

BancorpSouth Bank

Perryville

Lewisville

Farmers & Merchants Bank

BancorpSouth Bank

Pocahontas

Little Rock

BancorpSouth Bank Integrity First Bank, NA

Arvest Bank Bank of the Ozarks Eagle Bank and Trust Company Heartland Bank IberiaBank One Bank & Trust NA

Salem

Bank of Salem

Springdale

Arvest Bank

Stuttgart

Magnolia

BancorpSouth Farmers & Merchants Bank

Farmers Bank & Trust Company

Texarkana

Mammoth Spring

BancorpSouth

Bank of Salem

Viola

Melbourne

Bank of Salem

BancorpSouth Bank

Morrilton

Wilson

Farmers & Merchants Bank

BancorpSouth Bank

Wynne

First National Bank of Wynne

May 2016 | The Arkansas Banker

21

BANKER NEWS & MOVES SIGNATURE BANK OF ARKANSAS HIRES ROB GINN AS VP – LENDING OFFICER Signature Bank of Arkansas has announced Rob Ginn has joined the bank as a Vice President – Lending Officer.

Rob brings 23 years of banking experience with a focus on commercial lending.

“We are extremely excited to have Rob join our Bentonville team. He brings years of experience and knowledge and will be a key asset in our continued growth in not only our Bentonville market but all of Northwest Arkansas.” –Gary Head, President & CEO of Signature Bank of Arkansas.

Rob earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas.

He is a board member of the Benton County Quail.

He and wife, Eva, have two children and are residents of Bentonville.

Ginn is located in the Signature Bank Bentonville office off of Walton Blvd.

NUNNELEE PROMOTED AT SIGNATURE BANK OF ARKANSAS Gary Head, President & CEO of Signature Bank of Arkansas, has announced the following promotion: Amber Nunnelee has been promoted to Commercial Lender. Nunnelee, who was previously a Loan Coordinator, is a graduate of both the Arkansas Bankers Association’s Consumer (2013) & Commercial (2015) Lending Schools. She enjoys spending time with her two kids and volunteering throughout the NWA community.

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WILLIAMS JOINS STONE BANK IN WHITE HALL Marnie Oldner, Chief Executive Officer of Stone Bank, has announced that White Hall native Kelly Williams, has joined the bank as Vice President and White Hall Market Manager.

“We’re delighted to welcome Kelly to our team, said Oldner.

“Kelly is a very strong and experienced banker who is known and respected in the community. With this addition, we now have an extraordinarily qualified team of veteran bankers ready to build up our Jefferson County presence as we construct a state-of-the-art community banking center.”

Williams will serve as the senior loan officer for the White Hall market.

A graduate of White Hall, Arkansas public schools who studied business management at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Williams most recently worked with Simmons Bank as Community Sales Manager of the western region of Arkansas with responsibility for 10 full-service banking locations. In addition to training sales associates and teaching the bank’s quality customer service programs, Kelly was responsible for setting and tracking sales goals for the employees in his region.

Very active in the community, Kelly and his wife Ashleigh have two children in White Hall public schools and an older daughter enrolled at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Stone Bank is headquartered in Mountain View, Arkanas. In addition to the headquarters, the bank has a loan production office in Little Rock and will be breaking ground on new, full service facilities in White Hall and Harrison, Arkansas in 2016.

The Arkansas Banker | May 2016

WILLIAMSON NAMED PRESIDENT FOR ARVEST BANK, SPRINGDALE Arvest Bank has announced that Kent Williamson was named president and chief executive officer of Arvest Bank in Springdale starting on May 1, 2016. His promotion follows Lisa Ray’s move to regional executive for Arvest Bank Group.

Williamson has served as the loan manager for Arvest Bank in Springdale since 1999. He joined Arvest as a commercial banker in 1992 after working as a bank examiner for the Arkansas Bank Department since 1989.

“Kent’s proven leadership skills, strong community service, broad knowledge and experience in banking, and his commitment to offering exceptional customer service have served Arvest and the community well during his 24 years at Arvest in Springdale” said Lisa Ray, regional executive for Arvest.

“Kent is well-respected by coworkers and customers, and his track record of overseeing the Springdale bank’s loan staff while maintaining asset quality made him the natural choice for the president position.”

Ray’s promotion from Arvest Springdale’s president to regional executive was prompted by the April 30 retirement of 30-year Arvest executive, Cliff Gibbs.

“The Springdale Arvest family has great leadership at every level and truly cares about our customers. I am grateful for the opportunity to help lead our bank as we continue to help our customers find their financial solutions for life,” Williamson said.

