The Arkansas Banker November 2018

November 2018

President & CEO of the

Arkansas Bankers Association

Lorrie Trogden

Volume CI, No. 11

ABA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LIVE EVENTS

DECEMBER 2018

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

Women in Banking Conference December 5-6, 2018 Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock Who Should Attend: All women working in and around banking, looking to further their careers and expand their professional network!

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

7

IRA Advanced Update

28-31 Compliance School

26

Bank Security Hot Topics

7-8

28

Basic Personal & Business Tax Return Analysis

20-21 CBSM Certification

30

3 4

Basics of Banking

APRIL

MAY

Cash Flow Analysis

8

Tax Return Analysis

14-15 TRID Refresh

16-18 ABA Annual Convention

Call Report Prep

16 Key Ratio Analysis

22-26 Commercial Lending

School 25

Loan Assistants & Processors Training

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

2

MARCH

23-24 Foundations of Commercial Lending

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Real Estate Lending Compliance

11-12 Consumer Lending School

4

6

JUNE

Intro to Consumer Lending Advanced BSA Brush-Up

12-13 CBCM Certification

November 2018 COLUMNS

Volume CI, No. 11

Chairman’s Column

4

Cathy Owen

Washington Update

6

Rob Nichols

Government Relations:

7

Open Comment Periods

Commissioner’s Comments

8

DEPARTMENTS

Candace Franks

Professional Development Live Events Webinars AmBA Training Spotlight: Compliance School Spotlight: Introduction to Commercial Lending

Banker News & Moves

2 5 7 25 25

26

THE WOMEN IN BANKING ISSUE 10

Trogden Named ABA President & CEO

13

14

You Need a Mentor...

Here’s How to Find One

Girl Banker Seeks to Influence Gender Mix

by Debbie Peterson

16

Meet the Women of the Arkansas Bankers Association

20

21

Embrace Your Evolution

Women & Money:

The Economics Arkansas Approach

by Sarah Noll Wilson

22 The Arkansas Banker Online

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

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.

Marketing to Generation Z

by Sarah Sauceda

SAYS If you had to pick a favorite holiday, what would it be?

by Claudia Utley

24

State Law Shifts and the Impact on the Financial Community

SURVEY

by Anna Cushing

Random question.

Random bankers.

Interesting results.

Columbus Day Christmas Eve Easter Festivus Memorial Day Presidents Day Valentine’s Day

47%

4% 4%

Christmas

32

Independence Day

%

Thanksgiving November 2018

by Heidi Glover

Halloween The Arkansas Banker

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CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN Women in Banking

ABA OFFICERS

Please join me in congratulating Lorrie Trogden, on her unanimous election as our new Arkansas Bankers Association President and CEO. She quickly hit the ground running. After only four days on the job, she was off to New York for the American Bankers Annual Conference and her first meeting with the leadership of other State Banking Associations. A few days later, she was asked to participate in the OCC’s Southern District Trade Executive Conference in Dallas, for discussions on the risks and issues affecting national banks and federal savings associations. Her experience in leadership and government relations have been hard at work advocating on our behalf and playing defense for the upcoming legislative session. Lorrie has not let any grass grow under her feet!

Cathy Owen, Chairman

Lorrie’s election has helped make this a truly historical year for Women in Banking, as it relates to our Association. She is the first female to hold the title of President and CEO and I am the first female to serve as Chairman of our Association, in its 128-year history. We do not take lightly our positions and are working very hard to positively represent the bankers of our state and our Association. I am hopeful we not only serve as role models for other women, but that we also serve as role models to men by encouraging them to offer career pathing to women that will allow them to realize their full potential.

Arvest Bank, Little Rock

Although women are lagging in leadership roles, I do believe more doors are opening daily for women in banking. To fill these roles, women must take more risks and be prepared for the challenges. Women often focus on trying to be perfect, which results in them feeling like they are constantly failing or falling behind. They should instead focus on professional and respectful communication, being prepared and well organized, and building their confidence. Learn to be a good listener, so that you not only hear what is being said, but also what is not being said. Be a positive influence on team members and encourage interaction.

Eagle Bank & Trust, Little Rock

Rob Robinson, IV, Chairman-Elect Simmons Bank, El Dorado

Jonathan Harrell, Vice Chairman Generations Bank, Rogers

Jim Cargill, Treasurer Dave Dickson, Past Chairman Union Bank & Trust Co., Monticello

Lorrie P. Trogden, President & CEO Arkansas Bankers Association, Little Rock

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Johnny Adams, Conway Craig Attwood, Pine Bluff

I also believe women often set themselves up for failure by wanting everything right now, and failing to consider their stage in life. Although I have worked throughout my children’s lives, I certainly could not have been in many of the roles I’ve had in recent years and maintained a healthy family-marriage-work balance, while they were young. Technology certainly makes working away from the office easier, but children demand and deserve our full attention, as does our spouse. Early and late meetings, along with community commitments can be difficult to manage, with a young family. It can also be hard to leave issues at the office. These are some of the challenges women often face, that male counterparts may not understand.

Jeff Brecklein, Jonesboro

All of us are only as good as our team. Our success and that of our bank is not due to our own personal achievements, but through the success of others that carry out the bank’s strategy and vision. It is more important than ever for us to hire and promote the most qualified people and continue to grow and nurture them, as they are critical to our continued success.

David Jessup, DeWitt

Chip Blanchard, Russellville Gene Crawford, Batesville David Dowd, Wynne Don Gibson, Springdale Chris Gosnell, Magnolia Lance Lanier, Van Buren Barry Ledbetter, Little Rock Wilson Moore, Little Rock Marnie Oldner, Little Rock Mark Roberts, Malvern Lori Ross, Arkadelphia Randy Scott, Blytheville

Cathy Owen | Chairman

Chairman of Eagle Bank & Trust, Little Rock

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Jason Tennant, Eureka Springs Lynn Wright, Little Rock

ABA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

DECEMBER 2018

WEBINARS

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

Monday, December 3

Monday, December 10

Monday, December 17

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

Residential Construction Lending 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Preparation, Risk, and Critical Robbery Procedures 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 4

Tuesday, December 11

Tuesday, December 18

Developing and Documenting a CRA Assessment Area 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Notary Public 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Regulation E Error Resolutions and Disputes 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Basic Bankruptcy for Bankers 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 5 IRS Information Reporting: Rules and Forms 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Loan Documentation 101: Basic Secured Loan Documentation 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 6 Loan Documentation 101: Lien Perfection, Business Collateral 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

New Account Interview Business Accounts: CIP, Risk and More 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 12 Quarterly Compliance Briefing: Winter 2018 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Overdrafts 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 13 Information Security Program Frameworks 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The Five Pillars of BSA 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

20 Legal Account Ownerships, Titles & More 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Friday, December 7

Friday, December 14

Excel 101: Introduction to Spreadsheets 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Signature Card Contracts 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

10 Deadly Habits of Dysfunctional Teams and What to Do About Them 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 19 BSA Year End Round Up 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Compliance for Commercial Lenders-Issues for the Unwary 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 20 Common Check Scams Against Your Customer 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Basic Personal and Business Tax Return Analysis 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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

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WASHINGTON UPDATE Keeping Pace With Change If you are like many of the hundreds of bankers I have talked to since joining ABA three years ago, odds are you have an issue with your core provider. Yes, these companies are critical partners, and they deliver many excellent services in a professional and dependable manner. But when it comes to offering you the agility you need to keep pace with technological innovations, they may leave you lacking.

That’s not to say that the industry’s primary core providers aren’t developing new products— but they do not always produce the ones you want to offer your customers or enable you to engage with those vendors that do.

None of this would pose an insurmountable obstacle it if weren’t for the fact that breaking up with a core is exceedingly difficult. The contracts are long, your provider options are limited, conversion is a bear and a single bank’s leverage is almost nonexistent.

So what can a bank do? Individually, options are limited, but collectively we can make a difference. That’s why I recently wrote to the leaders of the three major core providers on bankers’ behalf. The message, delivered respectfully: Empower community banks with the modern technology demanded by today’s competitive marketplace. That means either delivering technology solutions themselves or, if they cannot, allowing banks to engage with other vendors that can.

I invited each to engage with AmBA and our new Core Platforms Committee, which is composed of community bankers charged with identifying concrete ways we can address these challenges. The need for action is urgent, and I’m confident our committee and the core providers will respond accordingly.

