SWGSB’s 159th Assembly for Bank Directors Set for Palm Springs in February

The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) will convene its 159th Assembly for Bank Directors at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, California, February 13–16. The Assemblies for Bank Directors attract bank directors and senior management from across the country to discuss the latest issues affecting the industry. From nationally … Read more

Jacksonville-based Austin Bank Promotes Lynch to Chief Revenue Officer

Natalie Lynch has been promoted to senior executive vice president and chief revenue officer at Jacksonville-based Austin Bank. She will continue to work from the Austin Bank Longview Oak Forest location. In her new position, Lynch will join the bank’s executive committee while assuming oversight of the marketing and treasury management departments and the AB … Read more

SWGSB’s 158th Assembly for Bank Directors Set for Idaho in August

The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) Foundation will convene its 158th Assembly for Bank Directors at the Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, August 22–25. The Assemblies for Bank Directors attract bank directors and senior management from across the country to discuss the latest issues affecting the industry. From nationally … Read more

FirstBank Southwest School Spirit Card Program Gives Back Nearly $57,000 to Area Schools

Amarillo-based FirstBank Southwest has been donating to area schools through its School Spirit Card program since 2019. In 2024, 20 schools in the Texas Panhandle accessed the program to create, market and distribute customized debit cards with the school logo and mascot. The customized cards allow users to show off their school pride and give … Read more

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

Stacking the Deck: Secrets of High-Performing Banks

By Sean C. Payant, Ph.D. Many bank executives spend considerable time thinking about strategies to improve overall profitability and create sustainable growth. According to what is conveyed in banking industry publications and gleaned at trade shows and conferences, the industry’s best practices generally focus on strategies to cut expenses—using technology, looking at staffing levels, increasing … 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

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