Professional Development Round Table: Three Arkansas Bankers Share Their Perspectives
Connie Allmond
Senior VP/Human Resources Officer Farmers & Merchants Bank Stuttgart, Arkansas
Scott Hancock Division President Centennial Bank Fayetteville, Arkansas
What is the importance of professional development for your employees? CA Farmers and Merchants Bank wants our employees to succeed in their roles. If our employees feel prepared this contributes to selfesteem and prepares them for the next position within the bank.
SH
While experience still provides the best development for employees of any organization at any levels, external training remains a vital ingredient to the overall picture of success during an employee’s tenure.
DW
With all the changes that have taken place in banking over the last 20 years, and the potential changes on the horizon, it’s more
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The Arkansas Banker | January 2017
Dana Worstell Corporate Trainer Southern Bancorp West Helena, Arkansas
important than ever for our staff to keep growing and learning. Because of Southern Bancorp’s unique structure and mission, we have an equally unique staff make-up, which makes ongoing professional development a top priority.
What is the benefit of professional development for your bank as a whole? CA The bank can provide better customer service, productivity, and employee retention.
SH Technological advances provide great resources for both the bank and the customer; however, they can also provide barriers.
