The Arkansas Banker May 2019

May 2019

2019-20 Chairman of the Arkansas Bankers Association

Rob Robinson, IV

Volume CII, No. 5

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May 2019 COLUMNS

Volume CII, No. 5 President’s Message

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Lorrie Trogden

Chairman’s Column

6

THE CHAIRMAN’S ISSUE

Rob Robinson

Washington Update

8

Rob Nichols

12

DEPARTMENTS

Meet Your Lawmakers: 10 Attorney General Tim Griffin

ANNUAL CONVENTION

Professional Development Live Events Webinars AmBA Training

5 7 9

Member News

35

Banker News & Moves

37

SPOTLIGHT

Intro to Universal Banking

34

Business Development for the Bank Officer

34

19

25

20 Marijuana

32

Banking in 2019

26 SURVEY SAYS

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. Postmaster: Send address changes to Arkansas Bankers Association, 1220 West Third Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. Subscription to The Arkansas Banker magazine is included in the membership fees to the Arkansas Bankers Association. Cover price is $5.95 each. Annual subscription rates are $40.00 for members and $60.00 for non-members.

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By Cole Ponto

The Arkansas Banker Online

Join us at www.arkbankers.org to read and share statewide banking news!

Annual Day with the Commissioner

Recent Grads To Repeat Customers

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13% 17%

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52

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The Whole House

May 2019

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE My theme for the month of May is “On the Road Again.” The Great Arkansas Road Tour 2019 kicks into high gear with visits to Baxter County, Eureka Springs, Harrison, Hot Springs, Rogers, and Springdale. The road tour is also going a little out of bounds with a visit to the Graduate School of Banking at LSU to greet Arkansas students attending the 2019 session.

If I haven’t heard from you, let me know a good time to visit and we will get it on the calendar!

The Annual Convention is a wrap, and I heard many positive comments about the caliber of the convention speakers and entertainment. Congratulations to Rob Robinson who was sworn in as the 2019-2020 ABA Chairman of the Board, I know we will have another successful year with Rob at the helm.

The Board of Directors also held a meeting at the Annual Convention. They voted on a variety of updates to the Association Constitution & Bylaws. This document had not been updated since 2014 and needed to be brought up to date with current practices. You can find a copy on the Association’s website, on the Board of Directors webpage. An update was also done for the Emerging Leaders Section bylaws. A copy of those can be found on the Emerging Leaders Section webpage. Other agenda items included the 2019-2020 Association budget review and approval. Long-time ABA team members Carla Brinkley, Kami Coleman, and Jessica Sahene were recognized for their hard work on the convention, as well as taking on extra duties at the Association during the transition phase of new leadership. All of the credit for a triumphant convention goes to these women, they put in many hours to ensure its success and I truly appreciate them!

There is an important Government Relations item I want to put on your radar, the Arkansas State Treasury Money Management Trust (STMMT). You may recall from the state legislative session that Senator Hammer filed SB390 that would have required state agencies and public schools to put deposits into the STMMT. That was later amended to remove “required,” but would have still required onerous reporting for those who did not voluntarily use the SMMT. The bill failed in committee due to lack of a motion. The bill was an expansion of current law ACA 19-3-603, which allows 1) State agency cash funds; 2) cities; 3) counties; 4) school districts; and, 5) community colleges to “opt in” to the SMMT. At today’s State Board of Finance meeting, it was discussed that Faulkner County has decided to opt in to using the SMMT, and that other counties will be contacted and encouraged to do the same. For those of you that have accounts with any entities on the list above, I encourage you to reach out to your contacts and remind them about the advantages of keeping their deposits with your institutions. One very prominent reason being the lack of FDIC insurance on deposits in the SMMT. In addition, for anything over FDIC limits, your banks are required to pledge securities. Arkansas has a safe and sound banking system, and the citizens of Arkansas deserve to have public funds protected by properly regulated institutions. I will continue to keep you updated on this, and as always, we will continue to be vigilant in protecting our industry and our banks.

Please be sure and add these important dates to your calendar: Washington trip this fall (September 30 – October 2) as well as our Mega Conference (October 8-9). In the meantime, I’ll keep on truckin’ and see you soon!

Lorrie Trogden | President & CEO Arkansas Bankers Association

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ABA OFFICERS Rob Robinson, IV, Chairman Simmons Bank, El Dorado

Jonathan Harrell, Chairman-Elect Generations Bank, Rogers

Jim Cargill, Vice Chairman Arvest Bank, Little Rock

Tom Grumbles, Treasurer First Service Bank, Greenbrier

Cathy Owen, Past Chairman Eagle Bank & Trust, Little Rock

Lorrie Trogden, President & CEO

Arkansas Bankers Association, Little Rock

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Johnny Adams, Conway Craig Attwood, Pine Bluff Jeff Brecklein, Jonesboro Nathan Gairhan, Springdale David Jessup, DeWitt Lance Lanier, Van Buren Barry Ledbetter, Little Rock Wilson Moore, Little Rock Marnie Oldner, Little Rock George Purvis, Eureka Springs Mark Roberts, Malvern Lori Ross, Arkadelphia Randy Scott, Blytheville Todd Smith, Magnolia Jason Tennant, Eureka Springs Lynn Wright, Little Rock

ABA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LIVE EVENTS Providing you with face-to-face interaction with expert instructors!

JUNE 2019 Introduction To Consumer Lending June 4, 2019 | Arkansas Bankers Association Who should attend: Consumer Lenders, Loan Documentation Specialists, Branch Managers

Advanced BSA Brush-Up

CBCM (Certified Banking CyberSecurity Manager) Certification June 12-13, 2019 | Arkansas Bankers Association Who should attend: CIO, CISO, CFO, Director, President

June 6, 2019 | Arkansas Bankers Association Who should attend: BSA and AML Officers, Auditors, Compliance and Fraud Officers

JULY

11 Introduction to Universal Banking 22

Business Development for the Bank Officer

23

Hot Topics for Bank Boards

AUGUST

21 Opening New Accounts Documentation & Compliance 22

TRID Essentials

26-29

Compliance School

SEPTEMBER

17-18

Branch Management

25-26

Call Report Preparation

24 Cybersecurity

2-3 8-9

OCTOBER IRA School

Mega Conference

NOVEMBER

13 Lending Compliance Update

22-23 Supervisor Boot Camp

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

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CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN Why Community Banks Matter It is both a privilege and an honor to serve as your Arkansas Bankers Association Chairman for the next twelve months. We have a great team of professionals at the ABA and a dedicated Board of Directors - I look forward to working with them to advocate on behalf of the banking industry in the year ahead.

So why do community banks matter? I may be “preaching to the choir,” but it is vitally important to remind ourselves of the economic impact our industry has in our communities and across the state. The data points are impressive and only begin to tell the story of how our cities and towns across the Arkansas are supported by community banks.

• There are 119 banks operating 1,344 branches and offices in the state. Our banks serve over 4.6 million customers who maintain $66.7 billion on deposit with these institutions.

• In 2018, Arkansas’ Banks employed 23,977 community-minded bankers. Total annual compensation, which includes wages and benefits, topped $2.0 billion and the median compensation was $71,932.

• As of the end of last year, Arkansas’ banks reported over $3.0 billion in small business loans on their balance sheets.

Almost 42,000 new home loans originated in 2017 totaling $6.7 billion. On the agricultural front, banks carry over $1.7 billion in agricultural loans on their ledgers.

• Not surprisingly, Arkansas bankers are deeply devoted to their communities. In 2018, bankers logged over 149,000 volunteer hours!

Just by the “numbers” alone, it is obvious that the community banks of Arkansas are collectively one of the single greatest contributors to economic development in the communities we serve. This is why we matter and why we must continue to press for regulatory reform and advocate to protect our industry from non-bank entities encroaching on our space.

Allow me to expand on my last point. I am happy to report that our efforts during the recent 92nd General Assembly of the Arkansas Legislative Session and lobbying our delegation at the Spring Government Relations Summit held in Washington, D.C., spelled success for Arkansas banks. We had multiple wins at the State Capitol: we worked side by side with Governor Hutchinson to help shape the Transformation Legislation and protect the Arkansas State Bank Department, we beat back the Credit Union’s lobby attempts to poach into our space on several fronts, and our efforts during the session prevented a state agency from requiring school districts, colleges and universities to maintain their deposits with their agency. While on the annual Springtime visit to our Nation’s Capital to lobby our delegation, we drove home that further regulatory relief must move forward, we pressed for the AML/BSA laws to be modernized, asked for help resolving the Federal vs. State conflict on Cannabis Banking, lobbied for a delay and study on the CECL Standard, demanded that Credit Unions stop receiving special treatment and entreated our delegation to help level the playing field with the Farm Credit System.

I couldn’t end my first column without recognizing and thanking Chairwoman Cathy Owen and her husband, Steve. To say it was a busy past year for Cathy would be a huge understatement. Cathy worked tirelessly for the Association and its membership and has established a legacy that I, and those who follow, will certainly be measured against. Her leadership, hard work and how she represented our Association in Arkansas, Washington, D.C., and all points in between was simply incredible. Thank you, Cathy!

Lastly, I look forward to working with each of you. Your continued support of the ABA, our professional staff and the Board of Directors is greatly appreciated. With a united front we have a great opportunity to win the ongoing battle of ill-fitting regulations and eventually level the playing field in our industry.

Rob Robinson | Chairman Arkansas Bankers Association

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ABA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

JUNE 2019

WEBINARS

Train multiple employees for one price, from the convenient location of your bank!

Tuesday, June 4

Tuesday, June 11

Thursday, June 20

The Power of Storytelling 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Upside Down Thinking on Efficiency – Do You Have Your Priorities Backwards?