As we work to resolve this here-and-now issue, community bankers must also be focused on the future. Given the rapid and constant pace of innovation in the fintech space, it’s vital that banks as well as the associations that represent them are nimble and responsive to new opportunities.

With that in mind, AmBA recently made an innovative, direct investment in Summit Technology Group, an emerging company that is helping banks and other businesses migrate to the cloud.

We view this action, which followed a thorough vetting process by our staff experts and board members, as an investment in the future. It offers not just an opportunity for a return on our investment, but also better positioning for our members.

We won’t stop there. AmBA’s board has directed us to consider additional opportunities to invest in fintech companies that we expect to have an important impact on banking. We’ll specifically look for those that have a strong business model in a growth sector, that help banks in efficient and innovative ways and that benefit you.

We’re doing this for the same reason you are exploring new technologies to serve your customers. And because we know how hard it is to focus on the future when the present has challenges of its own.

Banks are used to technology transforming the way we do business—that’s not new. (After all, banks were fintech before fintech was cool.) It’s the pace of innovation that’s new—and it won’t stop.

As the head of Google’s R&D arm tells Tom Friedman in the book Thank You for Being Late, the days of static stability are over, and we must learn to live in a new state of “dynamic stability”—the kind of balance you get when riding a bike, not trying to stand still on one.

AmBA and your state association are committed to helping you find and keep that balance, and to helping you keep pace with change, so that your banks can continue to grow and succeed.

Rob Nichols

President & CEO, American Bankers Association

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© 2018 American Bankers Association. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ABA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

AmBA TRAINING

AmBA Training includes extensive learning opportunities suited to specific job roles, in both facilitated and selfpaced 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 Marketing Planning 12/10/2018 - 1/11/2019 The Banking Industry 1/14/2019 - 2/8/2019 Consumer Lending 1/14/2019 - 5/3/2019 Fundamentals of Mortgage Lending 1/14/2019 - 2/22/2019 Marketing in Banking 1/14/2019 - 2/8/2019 Bank Lines of Business 1/21/2019 - 2/15/2019 Marketing Management 1/22/2019 - 2/15/2019 Analyzing Bank Performance 1/28/2019 - 3/15/2019 Managing Funding, Liquidity, and Capital 1/28/2019 - 3/1/2019 Building Customer Relationships 2/4/2019 - 3/1/2019 Commercial Lending 2/4/2019 - 4/26/2019 For more information about AmBA Training, log on to arkbankers.org or call 501.376.3741.

Federal Feedback: You’re The Expert Engage in transforming what is to what should be. Your voice on federal regulation matters. There are nine proposed rules and regulations changes open for comment that close in November. Take a few minutes and speak up about changes in our profession! Log on to www.arkbankers.org to submit comments on these and other upcoming regulatory issues: Reforming the Community Reinvestment Act Regulatory Framework Comments Close November 19, 2018 The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is soliciting ideas for building a new framework to modernize the regulations that implement the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977. These types of revisions would align with the transformation of the banking industry and reduce the complexity, ambiguity, and burden associated with the regulations.

Covered Savings Associations Comments Close November 19, 2018 The proposed rule would require covered savings associations to divest, conform, or discontinue nonconforming subsidiaries, assets, and activities so as not operate in a manner that would be impermissible for national banks.

Disclosure of Financial and Other Information by FDIC Insured State Nonmember Banks Comments Close November 26, 2018 The FDIC proposes to rescind and remove its regulations relating to the disclosure of financial and other information by FDIC-insured state nonmember banks. Upon the removal of the regulations, all insured state nonmember banks and insured state-licensed branches of foreign banks would no longer be subject to the annual disclosure statement requirement found in those regulations.

SBA Express Loan Programs; Affiliation Standards Comments Close November 27, 2018 The U.S. Small Business Administration is proposing to amend various regulations governing its business loan programs, including the SBA Express and Export Express Loan Programs and the Microloan and Development Company (504) loan programs.

Regulatory Capital Treatment for HVCRE Comments Close November 27, 2018 FDIC, FED, and OCC proposed to amend the regulatory capital rule to revise the definition of high volatility commercial real estate (HVCRE) exposures. The revision is intended to conform to the statutory definition of high volatility commercial real estate acquisition, development, or construction (HVCRE ADC) loan, in accordance with section 214 of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection (EGRRCP) Act. Agency Information Collection Activities Comments Close November 30, 2018 In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection is requesting to renew the Office of Management and Budget approval for an existing information collection titled, “Generic Information Collection Plan for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on the Service Delivery of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.”

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COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS Women in Banking in 2018

2018 – What a year this has been! The banking industry in Arkansas is as strong as ever and we are very optimistic as we look to close the books for 2018 and begin to plan and develop strategies for 2019 and beyond. I assume many of you are also in this same period of reflection and planning for your institutions. Although I do want to speak on the topic of women in the banking sector, I would be remiss if I did not take the time to provide a brief background of where we are in the state as an industry. As my staff and I travel the state, we see positive activity in many areas and especially in the banking sector.

Arkansas banks stand at 94 with roughly $106 billion in total assets as of June 30, 2018. This level of assets reflects continued growth for our institutions and we anticipate additional increases in total assets for the foreseeable future. Overall, Arkansas banks are very healthy and their balance sheets are poised to take advantage of opportunities in the coming years.

As I have said many times, banking in Arkansas has historically operated at a high level and with much success. We typically are insulated from the extreme highs and lows of economic cycles. Although we may be insulated, we are not immune. As the newly appointed Commissioner and first female Bank Commissioner in Arkansas in 2007, I was deeply engaged from the beginning with all of the impacts and challenges that our banks experienced during the recession that followed my appointment. It was a very trying period for our financial institutions, but I am so proud of the dedication and commitment our bankers made to ensure that the industry and consumers were in safe and capable hands. Arkansas banks weathered the storm as well as could be expected.

I have been involved in banking for 38 years. While I have worked with our institutions through all types of economic cycles, I have also seen firsthand the evolution of women’s presence and roles in the banking industry, and I am very proud of the progress that has occurred. In 2014 – 2015 when I was elected Chairman of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, I noticed through my interaction with all of our state bank departments, the increase in the number of women in leadership roles. But we certainly need more women involved at the highest levels of their institutions in the years ahead. 2018 has been an amazing year for women in the banking industry in Arkansas. In April of this year, we celebrated the election of my longtime friend and colleague Cathy Owen as Chairman of the Arkansas Bankers Association. As you know, Cathy’s appointment marked the first time a female has held the position of Chairman of the Arkansas Bankers Association since it was formed in 1891! To say it was long overdue is an understatement. Under Cathy’s leadership, and with the dedicated team of staff, officers and board members, the Arkansas Bankers Association has completed another successful year. I am so pleased to see yet another area where women are excelling in this industry. The recent announcement of Lorrie Trogden to serve as the next President & CEO of the Arkansas Bankers Association represents another first – the first female to oversee the association since its inception. I can’t think of two better examples of where women are engaging in leadership roles in the banking industry. Congratulations to both Cathy and Lorrie!

Although women have made huge strides in earning executive and senior level positions in an industry that in the not too distant past was considered a man’s domain, women still have a long way to go to achieve professional parity in banking. For many years, banking was one of the many professions that when the word “banker” was mentioned, one automatically pictured a man. I believe those of you

Commissioner Candace Franks Arkansas State Bank Department

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© 2018 American Bankers Association. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

reading this article, both men and women, can help shift that age old premise that banking is more of a man’s profession. In fact, I challenge all of us to help gain and grow diversity within our industry.

In closing, I would like to share some thoughts on how we can help gain gender diversity in the banking sector. First, consider creating programs targeted toward the professional development and advancement of new and current female employees. Second, if you do not currently have a management training program, establish one for all interested and qualified employees and encourage women to participate. Third, if you do not actively recruit prospective officers out of college or from other industries, increase your recruitment efforts and be on the lookout for qualified women in particular. Talk and listen to your female tellers and back-office employees and tell them that if they are interested, professional advancement opportunities are available.