Williamson is a Paragould native who earned his Bachelor of Science in finance and banking

at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1988. He has also graduated from National Commercial Lending School at the University of Oklahoma in Norman in 1994 and the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University in Dallas in 1997.

He was a member of the Army National Guard’s 142nd Field Artillery Brigade, rising to operations sergeant, from 1984 to 1991. He served with the brigade as operations sergeant during Operations Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991.

Williamson has extensive community service, including current service on the board for the United Way of Northwest Arkansas. He previously served on the boards of the Springdale Kiwanis, where he was president in 2002, and received the George F. Hixson Award in 2007; Springdale Public Schools Education Foundation; Partners in Education; Springdale Chamber of Commerce; Arkansas Aviation Technology Center where he also served as chairman; and the Washington County Library Board. He is a graduate of Leadership Springdale, Class III. Williamson is married to Kelley Williamson, a business teacher at Springdale High School. They have a son, Paul and a daughter, Anna. The family attends Cross Church in Springdale.

Give your employees the recognition they deserve!

Submit Banker News & Moves to traci.logsdon@arkbankers.org.

BANKER NEWS & MOVES

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ARVEST BANK PROMOTES WRIGHT IN FAYETTEVILLE Arvest Bank in Fayetteville is pleased to announce that Deanna Wright has been promoted to Assistant Vice President for Arvest Bank.

Wright has worked for Arvest Wealth Management since 2007. She started as an insurance and annuity assistant manager and was promoted to client advisor in investments in September 2013.

“Deanna is a diligent and driven partner for her financial clients,” said Steve Burkhead, senior vice president and location manager for Arvest Wealth Management in Fayetteville. “Her knowledge and experience serves both Arvest and her customers well.”

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.

Wright, a native of Searcy, earned her Associate degree in business administration from Arkansas State University and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Warren

National University. She holds insurance and securities licenses in Arkansas.

She and her husband have two children.

The family lives in Cave Springs.

LAMBERT PROMOTED TO SENIOR EXAMINER The Arkansas State Bank Department has promoted Scott Lambert to Bank Senior Examiner.

Lambert has been employed at the Bank Department since February 2013. He is a commercial examiner in one of two groups based in Little Rock. Prior to joining the Bank Department, Lambert had been a credit analyst since December 2010 at The Farmers and Merchants Bank, Stuttgart.

Lambert is a May 2009 graduate of the University of Arkansas, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.

Subsequently, after taking additional courses at the university, Lambert received a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing management in May 2010.

Destin SEE YOU IN

The Arkansas

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

79TH ANNUAL ARKANSAS BANKERS ASSOCIATION

BANK MANAGEMENT SEMINAR

AUGUST 3-5, 2016 | HILTON SANDESTIN BEACH RESORT May 2016 | The Arkansas Banker

23

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Talk Business & Politics is a multi-media news organization focused on business and politics in Arkansas. Our new statewide platform is the result of a merger between Talk Business & Politics and The City Wire. With a combined 24 years of being news leaders in their respective areas, the newly merged Talk Business & Politics brand has become the most respected and resourced media in the industry.

Content is driven by Roby Brock and Michael Tilley (The City Wire) and their team of veterans. The recent merger created the only media company in the state offering multi-platforms dedicated to business and political news, including niche regional coverage and insights into Arkansas’ top economic sectors.

Brock is the host of Talk Business & Politics, which airs Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. on KATV Channel 7 and also 10:00 a.m. on KAIT Channel 8, having interviewed more than 3,000 business and political leaders. He also moderates a radio program which airs on NPR affiliates statewide. Supporting staff, contributors, and content partners represent the most knowledgeable and experienced in their fields.

Digital platforms such as Talkbusiness.net, daily and weekly E-Newsletters, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and iTunes allow news and information from around the state to be made accessible as it is happening and keeps those most affected in the know.

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Our audience leads with CEOs, presidents and primary executives of companies statewide. In addition, business owners of $2.5+ million in sales revenue, elected officials at all levels, trade association executives and higher education representatives also receive our publication and products.

Many of our readers and viewers are also the newsmakers driving business and political headlines in Arkansas, nationally and internationally.

The magazine edition reaches affluent decision-makers across the state and is an essential resource guide for new entrepreneurs and leaders at all levels of government. With a dedicated 12,000 copies bi-monthly, readers receive an in-depth look at business and political profiles, the most current developments in key regions and industries, plus corporate and policy strategies.

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