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Three Key Risk Assessments in Your Program 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

25 Baseline Controls Banks Struggle To Implement 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 5 Excel Explained: Pivot Tables 101 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

ACH Origination for Lenders and Cash Management 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Notary Public 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 13 Being Strategic with Base Compensation for Non-Executive Positions 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Monday, June 17 Wednesday, June 6 Secrets to Being a Great Call Center Agent 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Evaluating Financial Projections 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 18 Thursday, June 7 Preventing Violence in the Workplace 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Monday, June 10 CRE Lending: Property Types, Lease Structures & Other Non-Financial Risks 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

HMDA Advanced Lessons 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Friday, June 21 Residential Construction Lending 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 25 Signature Card Danger Zone 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 26 Do’s & Don’ts on Checks 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Quarterley Compliance Briefing 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Common Pitfalls of ARM Disclosures 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 19

Thursday, June 27

Environmental Risk Assessment in CRE Lending 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

BSA: Professional Mondery Laundering Businesses 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Records Management & Retention 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Friday, June 28 Role of the ISO 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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

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WASHINGTON UPDATE Solving the Banking Industry’s Cannabis Conundrum While there is still a healthy — and appropriate — debate on whether cannabis should be legalized at the federal level, there is growing consensus that something must be done to address the cannabis conundrum affecting banks.

providing regulatory and legal clarity — with a strong, bipartisan 45-15 vote. A House floor vote could happen in the coming weeks.

The SAFE Act specifies that proceeds from cannabis-related legitimate businesses would not be considered unlawful under federal money laundering rules or other laws, and it would direct regulators to issue guidance and exam procedures for banks that serve cannabis-related legitimate businesses.*]

The need for a solution is growing increasingly urgent. With marijuana now legal in 33 states and the District of Columbia in some form — a number that is likely to grow — more banks are having to choose between serving the banking needs of their customers and community, and following federal law.

Even banks that have no desire to bank a marijuana grower or dispensary are at risk of violating anti-money laundering laws if an existing customer is found to have a tangential connection to a cannabis business.

In fact, a recent ABA survey found that three in four ABA members have had to close an existing account, terminate a banking relationship or turn away a potential customer because of a connection to cannabis. These include a bank that ended its relationship with a retail strip mall after it leased space to a medical marijuana shop and another that turned down a loan to a fencing company that was hired to build a fence around a marijuana growing facility. Some banks have even had to end long-time customer relationships with law firms because those firms took on marijuana businesses as clients.

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Similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate. While the path forward in that chamber will take more work, we are hopeful that a bill can pass there as well.

Leaving the cannabis industry — whose sales are estimated to reach $24 billion by 2025 — unbanked has troubling implications. Such businesses have resorted to dealing entirely in cash, which can make them lucrative targets for criminals and create potential public safety risks for local communities. They are also harder to monitor for compliance with tax laws or irregular financial activity.

These facts likely explain why an overwhelming majority of the banks — 99 percent in our survey — want Congress to resolve the conflict between state and federal law. The good news is that legislation is moving.

[The House Financial Services Committee held its first-ever hearing on this topic earlier this year and soon after passed the ABA-backed Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act — an important step toward

Rob Nichols

President & CEO, American Bankers Association

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To be clear, ABA is not taking a position on the legalization of marijuana.

But we believe that allowing cannabis businesses access to the regulated banking system in states where they have been legalized would make them safer, bring more transparency and accountability to the industry and better protect communities. These are worthy goals.

Successful enactment of cannabis banking legislation this year would serve another worthy goal: Demonstrating that bipartisan solutions to societal problems are still within reach, even with a divided Congress.

Our experience with S. 2155, last year’s landmark regulatory reform law, proved that Washington can work and that banking is bipartisan. We look forward to replicating that success this year on this important policy issue and others.

E-mail Rob Nichols at nichols@aba.com.

ABA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

AmBA TRAINING

AmBA Training includes extensive learning opportunities suited to specific job roles, in both facilitated and self-paced online formats, as well as in person. Flexible and cost-effective, AmBA’s online training opportunities are continually updated to provide a superior learning experience that can be accessed from anywhere, at any time.

UPCOMING COURSES Building Customer Relationships 6/3/2019 - 6/28/2019

Bank Lines of Business 7/22/2019 - 8/16/2019

Building Customer Relationships 8/5/2019 - 8/30/2019

Marketing in Banking 6/3/2019 - 6/28/2019

General Accounting 7/22/2019 - 11/8/2019

Managing Funding, Liquidity, and Capital 6/10/2019 - 7/12/2019

Analyzing Financial Statements 7/29/2019 - 11/22/2019

Basic Administrative Duties of a Trustee 8/5/2019 - 9/6/2019

Fundamentals of Mortgage Lending 6/17/2019 - 7/26/2019 Introduction to Trust Products & Services 6/17/2019 - 7/19/2019

Building Customer Relationships 8/5/2019 - 8/30/2019 Basic Administrative Duties of a Trustee 8/5/2019 - 9/6/2019

CTFA Exam Online Prep 8/5/2019 - 10/25/2019 Managing the Bank’s Investment Portfolio 8/5/2019 - 9/6/2019

CTFA Exam Online Prep 8/5/2019 - 10/25/2019

CRCM Exam Online Prep 5/10/2019 8/12/2019 - 10/18/2019

Consumer Lending 6/24/2019 - 10/11/2019

Managing the Bank’s Investment Portfolio 8/5/2019 - 9/6/2019

Marketing Management 8/26/2019 - 9/20/2019

Money and Banking 6/24/2019 - 10/11/2019

CRCM Exam Online Prep 8/12/2019 - 10/18/2019

IRA Online Institute 9/2/2019 - 11/24/2019

Intro to Agricultural Lending 7/15/2019 - 9/6/2019

Marketing Management 8/26/2019 - 9/20/2019

Legal Foundations in Banking 7/15/2019 - 9/20/2019

IRA Online Institute 9/2/2019 - 11/24/2019

The Banking Industry 6/24/2019 - 7/19/2019

Marketing Planning 7/15/2019 - 8/9/2019

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

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MEET YOUR LAWMAKERS...

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TIM GRIFFIN Elected Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas on November 4, 2014, Tim Griffin is focused on growing jobs through aggressively pursuing economic development, more parental choice in education, and boldly reforming state government. Griffin is a fifth-generation Arkansan who grew up in Magnolia; from 2011-2015, he served as the 24th representative of Arkansas’s Second Congressional District.

What concerns do you hear most expressed from Arkansans?

Most Arkansans believe our state government taxes too much and spends too much. I hear consistently from people about the need for a lower tax burden on hardworking Arkansans and businesses so we can continue to grow jobs and create opportunity for our citizens. We also need to address state spending by doing more

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with less through transformation of state government. By reforming and modernizing state government, we can deliver better services at a lower cost. It’s all about making our state a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Lastly, a major concern of businesses is the need for a renewed emphasis on developing our workforce so that we can fill the jobs that employers have and attract new jobs to our state.

What qualities make Arkansas a good place to do business?

Arkansas has several advantages that make us a good place to do business, and we are working to make it even better. Compared to many states, we have a low cost of living and a low cost of doing business. Our very competitive utility rates are an advantage for many industries. We are also blessed with an abundance of natural resources and geographical diversity. Best of all, we have some of the hardest working people in the entire country. I truly believe our future is bright.

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

Whether it’s providing credit for our farmers or helping a newly married couple get a mortgage on their first home, Arkansas’s banks play a critical role in our overall economy. Arkansas needs a robust financial services sector as a part of our overall economy, and we are blessed to have dozens of banks that are part of the foundation of their communities, as well as several banks that are quickly becoming household names around the country.

From an economic standpoint, what is the major focus of the session? And what can we expect to see result from this focus?

Three of the biggest issues are taxes, transformation, and highways. There is a real desire to make our state more economically competitive with surrounding states by reducing our personal income tax rates, and I support those efforts. In the long run, we will need to transform state government to improve delivery of services while reducing state spending. Governor Hutchinson’s plan to reduce the number of cabinet-level agencies from 42 to 15 will put us on the right track. On

highways, there are a lot of different ideas being debated. I favor dedicating a portion of our general revenue to highways (as 34 other states do) to provide robust, reliable, long-term funding to our highways.

What is the best way for individual bankers to let you know their views on legislation that affects your constituents?

They can call or text me on my cell phone, (501) 837-5190. Or they are welcome to call my office at (501) 6822144 and my staff is always happy to assist constituents.

What are you most proud of regarding your leadership in the state of Arkansas?

I am proud that I’ve led by example when it comes to transforming state government. When I took office, I reduced my number of staff by 50% and

found enough savings in my budget to reduce it by 16% and have frozen it there ever since. We continue to return unused portions of our budget to the state treasury, even as we are serving more constituents than ever before. If we can extend those successes to the rest of state government, we can save potentially hundreds of millions of dollars that can be used to improve our tax code, pave our highways, and better educate our children.

What are the last two books you’ve read?

Bob Woodward’s book Fear: Trump in the White House C.S. Lewis and His Circle by Roger White, Judith Wolfe, and Brendan Wolfe ...and the last two movies you’ve seen?

Game Night A Simple Favor

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ARKANSAS BANKERS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL CONVENTION expanding horizons

The Convention business session began with the posting of the colors by the Little Rock Catholic High School Color Guard and the singing of the National Anthem by Susanna Watt.

Little Rock Mayor (and former banker) Frank Scott welcomed the attendees to the capital city.

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Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson spoke to state bankers about the state’s recent legislative session.

Bank leaders across the state participated in a panel discussion during the meeting.

Emmy winning ESPN sports reporter Tom Rinaldi delivers a motivational speech to bankers at the ABA Annual Convention, including recent stories on Tiger Woods and the 2019 Masters Tournament.

CEO of Stone Bank, Marnie Oldner, shares a moment of laughter with fellow bankers.

Bank millenials participated in a panel discussion with bank leaders from across the state.

Prince Lorenzo de’Medici discussed his family’s rise to power in the 1500s, their origination of modern banking, and the impact they have left throughout Europe and globally.