Some of the largest finance firms in the United States – J.P. Morgan Chase, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley – have adopted more targeted programs in recent years to establish strong pipelines of female talent. The results of these initiatives are encouraging. Women who participate in these programs have found more sponsors, have outpaced their peers in promotions and have tended to remain in banking longer. I encourage everyone to establish comparable initiatives to challenge the “glass ceiling” in Arkansas and to give your female employees every opportunity to earn a more proportionate share of executive and senior level positions in our state’s banks.

ONGOING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

About the GSB Online Seminar Series Offering a convenient and cost-effective way to participate in educational opportunities, these programs are designed specifically for financial professionals and delivered by some of today’s top industry experts. The use of state-of-the-art audio and video technology ensures a quality, interactive learning experience. Relevant, bank-specific topics provide a solid educational value for you and your staff.

Registration includes: • One connection into the online seminar presentation—invite others to participate through the same connection at no additional cost • Handouts and other resource material • Unlimited access to the recording of live, online seminar presentations for 90 days after the conclusion of the program • Access to industry experts and nationally known speakers from the convenience of your office

Educating Professionals, Creating Leaders GSB_OLSAd_ArkBankr_7.25x5_1217.indd 1

2018

GSB ONLINE SEMINAR SERIES

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Building for the

Trogden of the Arkansas Lorrie Payne Trogden began her role as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Arkansas Bankers Association on October 16, 2018. She marks the ninth CEO of the organization, and the first woman to fill the role.

When she was a kid, Trogden wanted to be a lawyer. Not just any lawyer, but the quick-witted, able-minded defense attorney Perry Mason.

While she didn’t end up in the court room, Trogden is completely comfortable in the board room, and is ready to take on the challenges of leading Arkansas bankers in pursuit of a stronger statewide banking climate.

A Solid Foundation

Arkansas born and raised, Trogden was the first college graduate on either side of her family.

“My mother engrained in me from the time I was a small child that I could be anything I wanted to be, I could do whatever I wanted to do: I was going to college, I was going to have a good career, and regardless of what path that took me down – whether I wanted to be a lawyer or I wanted to be the president,” Trogden said. “She instilled confidence in me that there are no limits, you can be whatever it is you set out to be, but you have to put in the work behind it.”

So what happened to that dream of becoming Perry Mason? Trogden worked as a 9-11 operator and dispatcher during college and caught an in-person glimpse of the criminal element. She realized that criminal law might not be the right fit, and changed her trajectory toward business law with a goal of attending law school part-time while working post-graduation.

But after college, Trogden drifted away from the plans of law school. She began a career in human resources, spending time at Acxiom, Stocks Mortgage Incorporated, and Alltel.

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Future: Named President & CEO

Bankers Association “I was ‘raised’ in my career by several strong business-oriented women, so I had a lot of good examples to look up to who were more than capable of doing the job, they did great, they excelled, they were well-known,” Trogden said of her work at Acxiom and Alltel.

Following the Verizon buyout of Alltel, she knew it was time for a change and accepted the role of Associate Executive Director & Director of Government Relations at the Arkansas Bar Association.

“It’s funny that eventually I ended up working for thousands of lawyers with the Bar Association for ten years,” Trogden said.

Grounded in Government Relations

Trogden holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Central Arkansas, a field she chose for a number of reasons – including that it parlayed well with her goal of getting a law degree. Bigger than that, it just sparked her interest.

related,” Trogden said, adding, “it’s been interesting to see that banks are committed to protecting their customers. They don’t want them going into a bad loan just to make a loan. I find that refreshing and appreciate that they are acting as watchdogs for their customers and community.”

In terms of advocacy, Trogden’s plan is to stay engaged. “We need to make sure that regulators don’t go overboard as they’re recrafting banking regulations.

It’s important that we help advocate on behalf of our bankers for the tailored regulation that’s needed.”

she would eventually want to move into an executive director role and felt the business coursework would round out her skillset.

After completing the degree program, she went on to attain the Certified Association Executive endorsement through the American Society of Association Executives to garner an association-focused perspective.

Trogden likens running an association to running a small business.

“When it comes to Association work and government relations, maintaining relationships is the name of the game no matter what you’re doing, and there is a right way to go about sharing the knowledge you have and how important it is to the conversation,” she said.

After working with the Bar Association for five years, she began pursuing a master’s degree in operations management from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She knew that

“The joy of the association world is that no two days are typically ever the same, and your work touches every area of

Anchored in Associations

She remains active in the Arkansas Society of Association Executives.

“I love the political aspect of running for office, and serving in office,” she said.

“I find politics so interesting, how that mechanism works all the way from the government as a whole down to the individual legislator level.”

Her philosophy minor also gave her a strong basis in logic, analytics, and critical thinking.

Much of her government relations experience at the Bar Association was focused at the state-level, but with just a month on the job at the ABA, she has been exposed to federal government regulation and the many bankingrelated regulatory agencies.

“It’s been interesting to be here and learn about all of the levels of federal bureaucracy, agencies, regulators and everything that is banking

Lorrie Trogden and her husband Matt.

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the organization,” Trogden said. “When an association educates and advocates for its members, not only is it bettering the profession/industry, it also creates meaningful impact for our members’ customers. The more you raise up an industry, it in turn enhances what the industry can do for its communities and customers.”

Her experiences between the Bar Association and Bankers Association come with both similarities and differences.

“As far as from a management prospective, it’s very similar in size and budget,” Trogden said, and then doted the membership she will be serving.

“There is a direct correlation between banks and the community. Bankers give a lot of volunteer hours and sponsorship to their communities; which I find very interesting and endearing.”

Moving forward, she wants the Association to continue its focus on advocacy and education, to help build stronger Arkansas banks and bankers.

“Our education needs to move with the needs of the banks, so that’s something I feel you constantly have to monitor and tweak,” she said. “I also know that new digital technology is huge on the horizon for banks. We have the VC FinTech Accelerator here in town that will play a big part in the Arkansas economy and it’s fantastic that Arkansas banks will have this resource at their back door.”

Strong Women, Strong Future

Among Trogden’s various service missions in central Arkansas over the past 25 years was a project with Girls of Promise, an organization that encourages girls to pursue interests in the STEM fields. As much as the strong women she’s worked alongside have taught her, this experience gave her new perspective on the unintentional self-sabotage that women fall into.

“It’s really easy to say ‘I’m not good at science or math.’ Working with Girls of Promise opened my eyes - saying those things can be detrimental to younger women and the career paths they ultimately choose. Not everyone has the support system at home or a strong female pushing them to do whatever they want in their career. There are plenty of young girls out there that don’t get that push and don’t realize that these fields are wide open to them.”

Trogden is grateful to have gotten that push early on from her mother.

“Aunt Lorrie” loves spending time with friends & family, especially her beloved nieces and nephews.

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“She’s my biggest cheerleader. She was my very first strong female role model, she pushed me to believe and achieve, and gave me the confidence by saying ‘you will’ – just go do it,” Trogden said.

“My second mom (step-mother) came into my life my senior year of high school, and she is also a huge champion of women excelling in the workplace.

She works in the technology industry, which historically has been a male dominated industry. She jokes that she has three older brothers, she had to be tough.”

November 2018

Lorrie with her mom Patty Anthony.

Building Communities

When Trogden isn’t working, she is a self-described social butterfly, surrounding herself with family and friends on the weekends. She and her husband Matt live in Maumelle and have a network of family close by in central Arkansas. She has been active in various community organizations throughout the years including Toadsuck Council, March of Dimes, Conway Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Foundation, and Faulkner County Youth Leadership Program.

“The amount of time, money, and talent Arkansas bankers give back to their communities is one of the many things that excites me about working at the ABA,” she said. “In any community you will find banks meeting needs with banking services, sponsoring local events, and donating volunteer hours.

Most people know their local banker because banks have such significant involvement in their communities.

I’ve been with the Association for almost a month now, and the warm welcome from Association members, our fantastic Association staff, and Association partners, affirms that I am home. I resolutely believe that we can accomplish great things together, and I am so very excited to serve Arkansas Bankers!”

by Debbie Peterson Getting to Clarity

to accomplish with your (and their) time. This gets you the guidance you need to develop your career overall.

Why is it that we think we have to have everything figured out? How come we have to have all of the answers when we don’t expect anyone else to? Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of; someone who champions you and can make suggestions and introductions? Would you like to more easily acquire skills or knowledge to advance your career?

