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

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

Texas Capital Bank Names Cummings to New Position as Chief Administrative Officer

On January 20, Texas Capital Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Dallas-based Texas Capital Bank, announced that John W. Cummings will serve in the newly created role of executive vice president/chief administrative officer. He will be responsible for leading the bank’s community development, corporate communications, corporate real estate, corporate security, operations and marketing departments, as well … Read more