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge vocalizes accomplishments for the State of Arkansas that were finalized in this year’s past legislative session.

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Jon Harrell of Generations Bank along with his wife, Sheila, visit with Prince Lorenzo de’Medici during the PAC reception showcasing his works of art.

Prince Lorenzo discusses his art with Cathy Owen, Eagle Bank, Little Rock and Debi Barnes with DD&F Consulting Group, Little Rock.

During the Millennials and Management panel discussion, topics touching on ways in which both generations can merge and work together were discussed, including tactics the groups found work best for both generations in the banking workforce.

As an accomplished artist, Prince Lorenzo de’Medici paints unique portraits of his ancestors to perpetuate their immense legacy. This is one of his most influential paintings.

SIMMONS STRAWBERRY BREAKFAST

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Catherine Morgan and Mary Hargraves of Simmons Bank helped host the Simmons Strawberry Breakfast this year.

Herbert Thomas with First National Bankers Bank, who always has a few good jokes to tell, entertains Debi Barnes & John Hargrave with DD&F Consulting Group.

Herbert Thomas and winners of the FNBB drawing stand with their brand-new Apple watches.

L-R: Jon Harrell, Generations Bank, Rogers; Bob Taylor (formerly of Citizens Bank), Russellville, and Mike Jacimore, Arvest Bank, Fort Smith.

Rob Robinson of Simmons Bank, El Dorado is installed as the 2019-2020 Chairman of the Arkansas Bankers Association, succeeding Cathy Owen of Eagle Bank, Little Rock.

The Simmons Strawberry Breakfast is a longstanding tradition at the Annual Convention, providing a place for state bankers to reconnect and meet with one another over delicious food and strawberries.

Strawberries are always a staple at this annual event!

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Franklin Shirrell of Simmons Bank visits with fellow bankers during the Simmons Strawberry Breakfast.

Former American Idol winner and Arkansas native Kris Allen rocks out on the stage during a fun dinner performance sponsored by DD&F Consulting Group.

Jeff Sabin, Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, Dallas and Jerry Pavlas, First National Bank, Little Rock enjoy catching up during the Chairman’s Reception at the Annual Convention.

Arvest Bank’s Jim Cargill and wife Kathleen, Marcus Guinn and wife Valencia, and Don Walker do their part to liven up the crowd during Kris Allen’s show.

THANK YOU TO OUR CONVENTION SPONSORS American Bankers Association

First National Bankers Bank

SBS Cybersecurity

Arkansas Bankers Life Insurance Co.

Foundation Life Insurance

Simmons Bank

Arkansas Capital Corporation

Jack Henry & Associates

Spry

Bankers Healthcare Group

Johanson Group/DBSquared

Southeastern Commercial Finance

BKD, LLP

NetGain Technologies

Southern Pioneer

Card Assets

NFP | Equias Alliance, an NFP Company

Telecomp

DD&F Consulting

PCA Technology Solutions

Today’s Office

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

Promontory Interfinancial Network

Travelers

Finastra

Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC

Works24

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FACES OF THE ABA: 2019-20 LEADERSHIP Chairman-Elect Jon Harrell

Jon Harrell is the Chairman of Generations Bank in Rogers and President and CEO of Harrell Bancshares, Inc. He is the fifth generation Harrell to lead the management team of Generations Bank, leading the bank into the Northwest Arkansas market and growing its total assets in excess of 78% since 12/31/13.

Jon’s banking career began with the Arkansas State Bank Department in 1988, where he developed many of the relationships that have been essential to his career. He is a graduate of The Graduate School of Banking at LSU, and previously served a three-year term on the ABA Board of Directors.

Chairman-Elect Jon Harrell and his wife Sheila

Jon currently serves on the Rogers Area Chamber of Commerce as Board Member and Chairman of the Audit Committee. He is also a cabinet member of the St. Mary’s Heritage Society.

Vice Chairman Jim Cargill

Jim Cargill is President and CEO of Arvest Bank in central Arkansas, overseeing Arvest’s retail, consumer, and commercial banking operations.

Throughout Cargill’s career, he has helped develop Arvest’s marketing initiatives, including an extensive sales and service culture training program designed to take Arvest’s customer service to a higher level. He has also worked to further Arvest’s ability to identify bank products and services that are of the greatest benefit to customers.

Vice Chairman Jim Cargill and his wife, Kathleen

He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he majored in finance and banking. He also is a graduate of the American Bankers Association Graduate School of Commercial Lending and of The Professional Masters of Banking Program at The Graduate School of Banking, Louisiana State University.

Treasurer Tom Grumbles

Tom Grumbles is President and CEO of First Service Bank.

Grumbles, after graduation, started his banking career in Little Rock and shortly after began working in Dermott at what is now First Service Bank.

In 1999 he helped move the charter to Greenbrier and helped grow to 11 locations in 10 towns in north and central Arkansas.

He attended Hendrix College in Conway, where he majored in Business and Economics. He was a charter board member of Arkansas Bankers’ Bank and served part of his tenure as Chairman.

Treasurer Tom Grumbles

Tom and his wife, Rita, reside in Greenbrier and have three children, Andy Grumbles (Charlotte), Rebecca Barnard (Kenneth), and Robin Hackett (Ryan).

They have 8 grandsons and one granddaughter.

Past Chairman Cathy Owen

Cathy Owen is the Chairman of Eagle Bank & Trust, and the Chairman, President and CEO of State Holding Company in Little Rock. She is also the Managing Partner of One Financial Centre, Partner in H&M Realty & Hastings Holdings, and President of Your Global Source Partner.

Owen holds a BSBA degree in Finance & Banking from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She is also a graduate of the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.

Past Chairman Cathy Owen and her husband, Steve

Owen currently serves on the Baptist Hospital Foundation Board and as Secretary to its Executive Committee, the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee and Board, the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum Foundation, and Fifty for the Future. She has also served as an Arkansas State Fair Talent & Queen judge for the past twelve years.

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2019 ABA Group Meetings The Arkansas Bankers Association Group Meetings were held across the state in March, bringing together bankers for networking, updates on the Association, and to elect new representatives from the three groups.

GROUP 1

Batesville | March 12, 2019 Group Chairman

Brandon Gentry, Cross County Bank, Wynne

Group Vice Chairman

Kyle Schlenker, First National Bank of Wynne, Wynne

ABA Board Member

Marnie Oldner, Stone Bank, Little Rock

WELCOME To Our New

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Emerging Leaders Brock Ferguson, Section Council Member Centennial Bank, Jonesboro

GROUP 3

GROUP 2

Fayetteville | March 14, 2019 Group Chairman

Mike Donnell, Chambers Bank, Danville

Group Vice Chairman

Adam Rutledge, First Security Bank, Fayetteville

ABA Board Member

Nathan Gairhan, United Bank, Springdale

Emerging Leaders Christie Turner, Section Council Member First State Bank, Fayetteville Hot Springs | March 8, 2019 Group Chairman

Craig Manatt, Peoples Bank, Sheridan

Group Vice Chairman

Todd Smith, Farmers Bank & Trust Co., Magnolia

ABA Board Member

Todd Smith, Farmers Bank & Trust Co., Magnolia

Emerging Leaders Reggie English Section Council Member Farmers Bank & Trust Co., Malvern

ABA Washington Fly-In Do you have questions for the Regulators?

On September 30 - October 2, 2019, Arkansas Bankers will travel to Washington to have their voices heard.

Get an opportunity to meet members of Congress and their staff and get a unique opportunity to ask legislators questions about policy behind & implementation of regulations, guidance, etc.

Not able to attend? Send us questions you want answered!

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May 2019

Convention Golf Tournament

The Arkansas Bankers Association held a golf tournament at Maumelle Country Club on Tuesday, April 16 to kick off the Annual Convention. The event was attended this year by many enthused bankers and guests who enjoyed the beautiful forecast of the day. The tournament was a huge success as bankers turned out for a day of golf and fun in great weather and a beautifully conditioned golf course. The teams witnessed many solid rounds amongst one another for the day. As sportswriter Bob Ryan once said, it truly was “A passion, an obsession, a romance, and a nice acquaintanceship with trees, sand and water.�

The first-place team of the day shot a 60 to lead the other teams to victory.

L-R: Brandon Gentry, Cross County Bank, Wynne; Emmett Golden, North Little Rock; Mark Ferguson, Earl R. Whaley & Company, Lonoke, and Don Gibson, Legacy National Bank, Springdale

Milestones In Banking Luncheon

Bankers being honored during the BKD Milestones in Banking Awards enjoyed lunch while alongside their bank families.

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Arkansas Milestone Bankers Honored

MONT S. ECHOLS, JR.

Twenty-six longtime Arkansas bankers were honored with the BKD Milestones in Banking Awards at the 129th Annual Arkansas Bankers Association Convention on Wednesday, April 15, 2019 at the Marriott in downtown Little Rock.

Awards were presented by Gary Edwards and Meagan Clark of BKD, LLP. This marks the fifth year for the Milestones in Banking Awards, sponsored by BKD, LLP. To be eligible for the awards, bankers must have served 40+ or 50+ years in banking, and be actively employed by an Arkansas bank.

Chairman of the Board First National Bank of Fort Smith

Mont S. Echols, Jr. has been Senior Executive Vice President at First National Bank of Fort Smith and First Bank Corp. since 2009.

Mr. Echols has been employed at First National Bank of Fort Smith since 1959 and served as its Executive Vice President from 1977 to 2009. He has been the Chairman of The First National Bank of Fort Smith since August 16, 2011, and also serves as the Chairman of the Board of the National Bank of Sallisaw and Chairman of the Board at First Bank Corp. Mr. Echols also serves as Director of Citizens Bank & Trust in Van Buren.