Group Mentoring – This is when someone mentors a group of individuals. I recently spoke at a women’s affinity group on this exact topic and essentially I was mentoring them on mentoring. Perhaps someone in your office is willing to present their knowledge related to a certain topic to a group of people for a group mentoring experience. What do you want to learn? Chances are there are others who do too.

Well then, you need a mentor; AND if you are serious about taking your career or business to the next level, then the one thing you need to know is that you won’t do it alone.

Mentoring Moments – This happens when you make an ask for a specific reason and at a specific time. Perhaps you want to increase your negotiation skills so the next time someone in purchasing is going to have a call or meeting you can sit in and then debrief after. Maybe you want to understand contracts better so if you know someone from legal, you might take them to lunch and ask them to explain some of the legal jargon in layman’s terms.

By definition, mentoring is simply when someone who is more experienced or knowledgeable helps to guide someone who is less so. That’s it. It doesn’t mean that the mentor needs to be older, or even in the same industry. It doesn’t even have to be time consuming.

Early on in my career I needed to familiarize myself with company financials so I at least would be able to have a basic understanding of them. I asked my friend who was an accountant to guide me through them, and during a series of lunches, we reviewed them and I got to ask lots of questions.

That was mentoring. Even though she was much younger than me and worked in a different department, she was a “subject mentor”. She had the knowledge and I made the ask, which is a crucial point - I made the ask.

There are also Virtual Mentors. These are the books you read, courses you take, coaches you work with, YouTube videos you watch all for the goal of increasing knowledge, skills and gaining advice and wisdom.

You have to be willing to ask for what you need from a mentor but that requires that you know what type of mentor you’re looking for according to your goals for your career or business. Here are some other types of mentors or mentoring categories:

Here’s wishing you the clarity you deserve in YOUR career or business!

Career Mentors – This is someone you meet with routinely and for a specified period of time, say 6 or 9 months or more. In a more formal career mentoring relationship you’d be wise to have structure and goals around what you wish

So how do you find a mentor? They are most likely right in front of you. Once you get clear on what it is that you need to achieve in your career or business, pay attention to the people you work with or meet who have the skills you need to succeed. #MakeTheAsk

Debbie Peterson works with professionals to develop the mindset that elevates their performance to the next level. If you’re interested in her program, The Successful Mentoring Mindset, reach out to Debbie@GettingToClarity.com.

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Girl Banker Seeks to Influence Gender Mix of Industry

by Anna Cushing BankBeat

Natalie Bartholomew is not a golfer. She is a women’s advocate, a working mom, an influencer, a blogger, and first and foremost, a banker.

In fact, she’s The Girl Banker.

Bartholomew started her blog, The Girl Banker, along with its Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages, to start a conversation among women in banking and women who might be part of banking’s future. The Girl Banker features a “Girl Banker of the Week,” which highlights significant women in the banking industry, their stories and their motivations.

The chief marketing officer and vice president of Grand Savings Bank, Rogers, Ark., began crafting her brand after attending a few industry meetings populated by men. “I call them OWDs, without any disrespect, but old white dudes,” Bartholomew said. “I just got so tired of seeing them day in and day out, and I wondered where all the women in leadership are, and why are they not here?”

As Bartholomew spoke to high school and college-aged girls, the question continued to taunt her when she realized how few of them were considering careers in finance. “There’s some kind of barrier that’s keeping women from considering banking as a career,” Bartholomew said, “and obviously someone needs to get out and advocate for it.”

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The Arkansas banker said that sharing the stories of women bankers — young and old, novice or practiced — can shed light on the abundance of opportunities there are for women in the industry. “If no one’s out there telling anyone about [these stories,]” she asked, “how are we ever going to attract top talent for the industry going forward?”

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The Girl Banker provides insight to what it’s like being a woman in banking through banker testimonies that span the states. She said the network of women and their stories have all but fallen in her lap. Not long after she launched the blog at the end of 2017, her inbox sang with words of encouragement, stories, inquiries for

in loan operations as she delved into agricultural economics during graduate school. She held fast to the path of her banking pursuit at the Graduate School of Banking in Boulder, Colo., which led her to become the vice president of marketing and lending at the First National Bank of NWA, Rogers, Ark., upon graduation. She joined Grand Savings in 2017.

Despite her passion for the cause, Bartholomew was initially hesitant about the blog for fear of stirring controversy and coming off as a selfpromoter. The blog was launched at the cusp of the #MeToo movement, and Bartholomew said, “Knowing that criticism was right around the corner was something that I really had to prep myself for.” And although it did come, Bartholomew said it never came from women who work in banking.

advice, and invitations to connect. “The most important thing to me at the end of the day is when I have someone share a story about how something I posted really resonated with them,” Bartholomew said.

And that’s the lifeblood of the blog.

Bartholomew strives to be transparent and vulnerable in her posts in order to engage authentically with her audience in a conversation that she said needs to be pursued. In addition to highlighting female bankers’ successes, the Arkansas banker writes about everything from how to dress as a woman in a man’s world, the frustrations of the golf culture, the myth of work-life balance, and how to nail an interview.

envelopes and stationery from her grandfather’s bank, then named Farmers & Merchants Bank, which has since been acquired by Arvest Bank.

Bartholomew worked at Arvest for 12 years. She was trained in customer service on the teller line during her undergraduate years at the University of Arkansas, and worked

“I just have to remember why I’m doing this,” Bartholomew said, “to be an advocate for the women in this industry, and to be a proponent for young women considering this industry as a career. As long as those two things are still in line and I’m doing what I can to give a positive voice to both of them, to me that’s a success.”

CLICK HERE

to read The Girl Banker blog!

Bartholomew never had anyone convince her that banking was her perfect career path, but always knew she wanted to be a banker and was captivated by the industry as she continued to pursue it.

Banking from an early age

Although Bartholomew played with her fair share of Barbies and Cabbage Patch dolls growing up, her favorite game to play was “banker,” with blank bank notes,

Natalie and her husband Colt with their sons Witten and Brody.

This article first appeared on bankbeat.biz on August 21, 2018 and was reprinted with permission.

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The Women

of the

Arkansas Bankers Association

Cathy Owen Chairman Eagle Bank, Little Rock ABA Chairman

What is your best trick for feeling more confident at work? I believe the best way to feel confident at work, is to be prepared.

What time is your alarm clock set for? 5:15 AM What women inspire you?

Historical: Catherine de’Medici (1519–1589), also known as “Catherine the Great.” She was an orphan, who was raised by nuns to be highly educated, disciplined and trained. Artistic, energetic, and courageous, Catherine developed strong political attitudes and a passion for building. At 13 years of age, her uncle married her off to King Henry II. Despite many difficulties, she went on to raise four sons and three daughters. Three of her sons became kings of France.

She was Queen Consort of Henry II of France and subsequently became Regent of France. Although she is credited with influencing many battle victories, she is considered one of the most influential personalities of the Catholic-Huguenot Wars.

Arkansas Banking: Candace Franks – She is the first female and the first professional banker appointed to the position of Arkansas Bank Commissioner. She also received recognition on a national level, in serving as Chairman of the Board of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) and continues to serve on CSBS Committees.

Betty Wilkinson of Farmers Bank in Greenwood, who served on the Arkansas Bank Department Board during my early years in banking. She was the highest ranking female banker I knew. I observed a female banker that presented herself with confidence, spoke her mind, and was respected by her male peers. Not only did she make a positive impression on me, but she also showed me there were not any limits for women in banking.

Every day: Rosalyn Hastings, my mother. She is my best friend.

She has taught me how to be a good wife, mother, grandmother, and so much more. She has also taught me about timing in life – while my children were young, it was important to put their needs and wants first, as there would be plenty of time later for my career to grow and fully develop.

What do you think is holding women back in the workplace? I believe there are several things holding back women: Men who do not believe women can be their equal or rise above them;

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Parents who raise their daughters differently than their sons, which in turn teaches their daughters they can’t or shouldn’t do what has traditionally been considered a “man’s job;” Women who do not apply for positions unless they are absolutely certain they have the skills for the position, while many men will go ahead and apply for the position with the confidence that they will figure it out as they go along. I encourage women to go ahead and apply for the positions they want; Women shouldn’t feel they should be perfect, but they do need to be confident, prepared and organized in their thoughts, words, and communication skills, and able to speak-up in a respectful and professional manner.

