SWGSB’s 157th Assembly for Bank Directors Heading to Hawaii in February

Here are some of the other activities, experiences and excursions attendees can enjoy: Whaler’s Village (five- to eight-minute oceanfront walk from the hotel) Hawaiian Wildlife Discovery Center Maui Escape Room  Dining and shopping Other activities in Ka’Anapali and on the island: Zipline Tours Beach Olympics/Games Surfing lessons, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkel tours Boat tours (snorkeling, … Read more

SWGSB’s 156th Assembly for Bank Directors to Meet in British Columbia in August

The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) Foundation will convene its 156th Assembly for Bank Directors at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia, August 24–27 to plan for a successful future, focusing on community banking and new imperatives. The conference will be guided by the industry’s leading authorities on community banks and their competitive … Read more

State Bank of Texas Tops Independent Banker’s List of Best-performing Community Banks

In May, Independent Banker, the flagship publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), published its annual list of the “Best-performing Banks 2023,” which includes six banks based in Texas or with branches in Texas. “Through creativity, local knowledge and dedication to their customers, community banks continued to demonstrate the value of their relationship-based … Read more

First United Bank Celebrates Third Annual United Acts of Kindness Day

Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank is on a mission to ignite a kindness revolution. The bank recently collaborated with stakeholders— including employees, customers, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, churches, community leaders and members—to impact people’s lives positively through simple acts of kindness over 24 hours. On February 17, First United Bank branches across Oklahoma and Texas … Read more

Location Changes to Palm Beach for SWGSB’s 155th Assembly for Bank Directors in Florida; Former FDIC Chair McWilliams Added as Keynote

As reported in September, the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) Foundation will convene its 155th Assembly for Bank Directors next January in Florida. However, due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian to the original venue, the Ritz Carlton, the venue and destination for the assembly has changed to the Eau Palm Beach Resort & … Read more

First United Bank Honored with American Bankers Association Marketing Award

Each year, the American Bankers Association (ABA) recognizes the nation’s best bank marketing initiatives during its ABA Bank Marketing Conference. This year’s Brand Slam awards honored elite bank marketing strategies that stood out among hundreds of nationwide entries from banks of all sizes. Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank, which has 40 branches in North and … Read more

SWGSB’s 155th Assembly for Bank Directors to Meet in Florida in January

The Southwestern Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) Foundation will convene its 155th Assembly for Bank Directors at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort in Naples, Florida, January 19–22 to plan for a successful future, focusing on community banking and new imperatives. The conference will be guided by the industry’s leading authorities on community banks and their competitive … Read more

SWGSB’s 154th Assembly for Bank Directors to Meet in Vermont in August

The Southwestern Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) Foundation will convene its 154th Assembly for Bank Directors at The Lodge at Spruce Peak in Stowe, Vermont, August 25–28 to plan for a successful future, focusing on community banking and new imperatives. The conference will be guided by the industry’s leading authorities on community banks and their … Read more

Western Heritage Bank Promotes Carrillo to Chief Loan Administrator Officer

Las Cruces, New Mexico-based Western Heritage Bank recently announced that Kathy Carrillo has been promoted to chief loan administrator officer. She will oversee loan operations for the El Paso and Las Cruces markets and continue to manage the bank’s residential construction lending. Carrillo has more than 35 years of mortgage, commercial and community banking experience. … Read more

Louisiana-based Origin Bank Hires Deora and Carpenter to Support Growth in The Woodlands

Choudrant, Louisiana-based Origin Bank has announced that Vishakha Deora and Jeff Carpenter have joined the company’s team at The Woodlands banking center to support the community’s rapid growth. Vishakha Deora joins the bank as executive vice president/commercial relationship banker. With nearly 20 years of experience in financial services, she specializes in commercial real estate lending, … Read more