WANDA WELCH

Teller Generations Bank, Rogers

JANE REAVES

Teller First National Bank of Lawrence County Jane Reaves started her banking career in 1970 at the First National Bank of Lawrence County in Walnut Ridge as a Teller. Her knowledge and personality gain love and respect from everyone she knows. Jane is extremely reliable, and in her 50 years with First National Bank of Lawrence County she has consistently reported perfect attendance.

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Wanda Welch began her banking career in 1968 as a Teller at Generations Bank—formerly Calhoun County Bank. The bank had just purchased a new proof machine, and Wanda ran that as well as doing all bookkeeping and posting by hand! She also wrote the bank’s ledger book every day, helped with checking deposits and eventually transitioned to the position of Head Teller and all vault ordering.

Wanda has been with the Harrell family her entire career, and the bank is thankful for the opportunity to have her on its team. She has been incredibly loyal and is a hard worker.

Wanda epitomizes the spirit of the bank, coming in each day with a beaming smile and joyful attitude!

CAROL BELFORD-LEWALLEN

VP/Data Processing & Assistant Cashier Integrity First Bank, Mountain Home

CYNTHIA ABEL

Loan Administration Officer The First National Bank of Fort Smith Cynthia Abel began her career in the banking industry in 1976 as Transit-Reject Machine Operator.

Throughout her career in banking, Cynthia has served as Night Proof Operator in the Transit Department, a Clerk in the Commercial Loan Department, Teller, Trust Department, Loan Secretary, and ultimately serving as a Loan Administration Officer. Cynthia also finished her degree while working at the bank.

When she isn’t at the bank, Cynthia enjoys spending time outdoors as well as spending time with her grandchildren. ___________________________

SONJA ADKISSON

VP/Data Processing & Assistant Cashier First National Bank of Lawrence County Sonja Adkisson started working for First National Bank of Lawrence County in 1978.

Sonja worked at the bank while also earning her degree. After her degree completion, she started work full time in the bookkeeping department.

Sonja does a wonderful job as Vice President of Data Processing. Her expertise gained over the last 40 years continues to be a valuable asset to the bank today.

Carol BelfordLewallen has been with Integrity First Bank—formerly Pocahontas Bank— since 1976. She started her career as an Account Services Clerk, was then promoted to Marketing Officer, and currently serves as Vice President of Business Development and Marketing.

Integrity First Bank congratulates Carol for all of her achievements throughout her 40 years with the bank. ___________________________

VALERIE COOK

Branch Administrator Arvest Bank, Lowell

Arvest Bank in Lowell is proud to recognize Valerie Cook for 40 years of service. Valerie began her banking career at Arvest Bank in 1977 in Lowell, Arkansas and today serves as Branch Administrator.

Arvest Bank truly appreciates Valerie’s dedication and service to the bank and customer satisfaction. ___________________________

STEPHANIE COOPER-WILKERSON

AWM Manager of Client Services Arvest Bank, Lowell Stephanie CooperWilkerson joined the Arvest Bank Group in 1979 where she began working in bank operations as well as the credit and loan department.

In 1987, when the bank began providing investment services to retail clients, Stephanie moved to the Operations Department of Arvest Investments, eventually promoting to Operations Manager. As the company expanded and later became Arvest Asset Management, Stephanie moved into the role of chief compliance officer, followed by senior vice president then as Arvest1 manager from 2005 through 2017. Stephanie is currently responsible for supervising back office operations including the new accounts, cashiering, insurance, and IRA teams. We greatly appreciate Stephanie’s excellent ability to identify operations efficiencies which allow her departments to provide top notch client satisfaction. ___________________________

MARY COX

Executive Assistant Arvest Bank, Lowell Mary Cox began working at Arvest Bank in 1976. After 43 years with Arvest, Mary has retired from her role of Executive Assistant.

The bank is grateful for Mary’s many years of service and her dedication to the bank’s mission of “People helping people find financial solutions for life.” Bankers at the Lowell branch will miss Mary and wish her all the best on her next adventure. ___________________________

BRENDA DOVER

SVP/Deposit Operations Coordinator & Security Administrator Integrity First Bank, Mountain Home Brenda Dover has been with Integrity First Bank—formerly First National Bank & Trust—since 1976, starting as an Account Services Supervisor & Operations Manager.

Brenda continued working her way up in the bank, being promoted several times, starting with Assistant Vice President, then Vice President & Division Manager, followed

by Senior Vice President.

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From there, Brenda was reclassified as a Retail Department Manager and proceeded to become SVP Deposit Operations & Security Officer. She was eventually promoted to her current position of Senior Vice President of Deposit Operations Coordinator & Security Administrator.

Brenda’s upward projection at the bank is a testament of her dedication to quality operations and customer service. ___________________________

computer expertise to the bank’s lending department.

She enjoys outdoor activities, hiking, riding 4-wheelers, sightseeing in Colorado and spending time with her five grandchildren.

After over 41 years of service at the Simmons El Dorado location and 44 years in the banking industry, Buddy plans to retire at the end of April.

___________________________

TERRI KOONS

DIANNE HENDERSON

AVP/Account Services Supervisor Integrity First Bank, Mountain Home

VP/Controller First National Bank of Wynne

Dianne Henderson joined the First National Bank family in 1979 and began her banking career as a Bank Teller at the main branch in Wynne, Arkansas. Dianne served in this position for six years and then accepted the position of Loan Secretary in 1985 where she was later promoted to Loan Review Officer in 1995. Shortly thereafter, Dianne was promoted to Assistant Vice President/ Controller. Over the next nine years, Dianne’s dedication and enthusiasm resulted in her promotion to her current position of Vice President/ Controller. We congratulate her on all her accomplishments with First National Bank of Wynne. ___________________________

CAROL HOWARD

AVP/Commercial Loans The First National Bank of Fort Smith Carol Howard started her work in banking in 1979 with the First National Bank of Fort Smith as a Proof Operator in the Transit Department. She was then promoted

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to Commercial Loan Clerk and again to Assistant Cashier & Commercial Loan Department Supervisor. In 2003, Carol advanced to the role of Assistant Vice President & Commercial Loan Department Supervisor.

Terri Koons has been with Integrity First Bank— formerly Bank of Pocahontas—since 1978. She started her career as an Account Services Clerk and was later promoted to Account Services Supervisor/ Head Teller. Terri continued her upward trajection with the bank, and currently serves as the AVP/Account Services Supervisor.

Integrity First Bank applauds Terri’s forty years of service and commitment to serving customers in our community. ___________________________

AJ “BUDDY” LOCKWOOD, JR.

Community Banker Simmons Bank, El Dorado Originally from El Dorado, A.J. “Buddy” Lockwood, Jr. began his banking career in 1975 as a Loan Teller at First National Bank in Ruston, Louisiana.

In 1978, knowing Buddy’s experience in computers and knowledge of loan documentation, Mr. James Cook, then President of National Bank of Commerce in El Dorado (Simmons Bank acquired in 1999), inquired about Buddy bringing his n

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Next, he became a Loan Officer, working both Commercial and Real Estate Lending, eventually concentrating solely on Commercial Lending.

___________________________

FRED LOOKADOO

Client Advisor Trust Specialist 4 Arvest Bank, Lowell Fred Lookadoo began his career in the banking industry in May of 1979 with the Bank of Bentonville on the square in Bentonville as a Trust Officer.

Fred currently serves as a Client Advisor Trust Specialist 4 for Arvest Bank in Lowell where he exemplifies the Arvest philosophy of focusing on the customer above all else.

Congratulations, Fred, on over 40 years in your banking career. ___________________________

CONNIE MARRS

Assistant Vice President – Bookkeeper Fidelity National Bank, West Memphis Connie Marrs started her work in the banking industry in 1978 for First National Bank of West Memphis in the bank’s bookkeeping department. In 1996, she advanced to Assistant Vice President of Bookkeeping for Fidelity National Bank of West Memphis. We greatly appreciate Connie’s 41 years of service and dedication to the bookkeeping department.

MARY ANN MCBRIDE

TERRI SHELBY

SVP, BSA/AML/OFAC Officer Generations Bank

Account Services Officer The First National Bank of Fort Smith

Mary Ann McBride started her banking career in November 1975 at First National Bank of Camden as FrontLine Teller. From there, Mary Ann worked in many different areas of the bank including Note Teller, Note and Accounting Clerk, and Accounting Assistant. In 1990, she became a Compliance & BSA Assistant and Teller Supervisor while also a Boatmen’s Product Trainer for South Arkansas. Mary Ann currently works as the Senior Vice President, BSA/AML/OFAC Officer.

Terri Shelby started her career in banking in 1997 as a Permanent Payer in the Bookkeeping Department. Over her years with The First National Bank of Fort Smith, Terri served in many positions in bookkeeping.

In 2012, she was promoted to her current role in the bank, Account Services Officer.

Terri enjoys fishing, travel and gardening.

We are also proud to note Mary Ann’s many years of service on community and civic boards such as Main Street Board President, Chamber of Commerce Board Member, South Central Security Council President, American Cancer Society Board Member, and many, many others. ___________________________

CAROL MEYER

Branch Manager Simmons Bank, Lincoln In 1978, Carol Meyer began her banking career as a Bookkeeper and Proof Operator at the Bank of Lincoln.

When the Bank of Lincoln migrated to in-house data processing in 1986, Carol was promoted to supervisor of the new department. In 1999, Bank of Lincoln sold to Simmons Bank, and there Carol started a role in bank operations. After this, Carol advanced to her current role of Branch Manager for the Simmons Bank Lincoln location.

Carol credits her success in banking to the many co-workers and great supervisors she had throughout her 40+ years in the industry.

___________________________

Arkansas Based Family Owned CREDIT LIFE & DISABILITY INSURANCE

Live Life.

Leave a Legacy.