Evelyn Morris

VP / Loan Operations First Financial Bank, El Dorado ELS Council Vice President My best stress-buster is…naming just one is pretty hard for me. I love being outdoors — whether it’s going camping, going to the lake, or merely sitting outside on our deck.

I think fresh air and sunshine are great remedies for stress.

I always start my day with… enjoying a warm cup of coffee and devotional time with my husband, and talking about our day. Merely being still in the calmness of a new day before the beautiful chaos begins.

What women inspire you and why? Women who keep it real!

There are plenty of women who act as if they have it all together: the perfect job, the perfect marriage, the perfect house, and the perfect kids. But being real and admitting that life is not perfect all the time takes courage. It takes courage to let people see the real you — the struggles, fears, “mom fails,” and flaws.

If more women were transparent and real, they could better relate to each other, and build relationships where support, encouragement, and community could flourish. Women who embrace who God made them to be and not what the world tells them they should be — those women are inspiring. Those are the women empowering other women..If you haven’t read Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis, move it to the top of your list.

What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace? I think one of the biggest issues facing today’s women is finding the “sweet spot” of balancing life and work… and not feeling guilty on the days when one role takes priority.

Working women are expected to play the role of the hard-

working man while maintaining the responsibilities of a good wife, mom, daughter, sister, etc. Finding that balance in each role we play can be challenging at times. Women need to know it’s okay to miss a soccer game for a work trip…that doesn’t make you a bad mom. It’s also okay to re-schedule a meeting to make an awards program. That doesn’t make you deficient in your job.

I think a lot of women struggle with finding a good balance, and overcompensate in some areas while others are neglected.

Marnie Oldner

Carla Brinkley

What is your guilty pleasure?

Hallmark movies

ABA VP / Controller at the ABA for 20 Years

Typical after-work plans... dinner.

My best stress-buster is... chocolate!

I never leave home without... my phone.

My secret weapon is... my imagination.

Sandy Starnes VP of Emerging Products and Services Citizens Bank, Batesville ELS Council Member

I always start my day with... Vanilla Caramel Coffee, crazy or calm, the coffee is the same.

My secret weapon is... Podcasts, Comfortable Heels and Dry Shampoo.

What women inspire you? I have always gravitated toward those inspiring acts I witness. I have worked for and with some amazing women leaders. Ladies that have kept their cool when no else would and gone to bat for what is right, again, when no one else would. One cared so much she even hemmed my wedding dress.

I am inspired by women that challenge the status quo for the right reasons. One Arkansan example of inspiring work is Natalie Bartholomew and the Girl Banker. Natalie took a shot, challenged “what women should talk about”, and continues to pour energy into a support system we are all better for. Now that sparks inspiration!

What was your biggest professional “aha” moment? I listened to a podcast one time of a young female that had just been promoted to the C-Suite. Her words of wisdom were simply, “Don’t take it personal.” I have a post it reminder in my office that says just that. I find everything a little easier when I listen to that post it!

Chief Executive Officer Stone Bank, Little Rock ABA Board Member

I never leave home without... sparkling mineral water (is that spoiled or what!?)

What women inspire you? My grandmother and mother who balanced hard work, humor, honor, and love beautifully every single day.

What advice can you offer women who want a career in banking?...Don’t think of any role in banking as suited better to a man or a woman. Choose your focus based on your talents and interests.

Jessica Sahene ABA Marketing & Technology Coordinator at the ABA for 4 1/2 Years

Standard coffee order: A skinny vanilla latte with an extra shot My best stress-buster is...My favorite stress busters are building Legos with my son or crafting (a lot of which turn into Pinterest fails)!

What women inspire you? There have been a lot of important women role models in my life, but my mom has been the biggest inspiration. She was the driving force behind our household growing up and took care of me and my brother and sister while my dad worked full time. Raising three kids and taking care of everything else is a lot of work, and I admire her for it. She could have worked but chose to stay home.

My mom taught me how to be a strong mom to my son, and she helps me juggle working full time and being a single mom full time. When I was growing up she pushed me to be able to stand on my own and not depend on anyone else to survive. She wanted us to follow our dreams and has always been there for us.

I hope that I can be as strong of a mother and friend that she is!

And my famous inspirational choice would be Anne-Marie Slaughter. She quit her job as the Director of Policy Planning for the U.S. State Department to take better care of her sons.

She wrote the article, “Why Women Still Can’t Have it All,” which caused a major discussion about how women balance work and home life and how society and the workplace need to adapt to working mothers. It is a pretty interesting read.

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Kami Coleman

and is able to accomplish her own set of inspirational goals while supporting her husband with his.

ABA VP / Professional Development at the ABA for 15 Years

What is your guilty pleasure? True crime podcasts, reality TV drama & music by my favorite boy bands (NKOTB, anyone?!)

I never leave home without... my phone, my planner, and my Chapstick!

I always start my day with... Hugs and kisses from my favorite toddler John Aubrey… and a Diet Coke.

What women inspire you? Women who maintain a healthy balance between family and career.

Lori Ross

City President Citizens Bank, Arkadelphia ABA Board Member What is your trick for feeling more confident at work? I wouldn’t necessarily call it a trick but I feel most confident when I am prepared.

Time management is key. We all have busy lives, most of us working full time jobs in addition to taking care of our families. In 2016, I led the opening of a new bank branch and I was six months pregnant with our second child. Now, with an 8-year-old and 2-year-old, time seems to be even harder to come by. However, I have disciplined myself to set aside the necessary time to plan and organize so that I can face whatever meeting or event with confidence and know that I am representing not only my company, but myself with my very best.

What is your best stress buster? My best stress buster is running. When I first started running, it was more like social time with other women in my community’s running club. I enjoyed the companionship as much if not more than the exercise.

However over the years I find that running is sometimes the only quiet time of the day I get, so I often enjoy just a quick 30 minute jog on my lunch break. It clears the mind and is good for the soul.

What women inspire you? Michelle Obama is an inspiration to me. She graduated from Princeton and Harvard, became an attorney, is a devoted wife and mother, and exhibits the perfect balance of eloquence and grace all while appearing to be completely confident in herself. She has exceptional ambition

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What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace? I think one of the things that makes women so special is they have this degree of “sweetness,” if you will.

However, often times as we strive to grow in our careers or gain respect amongst our peers, we feel as if we have to suppress that side of ourselves. Learning to balance that and not lose it all together is often a struggle.

Brenda Scarbrough ABA Administrative Assistant at the ABA for 4 Years

I always start my day with... Prayer, a shower, and a Dr. Pepper What is your guilty pleasure? I get my nails done every payday.

What woman inspires you? My mother is my inspiration. She worked full time, raised five children, had time to garden and can (her hobby), and rarely missed church. I strive to be half the woman that she was!

Natalie Bartholomew VP / Chief Marketing Officer Grand Savings Bank, Bentonville ELS Council Member

My trick for feeling like a “power woman” is... I work my ass off, I give credit where credit is due, I never stop learning, I learn from my mistakes, and I treat everyone with the same amount of respect that I expect in return. I don’t quit and I don’t let negativity or criticism keep me from making my dreams come true.

What is your guilty pleasure? I’m sure that it comes as no surprise that I am addicted to social media. I love looking through Instagram and Pinterest and that’s where I get most of my style inspiration.

What women inspire you? 1) My mother, because I got my drive to conquer everything from her. 2) My best pal and fellow girl banker, Erica Preston, because she set a standard for me at a pivotal time in my career of how to approach adversity. She is also the most professional, badass girl banker I know! 3) Jill Castilla for paving a way for women who are big thinkers and for constantly pushing for other ways to do community banking

instead of settling for what has always been done. 4) Mary Beth Brooks because in my mind she was the original Girl Banker. I’m so thankful for what she has done for the rest of us following in her footsteps in the state of Arkansas.

What do you think is holding women back in the workplace?

I think there is a movement to resist from being held back.

This topic gets a lot attention and conversations are taking place to promote women within the workplace, on boards of directors and committees, and in the C-Suite. Women are being empowered and it’s exciting to see things changing! The typical barriers we face are our attempts to balance work and home life and the urge to be amazing at both, our tendencies to hold ourselves back thinking it’s not worth the fight or I don’t have what it takes, and our inability to ask for the money! We tend to think we have to work circles around others before we are worthy of getting paid.