DONNA STACY

Supervisor of Bank Operations Simmons Bank, Pine Bluff Donna Stacy began her banking career at Simmons First National Bank on February 19, 1979, filing checks in the check payment department. Donna also worked in the bank’s mobile home department and the Express ATM department before eventually moving into deposit operations. She began in the deposit operations department as a Wire Transfer Clerk and in 2006 was promoted to Operations Officer. Donna works today in the electronic services department as the Supervisor of Bank Operations.

Donna tells us, “I love Simmons Bank, this is a wonderful place to work. I have had the opportunity to watch the bank grow and evolve into a multi-billion-dollar corporation. I am in ‘awe’ of how 40 years could have passed so quickly.” ___________________________

Donna Spakes donna@flicar.com 501.519.0555 | 800.446.2214 flicar.com

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BRENDA STONE

BETTY B. TRITES

DONALD E. WALKER

VP/IT Operations Manager Integrity First Bank, Mountain Home

Executive Vice President Merchants & Farmers Bank, Dumas

Regional Executive Arvest Bank, Lowell

Brenda Stone has been with First National Bank & Trust—now Integrity First Bank—since 1972. She started her career as an Account Services & Proof Supervisor. She then went onto become the IT Operations Manager, followed by Assistant Vice President & Operations Officer. Donna has served in her current role as Vice President/IT Operations Manager since 2004.

Betty Trites began her banking career in 1978 as a Teller with Merchants & Farmers Bank of Dumas. In her many years of service, Betty advanced to Note Teller, Note Department Supervisor and then Loan Officer. Betty’s diligence then led her to a promotion to Vice President. Forty years later, Betty is still with Merchants & Farmers Bank, and successfully serving as Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer and Compliance Officer. Betty also serves as the Secretary to the Board of Directors for the bank and holding company.

Don Walker began his career in 1978 as a Loan Officer with Arvest Bank. In 1984 he was appointed President and CEO of First National Bank, Siloam Springs, Arkansas until 1991 when he was appointed President and CEO of the Bank of Bentonville. He remained President in Bentonville until his move to Tulsa in 1998. Don then served as President, CEO and Chairman of Arvest, Tulsa, Oklahoma for 17 years until being promoted to his current role of Regional Executive. Don’s work includes government relations as well as oversight of Arvest Banks in Arkansas. Don has been active in economic and civic development in the markets where he was engaged as a banker.

Thank you, Brenda, for your many years of service! ___________________________

HERBERT THOMAS

Vice President, Relationship Manager First National Bankers Bank, Little Rock Herbert Thomas began his career in banking in 1979 as Management Trainee for the National Bank of Commerce in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Herbert exemplifies customer service, believing in helping everyone he meets. Herbert says “Helping folks is not limited to the Executives of another bank. You must take an interest in everyone you meet. “ ___________________________

Betty is married to Maurice Trites Jr., and they are parents of Alex Trites, a student at Arkansas State University. ___________________________

CAROLYN “CAROL” WALKER

File Clerk-Deposit Ops First National Bank of Fort Smith

Carol Walker started her career in banking in 1976 as a Bookkeeper for First National Bank of Fort Smith.

During her 40+ career in banking, Carol held multiple positions in the deposit operations department and currently serves as File Clerk for this department. Carol’s favorite things include shopping, going to the casino, cooking (when not eating out), and spending time with her family. ___________________________

Don is a true example of a leader, and Arvest commends him for his many years of service. ___________________________

WANDA WILLIAMS

Assistant Vice President / Head Teller Farmers & Merchants Bank, Stuttgart Wanda Williams began her career in 1979 with First National Bank at Marianna – now Farmers & Merchants Bank— as a Bookkeeper.

After six months in this position, she transferred to the teller and loan department, eventually being promoted to Assistant Cashier. Wanda continued progressing in the bank, and currently serves as Assistant Vice President/Head Teller.

Congratulations, Wanda, on your many years of service.

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ANNUAL DAY WITH THE COMMISSIONER

Arkansas State Bank Commissioner Candace Franks opened the Day with the Commissioner with her annual State of Banking address on Thursday, April 16.

Julie Stackhouse, Executive Vice President with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, talks about community banking in Arkansas and how it is the future.

Wilks Marshall of the Arkansas State Bank Department moderates a panel dialogue with Arkansas bank leaders.

Chief Economist Chris Low with FTN Financial gives an economic update.

Kristie Elmquist, FDIC Dallas Regional Director, presents highlights of the last quarter 2018 to the state’s top bankers.

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ABA Chairman Rob Robinson: Technology, Security, and Leadership Development Top Slate of Priorities

By Dwain Hebda

eventually ascend to CFO. From there, he was instrumental in founding Central Bank and Trust Mortgage, an entity purchased by Arvest in the late 1990s. That deal took him out of the CFO role and landed him in the lending department.

“It was a natural transition from a couple of perspectives,” he said. “In my bank examiner days, I reviewed lots of loans as far as asset quality, safety and soundness [and] certainly as CFO, while managing the risk of the bank’s balance sheet, I was involved in some decision making on the loan side.”

Robinson joined Simmons Bank in 2004, in part for the chance to work under Tommy May, former Simmons Chairman and CEO and member of the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame, whom he described as a mentor.

It’s not particularly noteworthy to hear someone like Rob Robinson IV, the new Chairman of the Board of the Arkansas Bankers Association, extol on the virtues of the community bank. After all, he’s spent the majority of his banking career working in just such Main Street institutions.

What is noteworthy is where and how he gained that perspective, soon after graduating from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1991.

“I was looking for jobs primarily in the finance sector,” said Robinson, a Little Rock native. “A lot of us in my degree field [finance and real estate] were enthralled by the whole Wall Street thing, the junk bond deal that was going on, but banking was also there on the fringe.”

“It was an interesting time; the economy was in a recession and Northwest Arkansas wasn’t the mecca that it is today. I had a friend who had recently started working for the Arkansas State Bank Department and one thing led to another. I thought, ‘there’s probably no place better to get trained than to be a bank examiner’ and that’s what I did.”

For the next four and a half years, Robinson

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crisscrossed the state looking into bank operations large and small. What he saw in The Natural State’s many burgs and hamlets left an impression.

“It was amazing to me; all the numbers, all the regulatory oversight, the rules and regs that had to be followed,” he said. “But most importantly, it was amazing how important community banks were to the towns and cities that I visited. The involvement that I witnessed by the bankers in those communities really has left an indelible mark on me.”

In time, Robinson would leave government work to, in his words, “become a real banker,” joining Central Bank and Trust of Little Rock as an auditor and where he would

Under May’s tutelage, Robinson rose quickly, first as Senior Credit Officer for the El Dorado Simmons affiliate in 2009 and then as President and CEO of that bank in 2010. Today, he’s Community President of the El Dorado Market and a Senior Credit Officer responsible for five community bank markets in South and Northeast Arkansas.

But for all of those accomplishments, the things that guide him to this day – and which informs his role as ABA Chairman of the Board – are the fundamental Main Street values and business ethics he witnessed during the opening stanzas of his career.

“My charge every morning when I get to work is how can I help my community?” he

said. “Banks are a big part of the economic development engine in any community. We loan capital to individuals to start their own business. We lend money to someone to buy their home and most of the time, it’s the biggest investment of anybody’s lifetime, that home purchase. At the end of the day, it’s really pretty simple.”

Robinson says while most community institutions’ credos have remained similarly hometown-focused, banking itself has changed dramatically. These changes have brought great opportunities as well as profound challenges for the industry, challenges he says the ABA is wellpositioned to help members tackle, starting with technology.

“When I started in banking, we were issued a 10-key and we shared these bulky IBMs. Each group had maybe one or two computers and they were the size of a suitcase,” he said. “What we’ve seen from a technological standpoint in our industry has been, well, ‘awesome’ is probably an understatement.”

“Technology helps us be more organized. It helps us become more efficient, meaning more strategic in our deployment of personnel. We do things better and faster when we’re able to help our customers through a digital platform.”

Even so, banks often find themselves in a quandary, caught between consumer demand for ever more immediate access to banking services and the security, cost, and personnel implications that come with providing that capability.

“The fintech drive that we’re seeing in banking now is amazing, but it also creates a lot of headaches that can wake you up in the middle of the night,” he said. “[Banks] have got to be available, everybody expects it now. If you want to know something, you look down on your phone and look it up and you have the answer in 10 seconds or less. Well, that’s no different if you want a loan, want to open a checking account, want to get a credit card, want to know your balance. You name it, customers want access at their fingertips.”

“The challenge is going to be to provide that platform and provide it safely. We have to protect our customers’ information in spite of the dark web, fraud, and identity theft. We have to keep up with the mobsters and criminals trying to hack our databases day in and day out.”

“That’s one of the things that we are hyper focused on as an industry. It’s one of our main focuses right now and I’m not talking about just at the local level, our association, the American Bankers Association sees this as something we really need to focus on as well.”

Robinson said another challenge is dealing with the still-rippling effects of restrictive federal legislation passed in the wake of the mortgage meltdown. These regulatory measures have for the last decade continued to unduly complicate the lending process while pushing cost of compliance skyward.

“What we’ve done at Simmons Bank – and I’m sure it’s the same thing that’s being done by the bank of you-name-the-town – is we continue to try to take care of our communities,” he said.

“We’ve absorbed the compliance cost as best we can, trying to understand what needs to be done so we can be sure we can meet our customers’ wants and needs.”

“Arkansas banks have done all that while continuing to make safe loans using sound underwriting criteria. The data backs all that up. We have some of the best banks in the country.”

Nevertheless, Robinson said statutes such as Dodd Frank – what he termed a “kneejerk reaction” – continue to hurt far more honest players than it roots out scoundrel

operators, ultimately at the expense of the banking public. For this reason, the association steadily keeps up the pressure on legislators to scale back onerous regulatory burdens.

“The community banks across the country played zero to little role in the housing meltdown,” Robinson said flatly. “We were not making bad loans. We were not making loans that caused the problems that we saw in the Countrywides of the world. We were staying our true course, helping our customers buy that home or that family farm of 500 acres; helping the loggers in south Arkansas run one or two crews. But we got painted with a pretty negative brush by politicians and we continue to be painted with that brush. It’s very frustrating.”

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within what is essentially an association within an association.

Robinson said he’s pleased not only with the quality of young bankers Arkansas continues to attract, but the diversity therein as well. It’s a trend he wants to see continue and grow as Chairman of the Board.

“When we talk about Arkansas and we talk about the challenges in the rural communities, we’re first of all talking about over-regulation that cost community banks from a compliance standpoint. It gets to the point that some Main Street banks say we can’t make this type of loan, the regulations are just too burdensome.”

The industry has not sat still in the face of such invasive regulatory interference, Robinson said. He pointed to continued advocacy for the industry before state and federal lawmakers that remains one of the ABA’s top ongoing priorities.

“As an association, we present to our delegation – and we go to Washington twice a year at a minimum – and say ‘We need help. Regulations are hurting the community bank,’” Robinson said.

“Fortunately, we’re blessed in this state to have representation that understands the impact that regulations have had on our industry and how it emanates out and impacts everything else.”

“We had a big win last year, Senate Bill 2155. It’s one of President Trump’s signature pieces of legislation that helped start reforms from a regulatory standpoint.

But [reform] is still in its crawling stages. It’s going to be a long battle and one that the Arkansas Bankers Association will continue to lead the charge on.”

Another issue Robinson wants to keep front and center for the Association is investing in future generations of Arkansas’s bankers.

He applauded the work done thus far

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supporting educational programs that cover topics from commercial banking, lending 101, call center representative training, and the many other workshops and classes that crowd the ABA calendar each month.

“All of us on the ABA Board see that we’ve got to develop the next banking leaders from within the industry,” he said. “There were probably around 175 banks, maybe 180 in the early ‘90s. We’ve got 92 banks now in the state of Arkansas through the mergers and acquisitions that the industry has seen over time.”

“With the contraction that’s happened through M&A, we don’t have the number of banks to draw upon, but we still have a healthy number of bankers in the state, almost 24,000 at the end of 2018. There are leaders there. We’ve got to help identify them and we’ve got to help cultivate them.”

Robinson said in addition to technical and regulatory knowledge, ABA programs help develop the state’s rising young bankers.

One key vehicle for developing this embedded talent is the Emerging Leaders program, which allows young professionals from across the state to serve and develop

“We are certainly seeing diversity in the ranks and we welcome it,” he said.

“There are more and more minorities in key management positions; we certainly see that in our organization here at Simmons, but it is across the industry as well. The glass ceiling was shattered last year when Cathy Owen was named the first chairwoman of the Arkansas Bankers Association, which was too long overdue. The leadership she brought to the association is going to be a tough one to be compared against, incidentally.”

“Equally important, our youth movement aligns with our customers’ demand for technology. The younger bankers know what works in those platforms and they know how it can and should be applied to banking. We’re getting a nice transfusion of technologically minded professionals moving into our industry. That’s long overdue.”

“Having this transfusion of young, technologically savvy folks is going to be beneficial to the banking industry and more importantly, to the customer. And that, of course, is who we go to work for each and every day.”

A graduate of Little Rock Central High School, Robinson has been married for 22 years. He and his wife Leigh Anne have two daughters; Emma Robinson, who is finishing her freshman year at the University of Arkansas and Reaves Robinson who is a rising senior at El Dorado High School. Following high school, Reaves also plans to attend the U of A, following her parents’ and sister’s lead. In addition to time with his family, Ron enjoys spending his free hours golfing and enjoying Arkansas’s time-honored pastimes of hunting and fishing.

2019-2020 ABA Board of Directors Jeff Brecklein

Community President Integrity First Bank, Jonesboro

Group 1

Barry Ledbetter

Wilson Moore

Chief Banking Officer Simmons Bank, Little Rock

Regional President Bank of America, Little Rock

Board Member Since 2018

Board Member Since 2017

Marnie Oldner

CEO Stone Bank, Little Rock Board Member Since 2018

Board Member Since 2013

Randy Scott

Lynn Wright

President & CEO Farmers Bank & Trust Co., Blytheville

President - Arkansas Area Regions Bank, Little Rock Board Member Since 2016

Board Member Since 2018

Johnny Adams

City President First Security Bank, Conway Board Member Since 2017

Group 2

Nathan Gairhan

Lance Lanier

President & CEO United Bank, Springdale

Executive Vice President Citizens Bank & Trust Co., Van Buren

Board Member Since 2019

Board Member Since 2018

George Purvis

Jason Tennant

Board Member Since 2019

Board Member Since 2017

VP/Facilities Director Cornerstone Bank, Eureka Springs

President Cornerstone Bank, Eureka Springs

Group 3 Craig Attwood

David Jessup

Mark Roberts

Board Member Since 2018

Board Member Since 2017

Board Member Since 2018

Lori Ross

Todd Smith

EVP/Director of Banking FBT Bank and Mortgage, Pine Bluff

City President Citizens Bank, Arkadelphia Board Member Since 2017

President & CEO DeWitt Bank & Trust, DeWitt

President Malvern National Bank, Malvern

EVP/Asset Management Farmers Bank & Trust Co., Magnolia Board Member Since 2019

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Marijuana Banking in 2019

By Silvia Garcia Maggio Deputy General Counsel

Last year the most frequently asked topic over at Compliance Alliance was, without a doubt, beneficial ownership. With the effective date for that rule well behind us, today the top BSA question we are getting is about how the heck to deal with marijuana banking. Now the issue with Marijuana Banking is that there are no set definitions and conflict between state and federal laws. Therefore, it’s important to discuss both the definitions that do exist and strategies for the bank to make their own interpretations.

hemp. That plan will have to be approved by the USDA so we’re not free and clear yet. Farmers in states that choose not to have a USDA-approved program will still have the opportunity to grow hemp and produce hemp-based product, but they will be regulated at the federal government level. As can be expected from those last two parameters, hemp producers will have to be licensed and regulated which will mean some level of enhanced due diligence for institutions that choose to bank those customers.

First, the 2018 Farm Bill clarified, from a federal perspective, that hemp cultivation is legal and not just restricted to pilot programs for research purposes which it was before. Importantly, the Act also allows interstate transfer of hemp products.

Also, the passage of the law allows for the sale and possession of hemp-based products, as long as those products are consistent with the parameters of that rule. So, what are the parameters? There are still tight restrictions on this type of product. Hemp under this rule is limited to less than 0.3% THC. Second, the Bill asks state departments of agriculture to create a regulatory framework that would be collaboration between the state’s governor, law enforcement and the United States Department of Agriculture in order to license and regulate

How does any of this help us? It helps us because hemp is derived of the same plant as marijuana – the cannabis plant. However, hemp does not have the same effects as marijuana simply because it does not contain as much of the chemical compound known as THC. This creates a category of product that is legal and not classified as marijuana under the controlled substance act Products that are derived of the same plant but have more THC than allowed that would no longer be considered hemp and instead, would be considered marijuana. As marijuana is still an illegal controlled substance, at the federal level, under the Controlled Substance Act this makes a critical difference to banks that are not banking marijuana-related businesses but will bank legal hemp businesses.

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As the prevalence of marijuana businesses continues to increase, banks have to make risk-based decisions as to whether to bank them and how to determine whether their customer actually is an MRB. That distinction should include an intimate understanding of state laws and definitions and also, a conclusive policy statement as to whether the bank does business with MRBs and what the bank’s definition of an MRB is (is it only a dispensary or grower? Is it a customer who rents retail space to a dispensary?). This process should also include a discussion with the bank’s regulator to understand expectations beyond FinCEN’s stated guidance as there is no other federal regulator that has made any official guidance and state regulatory guidance is varied.

The number one BSA topic thus far in 2019 is how to develop Marijuana Related Business policies and more importantly, how to even define “Marijuana-Related Businesses”. At the moment, there really isn’t federal guidance so banks are having to make those interpretations themselves. There are a variety of methods to go about that - from the three-tier approach to the zero tolerance approach to the “we are choosing not to make an interpretation in our policy” approach. Without a set industry standard, banks are working from scratch via member groups – like C/A huddles – and relying on industry resources like ACAMS to make those interpretations about products that are legal within their own states.

A zero tolerance approach on the interpreting what is a “marijuana-related business” has generally included not doing any business with companies who have any relation to marijuana business, directly or indirectly. Direct marijuana business under this approach includes businesses that grow, distribute, sell or produce items that do not fall under the definition of “hemp” under a state-licensed or federal program. Indirect businesses would include businesses that provide services to those businesses – like landlords and business supply companies. While this is the most conservative approach, it is easy to see the downside. This definition interpretation includes businesses that perhaps did not provide services in the past but do now – like office supply businesses or gardening supply companies. If in the middle of a long-term business relationship – like a closed-end loan – it will be up to the bank to determine how to wrap-up the relationship in order to comply with their own policy. Another approach being taken is the three-tiered risk approach as discussed by ACAMS back in 2016. This approach puts businesses into three different tiers based on risk.

The bank then makes a risk-based interpretation of what the

As marijuana is still an illegal controlled substance, at the federal level, under the Controlled Substance Act this makes a critical difference to banks that are not banking marijuana-related businesses but will bank legal hemp businesses. definition of “marijuana related business” means by deciding whether to bank customers who are Tier 1, Tier 2 and/or Tier 3.

It is important to note that regardless of which approach – regardless of how they interpret (or choose not to interpret what an MRB is) – they must do so with an understanding of what the legal and compliance risk is to the bank and within the scope of the bank’s acceptable risk. As with any change that is not explicitly addressed by banking regulators, it is a best practice to work with the bank’s regulators, the bank’s attorneys to determine state-specific laws, and the state department of banking prior to beginning new products.