Traci Logsdon

ABA Director of Communications at the ABA for 5 Years Standard coffee order: I should have bought stock in Folgers twenty years ago. My go-to is a Folgers Black Silk K-cup with one spoon of Coffee-mate and one spoon of Stevia. If I’m feeling fancy, I pull out a Folgers Vanilla Biscotti K-cup (+ Coffee-mate & Stevia). #Basic My must-have accessory... Earrings.

Even when your hair is a hot mess or your outfit feels frumpy, a good pair of earrings pulls your look together and says “I’m here and ready to face the day.” My current faves are a pair of turquoise buttons crafted for me by a co-worker. (See Jessica’s “stress-buster.”)

What women inspire you? My Mom’s strength and work ethic have had a profound impact on my life. Now that I’m a mom, I am truly inspired by my two favorite women: Jael (5) and Layne (2). Like Mom did for me, I want to show my daughters that they are capable of anything they set their minds to, how to stand up for themselves, and that it’s okay to embrace life’s little imperfections. My daughters also inspire me to look at myself through a different lens — Jael truly believes I can do anything, thinks that I’m super cool, laughs at my jokes, says I’m beautiful, and wants to be around me all the time. If I approached life with the amount of confidence that she has in me, I could conquer the world!

Rachael Potter

VP / Manager, Marketing Farmers Bank & Trust Company, Texarkana ELS Council Member What are your typical after-work plans? Teaching twirling lessons, attending a community event, or going to trivia!

I never leave home without... Eye drops! I treated myself to Lasik eye surgery recently, so eye drops are my new best friend.

What women inspire you? Anyone that understands the importance of digging in to hard work while keeping a sense of humor and fun. Putting in the time is much more enjoyable and rewarding if you can have a few laughs along the way!

What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you? Continuing to envision an inspiring career path and advocating for themselves to have a place at the table.

Lorrie Trogden ABA President & CEO

My trick for feeling more powerful at work... Scientific research shows that spending 2-3 minutes “power posing” (think super woman) before a big meeting or presentation puts you in the right mindset to project a strong presence. However, it would be weird if you do it in front of the room, so in your office with the door closed is probably best..

Typical after-work plans... Usually the gym or socializing with friends.

Friday nights typically consist of driving through our favorite restaurant to pick up a to go order – I’m very predictable, when they see my car, they already know which order is mine.

Standard coffee order: iced skinny cinnamon dolce latte with almond milk What women inspire you? Elizabeth Stanton and Lucretia Mott, who are especially relevant this month. Because of their tenacity and refusal to give up, women earned the right to vote with the 19th Amendment in 1920. Also, Harriet Tubman. I read a book about her for a high school book report. I amazed by her selflessness and willingness to put her life on the line over and over again to guide slaves through the underground railroad for many years.

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Embrace Your

Evolution

by Sara Noll Wilson

At the Women in Banking conference in December, we will be exploring how to have each other’s backs at work each day. Before we can engage in supporting others, we need to focus on our own progress. Modern life creates the illusion of instantaneous success, but we know meaningful growth often takes good old-fashioned time.

As I answered Q & A for the University of Northern Iowa’s Women in Business group a few years ago, a young woman who was just a few months from graduating raised her hand with tears in her eyes. “Sarah, I love how passionate you are about what you do,” she said. “You have so much clarity. I want that same kind of clarity because I don’t have that now. But I don’t want it to take 14 years like it did you.” I took a deep breath because I knew this could be a shift moment, not just for her, but for others listening.

My response to this brilliant young woman was, “I love how passionate you are about your future, and I can see how important this is to you. I’d like to offer a perspective. I wouldn’t be who I am standing in front of you or doing what I am doing if it weren’t for every experience leading up to this moment. And it isn’t that after 14 years, suddenly everything turned on for me. Who you are seeing is the result of every little step forward, every failure I’ve learned from, and every risk I took (or didn’t). My advice is to keep moving forward, be curious, try new things, and learn to love failure. When you do that, your path will reveal itself.”

I could tell that my words had landed heavily, and they may not have been what she was hoping to hear, because there is no quick fix to having it all figured out. In fact, the goal isn’t to have it figured out. How boring would that be? Our real goal is to commit to ongoing exploring and expanding. As long as we are alive, and we are moving, we will always be discovering, sometimes rediscovering, and evolving. Even when the path seems obvious, something new will reveal itself and open another possibility or two (or 22!).

I have found myself reflecting frequently on this truth, especially when I first stepped into the world as a full-time business owner. Because the reality is, I too have had those thoughts of wanting to be at the finish line when I’m just starting to warm up. I want the final product when what I need is a first draft. Yes, I sometimes compare my own success to that of the world’s leading experts, my company

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to companies that have been in business for decades, or my writing to the work of tenured researchers.

I don’t know about you, but when I compare myself to others, one of two things tend to happen: I either feel paralyzed because I’m not good enough or pushed to get better. I wish I could tell you my habit has always been the latter, but it hasn’t. For a long time, if my product wasn’t at the level of the person or company I most admired, or the level I envisioned, then often I would procrastinate or put off entirely what needed to get done. Things changed for me when I heard this sage advice: “When we aim ourselves against someone else’s target we will always miss.”

Take a moment and let that sink in. Go ahead, I’ll wait. It is worth slowing down for.

Time to find a new target, my friends. Your own.

Here are three mindsets to hold onto as you work to re-aim and claim your target: Create Version 1.0 – Your best doesn’t happen on the first try, but to get to your best you must try first. Every time I create a new presentation, video, or product, I think to myself, “This is version 1.0, and if I want to get to version 10.0, I have to start here.”

Find One Thing – Every day, find one thing you can do to push you toward your goal. Because it is ultimately this series of small steps that gets us to the finish line. Don’t leave your future to chance by not making intentional choices.

Celebrate the Catch – When you notice you aren’t doing something as well as you would like (thoughts, behaviors etc.), instead of shaming yourself, celebrate that you caught the behavior and that you get to make a new choice next time.

Yes, sometimes our journey takes a bit longer than we would like. Yes, it is so easy to compare our journey to others. But when we keep our aim on our target, eventually we will hit that bullseye. And it will be glorious, even if it takes 14 years.

Sarah Noll Wilson found her voice on the stage, and her calling in the cubicles. She is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, speaker, and author with a focus on leadership development.

Women and Money The Economics Arkansas Approach

by Claudia Utley Economics Arkansas

When it comes to money, women face challenges very different from men: They tend to live longer and thus require more savings.

Their lifetime earnings tend to be lower due to a two-fold setback: • The gender pay gap, with women still earning less than men, currently 78 cents on the dollar • Career interruptions related to child rearing and elderly care They tend to demonstrate lower financial literacy.

They tend to invest in less risky, more conservative options, thus earning lower returns.

The number of households headed by single mothers is rising, making them more vulnerable to financial volatility.

Women have a tendency to let the men in their lives, typically the husband, handle financial matters.

winning econlowdown lesson plan developed by St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank, we explain key financial concepts. The scouts will learn how to make a budget, develop wise saving/ spending habits, and understand opportunity costs. While this one badge won’t turn them into financial experts, they will have mastered first money management skills and gained the confidence to learn more.

Another new program we offer is “Dinner and Dollars” for teachers and school administrators to improve their personal money savvy with a delicious and informative workshop.

Participants will discuss such topics as credit, college saving plans, wills and retirement planning, with emphasis placed on investment strategies relevant to different life phases. Bankers have proven a key partner for this new initiative as they can complement the workshop with information about applicable financial products and services.

If you are interested in discussing a joint program for your bank and Economics Arkansas, please contact our office at 501-682-4230 or acee@economicsarkansas.org.

Clearly, the numbers tell a troubling story. They illustrate the need for women to deepen their knowledge of money matters and for bankers, finance advisors and wealth managers to offer educational seminars and financial strategies specifically tailored to meet the needs of their female clients.

Ideally, that education starts in elementary school, which reflects Economics Arkansas’s mission of raising the economic and personal finance literacy of all Arkansans (both men and women) since 1962.

Economics Arkansas is widely known as a provider of Professional Development training and resources for PreK-12 teachers, but recently started expanding our impact.

In response to a request by chapters of the Arkansas Girls Scout, Economics Arkansas is training Brownie leaders to help their scouts earn the Money Manager badge. With the assistance of “Elfie,” the fictional character of the award-

Educators take part in a Dinner and Dollars workshop hosted by Economics Arkansas. In these sessions, teachers become students and engage with topics like retirement planning and investments.

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State Law Shifts and the Impact On the Financial Community

by Sarah Sauceda Compliance Alliance

Federal law versus state law – a push and pull of the ages. The two can work side by side with no problems most days. However, when there is a conflict federal law does end up winning out.

Though, the fact that federal law is the ultimate victor in instances of conflict does not take away from the fact that state-specific law and trends have the very real potential to impact: (1) the federal, regulatory tide and (2) other states’ laws. So, it behooves a banker to pay attention to state law shifts even when the state shifting is not the great state of Texas.

Two major Acts have recently passed their respective state legislatures that

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will be discussed in this article: the Maryland Financial Consumer Protection Act of 2018 (“MFCPA”) and the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”).

The MFCPA deals, in part, with enhanced protections and regulatory bite in regards to “unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices,” whereas the CCPA deals with enhanced protections and rights in respect to consumer privacy.

The MFCPA, amended in October of this year, adds the term “abusive” to the already existing law against unfair and deceptive trade practices.

It also includes violations of service member-related federal statutes like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and the Military Lending Act as “per se” violations of UDAAP, while also

November 2018

upping the penalties for first-time and repeat offenders. Another noteworthy part of the MFCPA is that it gives state regulators the ability to impose heftier fines for violations.

What does this mean for other states?

Maryland is pretty split down the middle of the political spectrum. So, it could be said to be a good litmus test for states that are not all red (generally, in favor of less regulations in the financial institution context) nor riding the blue wave (generally, in favor of more regulations).

And what about federal regulators?

Of course, we can only speculate – but the more we see states imposing these expansions of UDAAP and state regulatory power, the more plausible

and among other rights, it provides the consumer the right: to know what information the business had actually collected and how it is being used; opt out of allowing businesses to sell personal information to third parties; and have a business delete personal information (subject to exceptions).

it would be for federal regulators to tighten the reigns despite the current administration’s stance on deregulation of the financial industry.

And the burning question – what does this mean for Arkansas banks? At the moment, there is not much talk of expanding either state regulatory power nor definitions within the current state equivalent of UDAAP. This is not to say that the Arkansas legislature will not consider either of these issues during its upcoming session.

The other piece of state legislation we are keeping a close eye on is the CCPA. This Act is said by many to be a direct result of recent, public controversies involving the unintended disclosure of consumers’ private, personal information like that of the recent Facebook breach. As mentioned above, the CCPA is a fairly expansive piece of California state law that grants more extensive privacy to rights than that of current federal law. In summary

To start, the definition of “personal information” is very, very broad under the CCPA. The term “personal information” is defined under the state statute as: “information that identifies, relates to, describes, is capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a particular consumer or household.”

The GLBA, on the other hand, defines “nonpublic personal information” as: “personally identifiable information that is (i) provided by the consumer to the financial institution; (ii) resulting from any transaction with the consumer or any service performed for the consumer; or (iii) otherwise obtained by the financial institution.” Notably, the GLBA does not include the “reasonably linked” information.

Banks, understandably, were concerned about the impact of this statute and how it would affect them, as they are already subject to extensive federal, privacy provisions.

Late in September, the Act was amended, via SB 1121 and lessened the blow to much of the financial community. SB 1121 provides an exemption for activities within the the correlative federal statute, the GrammLeach-Bliley Act (“GLBA”). However, it still has substantial implications because, even for GLBA-related entities, activities that fall outside the scope of the GLBA are still regulated by the CCPA. As in: activities like online advertising, tracking visitors on the bank website, and collecting data in respect to location are covered under the CCPA and not exempted by the carve out language provided by SB 1121.

state, is one of the leaders in advancing regulations. So, most people would not be surprised to see other similarleaning states like New York follow suit. However, even if a state does not share California’s political leanings, many regard this specific legislation as a blueprint for expanded privacy protections for consumers because of the nature of public data breaches.

And what about federal regulators? Is legislation like this seen to potentially impact federal regulations? At the moment, there is not much implication one way or another. Though, again, in the current political climate and because of the slower pace federal laws and regulations change, many have a hard time seeing this affect federal law any time soon. It is not out of the question, though, as we look to the future.

Finally – what does this mean for Arkansas? Although California is very different in respect to political leanings as compared to the much more conservative state of Arkansas, many are of the opinion that Arkansas could, indeed, implement something of this nature, as current events sway public opinion in the direction of having more (rather than less) protections on consumer privacy. So, again, we encourage you to keep a close eye during this upcoming session.

If you have any questions, Compliance Alliance is here to help! You can reach us at hotline@compliancealliance.com or (888) 353-3933.

Sarah Sauceda serves as Associate General Counsel for Compliance Alliance. She is a graduate of Lamar University and Baylor Law School.

Before coming to Compliance Alliance, she worked at Frost Bank within their Credit Administration Department.

What does this mean for other states?

As most people know, California, a blue

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Banking on the New

“It Group”

Marketing to

Generation Z

By Heidi Glover Magna IV

For years now, the banking industry has been told to tailor its marketing campaigns to millennials. But now it’s time to shift its focus to the new ‘it group.’ At approximately 65 million strong, Generation Z is quickly overtaking other demographic cohorts in the U.S.—from baby boomers to Generation Xers—with its spending power. In fact, Fast Company predicts by 2020 Gen Zs will represent nearly 40 percent of the nation’s consumer base. As these individuals enter adulthood and begin applying for credit cards, mortgages and other financing, banks must retool their strategies to capture the attention (and dollars) of this growing customer group.

So, where should banks start? With print. In today’s digital world, this advertising medium provides the tangibility and credibility many Gen Zs crave. To truly capitalize on the power of print marketing, however, banks should consider utilizing the following trends: Personalize, personalize, personalize: For financial institutions looking to build long-term customer loyalty among Gen Zs personalization is key. According to recent studies, personally relevant content—both in print and digital marketing channels—can significantly increase customers’ purchase intent and rates. In a recent Google report, 26 percent of Gen Zs shoppers said they “expect retailers to offer a more personalized experience based on their shopping habits and preferences.” That’s why banks must tailor their print advertising to reflect Gen Zs experiences and interests. For example, many of these individuals are embarking on new and financially taxing journeys with college graduation, marriage and family life. Banks can combine these emotional touchpoints or narratives with proven marketing tactics like interactive landing pages,

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November 2018

special offers and location-specific information to build personalized and successful campaigns.

Take advantage of conscious capitalism: Both Gen Zs and millennials have been recognized as some of the most charity-conscious individuals of the demographic cohorts. Forbes says, “They value deep personal connections with brands and will reward those who stand for more than their bottom line.” Banks should keep this in mind when developing new print marketing campaigns. For instance, banks may choose to highlight philanthropic or community investments through branch signage or on promotional products. As Ad Week recently remarked, ‘companies’ marketing messages need to be clear about what they stand for so that their brands are not interpreted as uninvolved in or opposed to social causes important to Gen Zs.” With these conscious capitalism tactics in place, banks can help enhance customers’ opinions of their financial institutions and, in turn, encourage them to do their business there.

Stand out from the crowd: With competition from Instagram, Amazon Prime and other digital platforms, it’s easy for businesses, including brick and mortar financial institutions, to get lost in the shuffle. Banks must use eyecatching print marketing materials to immediately grab Gen Zs attention and force them to look up from their phones and engage. As one marketer said, “Generation Z is accustomed to making decisions quickly.” Whether banks opt for window clings, fleet graphics or ATM island banners, these institutions should use print collateral to quickly create entertaining and, most importantly, authentic experiences that keep customers coming back for more.

Please turn to page 27

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPOTLIGHT

2019 Compliance School With so much up in the air in this regulatory environment, a strong understanding of the continually shifting landscape is essential. More regulations? Less regulations? You and your compliance staff can handle it with this program geared towards compliance professionals including those who may run their compliance program alone and/or wear many hats at your bank.

The Arkansas Bankers Association is partnering with our Endorsed Vendor, Compliance Alliance, to present the 2019 Compliance School.

This comprehensive four-day event will cover lending, deposits, operations and BSA topics to give a well-rounded view of the compliance landscape. Attendees will have extensive opportunities to network and discuss common issues with their community banking peers.