Compliance Alliance does have Marijuana Banking tools on the website under the “Marijuana Banking Toolkit” which includes helpful things like an updated manual to help banks sort out how to build a marijuana banking policy.

Silvia Garcia Maggio serves as an Associate General Counsel for Compliance Alliance.

After graduating from The University of Texas School of Law in 2011, Silvia began her career in real property and foreclosure law. Employed by a national mortgage servicer since 2012, Silvia worked on the OCC independent foreclosure audit and in compliance for Enterprise Risk Management, gaining a multitude of experience dealing with multi-state and federal banking regulations. Silvia started with Compliance Alliance in March of 2014. Silvia is part of our team of attorneys who assist CA members with a wide-range of regulatory and compliance inquiries. Over the past year, Silvia has developed and implemented the C/A Minute videos, a series of short, compliance training and refresher videos that leverage the frequently asked questions from the Compliance Alliance hotline. In addition, Silvia regularly presents on a number of compliance topics at regulatory schools and conferences nation-wide.

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RECENT GRADS TO REPEAT CUSTOMERS How to Market to the Next Generation

By Steven Schilling

They’ve got the college diploma in hand.

It’s time for them to move to new cities, sign those job contracts and, if they can afford it, start thinking about purchasing their first homes. For many of today’s graduates, the transition from higher education to the full-time working world can be a daunting, and even unsettling, time of life. The last thing they want to stress about it is where to go for their new checking accounts, Roth IRAs or mortgages.

That’s where financial institutions come in. The time is ripe for banks to connect with graduates to offer them the stability they crave—and need—for their next phases of life. But how can they best showcase their advantages to stand out from their competitors? Small and large banks alike must employ creative and multi-faceted marketing campaigns with the following components: A new spin on traditional mail: Despite being raised on technology, those in their 20s have been known to unplug for more tangible experiences such as exercising, shopping or perusing catalogs.

Take their views on marketing as an example. According to industry reports, these individuals are more likely to feel valued and to trust brands that invest in physical mail advertisements, as well as in digital outreach. Other studies illustrate how companies can achieve response rates up to 30 times higher from twentysomething-year-olds with direct mail.

To add an extra edge, financial entities can complement these campaigns with informed delivery. This automated U.S. Postal Service tool sends advance digital images of print collateral—from postcards to letters—to customers’ email inboxes.

Banks can even add interactive elements such as landing pages or promotional codes to significantly ramp up response rates. The best part about this service? It’s completely free.

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this in mind, banks should double down on their efforts to use this affordable and quick advertising medium.

Compelling, but short videos: Regardless of their target demographics, the best way for banks to get the most bang for their marketing buck is to invest in campaigns with visual elements such as YouTube or Instagram videos. As Ad Week recently noted, all organizations must produce video content if they want to “entice their audience, stay relevant and seize monetization opportunities.” To sway graduates, banks should focus on creating authentic, yet short video content for multiple digital platforms. For instance, financial entities could tell the stories of students who have received lines of credit and gone on to create successful businesses. Or, to target those who want to pursue additional degrees, banks could profile students who have been able to achieve their dreams with the help of affordable student loans.

Straight-to-the-point emails: Today, many companies are opting to focus on social media to the detriment of other traditional marketing platforms like email.

And that’s a mistake. With personalized, relevant and timely e-blast campaigns, banks have the opportunity to create or solidify their relationships with younger customers. A recent report showed 67 percent of these individuals view email as “essential or important to their lives.”

Nearly half said they expected their email use to increase in the next five years. With

Socially-responsible materials: Current graduates are known to be passionate about issues like social justice, environmental protection and corporate responsibility. Banks can appeal to these strong preferences by choosing responsibly-sourced or ethicallymanufactured marketing collateral and promotional products. For example, financial entities could utilize plantable papers and environmentally-friendly inks for their direct mail campaigns. Or, they could choose organic or recycled materials such as BPA-free water bottles, personalized notepads or branded reusable shopping bags.

Consistency: After growing up in the Great Recession, surveys show individuals born between the mid-1990s to mid2000s understandably crave stability, familiarity and comfort when deciding on a brand. Whether banks decide to use island banners or oversized postcards, they should focus on providing these young customers with a continuous authentic message. By utilizing tools such as online marketing portals, entities can ensure brand consistency while tailoring their print collateral for specific bank branches, events or initiatives.

Every new generation of customers brings unique marketing challenges. But with multi-faceted campaigns, banks can seize this new opportunity to turn recent graduates into repeat customers.

Steve Schilling is the director of sales for Magna IV, a more than 40-year-old print and marketing business in Arkansas. For more information, visit magna4.com or email steven@magna4.net.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Check out these upcoming lending events:

SPOTLIGHT

Intro to Universal Banking Banking is experiencing a technological revolution. The rise of smartphones, tablets, video tellers and other forms of electronic banking is diminishing the number of in-branch transactions.

Branch footprints are shrinking when new branches open or old locations are remodeled. However, the need for sound financial advice continues to grow in all age groups and demographics.

Banks must begin to address how they manage staffing in this new environment. Each bank must develop its own model for Universal Banking to meet all of the constraints with the branch, bank and competitive environment.

On the Agenda ▪ Gather research on branch trends and develop insights on how to apply to your bank

▪ Learn best practice decision-making from experienced panelists who will speak to:

Who Should Attend:

Bank Directors Executive Management Senior Bank Officers

When:

Facilities, Operations and Technology Human Resources, Training, and Communication ▪ Develop a framework for action planning at your own bank For more information, or to register for the Introduction to Universal Banking Seminar, log on to www.arkbankers.org or call (501) 376-3741.

Thursday, July 11, 2019 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Where:

Arkansas Bankers Association 1220 West Third Street, Little Rock

Business Development for the Bank Officer This seminar is designed to assist in the development of the skills and processes necessary to“WIN”the business development game. How do we differentiate ourselves from the competition? We will explore the development of personal sales skills and the qualities that successful sales people possess. There will be a thorough review of precall planning and documenting the sales process. This is a hands-on session with a strong tilt toward actionable ideas.

On the Agenda

Self-evaluation of your sales skills Building referral networks Developing an effective call plan How to conduct an information gathering call Cross-selling tools High quality customer service Making presentations (group & individual) For more information, or to register for the Business Development for the Bank Officer Seminar, log on to www.arkbankers.org or call (501) 376-3741.

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Who Should Attend: Branch Managers Marketing Officers Loan Officers

When:

Monday, July 22, 2019 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Where:

Arkansas Bankers Association 1220 West Third Street, Little Rock

MEMBER NEWS Southern Bancorp Names New Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Janie Ginocchio to lead organization’s policy agenda and advocacy efforts Southern Bancorp announced the hiring of Janie Ginocchio as the new Director of Public Policy and Advocacy. In this role, Ginocchio will advocate for public policies in Arkansas, Mississippi, and at the federal level that create economic opportunity in underserved communities and empower individuals to save, reduce debt, and increase their net worth.

She will also lead research and publication initiatives around these issues.

The new position, as well as the public policy program as a whole, is administered and guided by Southern Bancorp Community Partners (SBCP), the financial development nonprofit and loan fund partner to Southern Bancorp which shares the overall mission of creating economic opportunity in rural and financially underserved communities.

“Southern has a long history of being active in the public policy arena, from supporting policies that encourage economic mobility in rural and underserved communities to opposing measures that would hinder economic growth and strip wealth from those same places,” said Darrin Williams, Southern Bancorp, Inc. CEO. “Janie’s wealth of experience is perfect for helping lead and grow our efforts as well as our impact.”

“Her extensive policy analysis background also provides us with

a strong foundation for bringing evidence-based research and writing on our issues to bear in the public policy sphere,” added Karama Neal, Southern Bancorp Community Partners President.

“This type of research will be extremely valuable as we advocate for policies that help families build wealth and increase economic mobility.”

An Arkansas native, Ginocchio championed systems and policy change for vulnerable populations during her tenure as lead policy and program analyst for the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC) and as the coordinator for the Arkansas Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience Workgroup. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Georgetown University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Arkansas – Little Rock.

“Southern Bancorp’s mission to create economic opportunity in rural and underserved areas guides our efforts to create policy environments where everyone has the tools to achieve financial security,” Ginocchio said. “Individuals and families with strong economic foundations are the key to vibrant communities, and it is an honor to support this mission by leading Southern’s thought leadership and advocacy efforts in markets throughout Arkansas, Mississippi, and beyond.”

Arvest Bank Kicks Off Ninth Year of Fighting Hunger Spring Campaign Means More Food and Funds in Summer Months Arvest Bank’s Million Meals initiative challenges bank associates, customers and community members to participate in fundraising efforts and nonperishable food drives to fight hunger in the more than 135 communities the bank serves. The initiative is needed, as Arkansas ranks 2nd among the most food-insecure states in the nation, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Arvest kicked off the two-month, bank-wide effort to provide at least one million meals to local, hungry families, and it will continue through June 1. The initiative will conclude later that month, when donations are presented to 70-plus locally selected organizations that feed the hungry in their communities.

Arvest in Little Rock has partnered with the Arkansas Food Bank for the duration of the initiative. All donations received will go to the food bank to provide meals to local, hungry families. Central Arkansas residents can participate in Million Meals by dropping off nonperishable food items or making monetary donations at any of the Arvest branches in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Maumelle, Benton, Bryant, Sherwood, Lonoke, Jacksonville, Cabot, Conway or Morrilton, or calling (866) 952-9523 or using

the Arvest Go mobile app. Every dollar raised through Million Meals provides the equivalent of five meals for those in need.

“We approach this campaign with excitement every year, knowing that it energizes communities to pull together and reduce food insecurity in their area,” said Jim Cargill, president and CEO of Arvest Bank in central Arkansas. “Last year, total donations set a new record of 2.1 million meals that we distributed to local food partners across the four states we serve. We’re hoping for another great response so we can stock shelves for months to come.”