On the Agenda

Loan Officer Requirements Consumer Lending Flood Fair Lending TRID, CRA/REMA, HMDA...all the acronyms! ...and more!

For more information, or to register for the 2019 Compliance School, log on to www.arkbankers.org or call (501) 376-3741. n

Who Should Attend: Compliance Officers & Internal Auditors Anyone involved in managing the bank’s compliance program

When:

January 28 – 31, 2019 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where:

Arkansas Bankers Association 1220 West Third Street, Little Rock

Foundations of Commercial Lending Do you have the foundation for a successful Commercial Lending Career?

The two-day Foundations of Commercial Lending seminar, taught by Ron Rushing, is designed to provide an overview of commercial lending through an assessment, type and structure of a commercial loan, as well as building relationships with new and existing clients. Attendees will learn the necessary skills to analyze, and if required, approve a business loan.

Over the course of both days, participants will have exposure to assessing loan suitability, structuring a loan and developing a sound lending understanding upon which to build comprehensive commercial and business relationships.

On the Agenda

Roles of a Credit Analyst Using ratio analysis to determine liquidity, leverage, operating performance, etc.

The five fundamentals of credit Managing the customer relationship Why, and what to do when good loans go bad For more information, or to register for the Foundations of Commercial Lending seminar, log on to www.arkbankers.org or call (501) 376-3741. n

Who Should Attend: Credit Analysts Credit & Loan Officers Loan Review & Administration

When:

January 23 – 24, 2019 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Where:

Arkansas Bankers Association 1220 West Third Street, Little Rock

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BANKER NEWS & MOVES Stone Bank Adds Two in Little Rock Stone Bank has added Jeremy Windham and Samantha Sanders Phillips to its staff in Little Rock.

Jeremy Windham, who is serving the bank as a credit analyst, was in a similar position at Iberia Bank and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Samantha Sanders Phillips, an SBA loan assistant, is an honors graduate of Texarkana College and is a registered nurse formerly with Wadley Regional Medical Center in Texarkana. n

First Service Bank Expands Conway Team First Service Bank announced that Corey Throneberry and Justin Zimmerman have been hired as Loan Officers and Business Development and Janet McPhate as Sr. Operation Officer serving in Conway.

With over twenty years of banking experience, Justin Zimmerman is a native of St. Vincent (Conway County) and is a graduate of UACCM with a degree in Banking & Finance as well as many accreditations through the Arkansas Bankers Association.

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He currently serves on the UACCM Accounting Advisory Committee. Justin and his wife, Sara Ammann Zimmerman, have 3 daughters who keep them very busy with basketball, archery, beauty pageants, and clogging competitions.

They are members of First Baptist Church of Clinton.

Corey Throneberry is a lifelong resident of Faulkner County. He graduated from Conway High School and the University of Central Arkansas with a BBA in Insurance and Risk Management. Corey lives in Wooster with wife Lauren, son Caden, and daughter Kinley. He is a member of Summit Church of Conway and enjoys time with his family, being in the outdoors hunting and fishing, and playing golf.

Janet McPhate brings 28 years of banking experience to First Service Bank. McPhate is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas with an Administrative Services/ Office Management degree.

She is also certified by the Arkansas Institute of Banking.

Janet and her husband have been married for 34 years and have 2 children. She loves camping, anything sports related, and the Conway Wampus Cats. She and her husband are active members of First Baptist Church in Conway.

November 2018

“Our Conway team is proud to have Justin, Corey, and Janet join us, and we feel strongly that their banking background will be an asset to our Conway Team, and most importantly our customers,” said Tom Grumbles, CEO and President of First Service Bank. n

Shackelford Promoted to Market President in NWA John Ed Chambers III, CEO of Chambers Bank, has announced the promotion of Loren Shackelford to Market President/ Chief Lending Officer of the Northern Division.

Shackelford joined Chambers Bank in 2014 as its Chief Lending Officer for the Northern Division, a role he will retain.

Shackelford has more than 26 years’ experience in banking– all in northwest Arkansas.

After beginning his career with the Bank of Fayetteville in 1992, he held senior leadership roles at Arvest Bank, Signature Bank and First Security Bank.

In this expanded role, Shackelford will work alongside Chambers Bank Executive Vice President J.R. Meeks to oversee the Bank’s growth strategy for the northwest Arkansas region. “We are excited to have Loren leading our Northern Division,” president Mike Donnell said. “During his tenure as Chief Lending Officer for that division, the Bank’s assets have grown

over 20%, and Loren played a key role in that growth.”

Shackelford holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Arkansas and is a graduate of the Southern Methodist University Graduate School of Banking. n

Purvis Named VP, Facilities Director and Special Assets/ Appraisal Coordinator Jason F. Tennant, President and Chief Lending Officer, Cornerstone Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of George Purvis to the position of VP/Facilities Director and Special Assets/ Appraisal Coordinator for the bank.

Tennant stated, “George has been an asset and ambassador for our bank as he has shown his commitment and is most deserving of this promotion.”

Purvis has been with Cornerstone Bank since 2006.

He started his career with the bank’s deposit services area.

He then moved to the bank’s Lending Department, where he was named Assistant Vice President/Consumer Lender.

Purvis joined the bank after graduation from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. George also graduated from the Graduate School of Banking in Colorado is 2014.

He is a native of Eureka Springs and graduated from Watson Chapel High School.

He has been very active in the area as a civic leader, with terms on the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce Board, ECHO, and the Carroll County Community Foundation. He currently is serving as 2018-19 President of the Emerging Leaders Council for the Arkansas Bankers Association.

George and his wife, Danielle, live in Eureka Springs with their son, Miles. n

Arkansas Bank Department

Applications & Approvals Branch Bank Application An application filed by Armor Bank, Forrest City, St. Francis County, Arkansas, to establish a branch banking facility at 7401 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, has been approved.

October 17, 2018.

An application filed by Signature Bank of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas, to establish a branch banking facility at 3712 Pinnacle Hills Parkway, Rogers, Benton County, Arkansas, has been approved. October 18, 2018.

An application filed by Centennial Bank, Conway, Faulkner County, Arkansas, to establish a branch banking facility at 1165 West 49th Street, Suite 107, Hialeah, Miami-Dade County, Florida, has been approved. October 22, 2018.

An application filed by Simmons Bank, Pine Bluff, Pulaski County, Arkansas, to establish a branch banking facility at 601 East Third Street, Little rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, has been approved.

November 1, 2018.

An application filed by FNBC Bank, Ash Flat, Sharp County, Arkansas, to establish a branch banking facilty at 1118 Windover Road, Jonesboro, Craighead County, Arkansas, has been approved. November 8, 2018.

Charter Conversion Application An application filed by Helena National Bank, Helena, Arkansas, for conversion to a state-chartered bank to be known as HNB Bank has been approved.

October 18, 2018.

Marketing to Gen Z

Continued from page 24

Give an incentive: Every customer appreciates the opportunity to save a little money. And Gen Zs are no different. By offering practical customer perks like coupons, rewards programs or special rates in direct mail campaigns or through targeted e-newsletters, banks can give themselves an edge over the competition.

Invest in a cross-media campaign: As any marketing veteran knows, no strategy should ever be used in isolation. Banks should merge their print advertising with digital efforts such as social media or personalized text messages to fully maximize their campaigns’ impacts. And they must not be complacent. With readily available and affordable data lists, they must continually follow up with potential clients. With new tools like personalized landing pages (i.e.

PURLs), financial institutions can easily monitor, measure and tweak their marketing communications to achieve their desired goals.

There’s no question digital advertising is essential for today’s banks. But print marketing campaigns are still needed to help financial institutions break through the technological clutter.

By balancing the two mediums, banks can help build trust and goodwill among its clients and, more importantly, ensure sustained customer growth.

Heidi Glover is an Account Executive at Magna IV, a more than 40-year-old print and marketing service provider in Arkansas.

For more information, visit magna4.com.

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Thousands of Employees Hundreds of Communities

One State

We are proud of the impact the banking industry has on Arkansas communities.

From the clients you serve to the events you sponsor, every bank has a community success story to tell. The Arkansas Banker wants to share those stories!

Send your community news to be featured in The Arkansas Banker to Traci Logsdon at traci.logsdon@arkbankers. org. Each month, we will feature banking community news from across Arkansas in a new section entitled “Community Corner.�

The Arkansas

Banker