Arvest is conducting its annual initiative in the spring again this year due to the fact food banks report an increased need for food items in the summer, when many children do not have the benefit of eating meals at the schools they attend. According to the Food Research and Action Center, for example, the average daily student participation in the Summer Nutrition Program in Arkansas is just 10.7 percent of the average daily student participation in the National School Lunch Program.

Donations to food banks also tend to be lower in the spring and summer than at other times of the year. For more information about Million Meals, visit arvest.com.

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MEMBER NEWS

Cornerstone Bank Unveils New Harrison Banking Center Charlie Cross, Chief Executive Officer, Cornerstone Bank, is pleased to announce Cornerstone Bank’s newest location at 1426 Hwy 65 N in Harrison. The bank celebrated its entry into Boone County with a ribbon cutting, food, door prizes and giveaways during the two-hour event.

Cross stated, “We are absolutely thrilled to introduce the citizenry of the Harrison area to our newest full-service banking center and would like to extend an invitation to stop by and see what we hope will make them proud. Our company has been blessed with continued growth and this is a fantastic opportunity for us to show appreciation to those that have placed their trust in us during the two years we have had a presence in Harrison, as well as introduce others to our personalized brand of true community banking.”

L-R Jason Tennant, President; Lorrie Trogden, ABA CEO & President; Charlie Cross, CEO; John Cross, Chairman; Nate Wilson, Harrison Market President.

Cornerstone is a $310 million-dollar Northwest Arkansas based community bank that has been one of the fastest growing

financial institutions in the state during the past several years.

The local bank has six locations throughout the region.

Arvest Bank Receives U.S. Small Business Administration Honor The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently honored a group of lenders – including Arvest Bank – for their commitment to providing critical capital to South Central Region businesses in 2018.

The recognition was part of the annual Mid America Lender’s Conference (MALC), held April 8-10 this year in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Arvest was honored as the Arkansas District’s Impact Lender of the Year due to its strong and longstanding commitment to the SBA lending program. Arvest has topped Arkansas’

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SBA lender list for the past five years, and in 2018, made 54 7(a) guaranty loans, totaling more than $21 million.

Additionally, since 2014, Arvest has supported small business in Arkansas with 321 loans totaling more than $104 million, which supported an estimated 3,000 jobs in the state.

“The impact of these high-achieving, dedicated lenders can be felt throughout our communities as they supply needed finding to entrepreneurs to start or expand small businesses and create goodpaying American jobs that help strengthen our economy,” regional administrator Justin Crouse said in a news release issued by the SBA.

BANKER NEWS & MOVES Stone Bank Adds New Branch Manager and Loan Officer In Mountain View

been actively engaged in the banking industry for the past 30 years.

Kendall Stubbs of Mountain View has joined Stone Bank in Mountain View as the Branch Manager and Abby Baldridge, also of Mountain View, has joined the bank as a Loan Officer.

Bill is a life-long resident in the North Little Rock / Sherwood area and received his BS in Accounting from Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Bill also is a graduate of Southwestern Graduate School of Banking.

Stubbs was most recently the teller supervisor for Centennial Bank in Mountain View and has held management positions with First Security Bank in Mountain View.

IBERIABANK Announces Central Arkansas Market President

Baldridge was the branch manager and loan officer for First Security Bank in Mountain View and branch manager at First Arkansas Bank and Trust in Heber Springs. She is a member of the board of Stone County United Way.

Arkansas State Bank Department Hires Senior Examiner The Arkansas State Bank Department hired William “Bill” Whitmore as a Senior Examiner. Bill previously served as a Senior Examiner at the Bank Department and has

IBERIABANK is pleased to announce that Jay Meador has been named Executive Vice President and Central Arkansas Market President.

Meador rejoins the Company bringing nearly 20 years of experience in the banking and finance industries in the Central Arkansas region.

He most recently served as Commercial Lending Manager at Simmons Bank, managing their Central Arkansas commercial banking team. He previously served as Arkansas Private Banking President after launching that division for Simmons. Prior to that role Meador served as Senior Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager for

eight years at IBERIABANK in Central Arkansas.

“We are excited to have Jay lead our Central Arkansas region,” says Greg Smithers, Arkansas and Tennessee Regional President. “Arkansas remains important to our organization and Jay’s extensive years in commercial and private banking leadership roles will leverage the strong momentum that our Central Arkansas team has experienced. He knows this region very well and he brings a great deal of experience and connectivity to clients and the community from his banking career.”

A long-time resident of Little Rock, Meador is active in the community where he serves as a board member for Young Life Westside and the Downtown Little Rock Partnership. He served as past President of the Board for Family Home of Little Rock and is a past member of the Envoys at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Center. He earned his Master in Business Administration from Vanderbilt University and his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University.

and feel Eddie will be a great addition and will help enhance our customer experience,” said Bill Puddephatt, President of our Little Rock Market.

Eddie Ramsey was raised in Bismark, AR and is a 1992 graduate of Ouachita Baptist University, where he majored in Business Administration and Economics. He began his banking career in 1993 with Bank of Malvern. Eddie and his wife Holly have called Benton, AR home since 1998.

They have two children, Wesley Ramsey and Audrey Walley. Eddie and Holly are the proud grandparents of one grandchild Henson Walley.

Eddie has served as past board member of the Saline County Kiwana’s and Habit for Humanity.

“Our Little Rock team is proud to have Eddie join us and we feel strongly that his strong banking background will be an asset to our Little Rock Team, and most importantly to our customers,” said Tom Grumbles, CEO and President of First Service Bank.

First Service Bank Expands Its Little Rock Team First Service Bank announced that Eddie Ramsey has been hired as Lending Manager & Loan Officer in our Little Rock market.

“We are excited to be expanding our lending team

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BANKER NEWS & MOVES Grand State Bank Promotes Diana Kinyon to VP/Secondary Market Manager Grand Savings Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Diana Kinyon to Vice President, Secondary Market Manager and Originator.

Diana has been with GSB’s Siloam Springs location for the last 4 years and has more than 28 years of experience in secondary market mortgage lending. In her own words, Diana says she found her niche with mortgage lending and helping people at every stage of life. Whether purchasing a first home, a forever home, or refinancing a home to make life a little easier, Diana loves “going home at night knowing I helped someone. This is why I love what I do and where I do it.”

Diana formerly served on the Gravette Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors and currently is a member of the Civitan Group in Siloam Springs.

Citizens Bank Promotes Sandefur to New Leadership Role

Union Bank of Mena Annonces Staff Promotions and Additions Philip Hensley, President & CEO, Union Bankshares, Inc. has announced staff promotions and additions.

Melina Sawyer has been promoted to Assistant Vice

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President of Lending at Union Bank of Mena. Sawyer previously served as a Loan Officer at Union Bank of Mena.

She attained her Business Administration Degree at Judson College in Marion, Alabama. Sawyer currently serves as a Board Member for the local Salvation Army and Mena Lioness Lions Club.

Rob Floyd has been hired as Controller and Senior Vice President of Union Bankshares, Inc. Floyd was previously employed by Ironhorse Financial Group as a Controller and holds an Accounting Degree from Arkansas Tech University. He is a member of the Arkansas Society of CPA’s and the Financial Manager’s Society.

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Jerrod Sandefur has been promoted to Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at Citizens Bank, according to Micah Beard, North Central Arkansas Market President for Citizens Bank.

May 2019

Sandefur has extensive experience in banking and business, and joined Citizens Bank in 2016 as a Commercial Loan Officer.

“Jerrod has been an integral part of directing the bank’s highly successful Impact Loan & Grant Program,” Beard said. “This Citizens Bank program has provided millions of dollars in loans to numerous projects that have helped rejuvenate the vitality of Historic Downtown Batesville.”

Sandefur attended the University of Central Arkansas where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing.

He currently serves in Board positions with Habitat for Humanity of Independence County, Main Street Batesville and Vital Link. He and his wife, Erin, have three children and attend Fellowship Bible Church.

IBERIABANK Announces Northeast Arkansas President IBERIABANK is pleased to announce that Michael A. Hallmark has been named Senior Vice President and Northeast Arkansas Market President.

Hallmark most recently served as IBERIABANK’s Northeast Arkansas Market Manager. He joined the Company in 2006 at where

he served as Treasury Management Sales Officer for Arkansas and Tennessee, followed by his role as Commercial Relationship Manager and more recently Commercial Group Manager for the Northeast Arkansas region.

“We are excited to have Michael lead our Northeast Arkansas region,” says Greg Smithers, IBERIABANK Arkansas and Tennessee Regional President. “Arkansas remains important to our organization and we are excited to have a leader of his caliber and experience in this role. He knows this region very well and he brings a great deal of experience and connectivity to clients and the community from his banking career.”

Hallmark is very involved in the community where he serves as a current member of Jonesboro Unlimited with the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, is Past President of Jonesboro Young Professionals, Past President and Board Member of United Way of Northeast Arkansas, and a Board member of NEA Baptist Community Foundation.

He is graduate of Arkansas State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He resides in Jonesboro with his wife, Lauren, and their two children.

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2019 The Arkansas Banker n

Generations Bank @generationsbankar Our Fayetteville and Rogers branches had a blast at #BattleoftheBanks last night bowling and supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas.

Armor Bank

because #BankersGiveBack!

Legacy National Bank

April 27 at 3:27 PM Legacy employees went PINK raising funds for the Susan G Komen Ozark More Than Pink Walk! #BankersGiveBacl

527 likes We were happy to be able to provide 40 cases of bottled water for the St. Francis Food Pantry Easter meal! #armorbank

Let us share your story...

Jessica, Kami, Lauren and 237 others Like

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Comment

Email photos + stories of your bank giving back to be highlighted in The Arkansas Banker and through ABA Social Media channels to jessica.sahene@arkbankers.org.