EDGE Tracks and Breakout Sessions


Wednesday, April 3, 2024

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Track

Session Details

Compliance

Enhancing Third-Party Risk Management
Brian Petzold (Bedel Security)

This session will walk through elements that a third-party risk management program should include to comply with the new regulatory guidance released in 2023.

Session Outline: 

  • Who is a third-party? 
  • What is your risk appetite? 
  • What is really critical?
  • How often should you perform due diligence and what should it include?
  • What should you ask third-parties for and how do you get them to respond?
  • What should a contract include?
  • How to track and report. 
  • Planning for the end of a relationship.


Credit/Lending

Optimizing Loan Portfolio Management in Today's Evolving Landscape
Dustin Morris (CLA)

In this session, we will discuss current economic trends impacting community bank loan portfolios, identify growing concerns in the industry, revisit key loan portfolio management strategies in light of current data and address best practices for loan management in the evolving environment. 

Human Resources

Navigating the Human Capital Horizon: Emerging HR Trends in Community Banks
Cyndi Mergele (RSM US LLP)

In the dynamic landscape of community banking, staying ahead requires a keen eye on emerging human resource trends. This session will explore the evolving world of HR within community banks, shedding light on the transformative forces at play. As community banks navigate through changing times, they must adapt to these trends to build resilient and agile organizations that thrive in the competitive financial industry. From embracing remote work arrangements and fostering diversity and inclusion to investing in digital HR tools and employee wellbeing, community banks are reimaging how they attract, retain and develop their talent.


Leadership & Strategy

Your Bank in the Global Economy
William T. Chittenden, Ph.D. (SWGSB)

As community bankers, it can be difficult to fully understand how our national economic conditions, the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, government spending, taxes and that national debt and other global factors affect the day-to-day conditions of your individual bank. In this session, Dr. Bill Chittenden, President and CEO of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU, will help attendees understand the larger world of economic policy that ultimately affects community banking strategy. Chittenden will provide real world examples from the recent headlines, as well as historical context to help next generation community bankers see the bigger picture of banking that trickles down to impact your customers and your community.

Marketing		 The Brand Plan: Pillars, Pitfalls and Profits
Steve Sievert (PULSE a Discover Company)

This presentation delves into the critical elements of developing, refining and updating your bank's brand to align with evolving market dynamics and customer expectations. Join us to elevate your bank’s image and solidify your commitment to community banking excellence in the increasingly competitive financial landscape.

Session Outline: 

  • Gain insights into the importance of a durable brand promise and why it should be experienced by your customers in the moments that matter.
  • Understand the importance of consistency, storytelling and customer-centricity in creating a lasting and impactful brand identity.

Operations		 Mitigating Loss: Combating the True Cost of Fraud
Terri Luttrell (Abrigo)

Fraud continues to be top of mind for financial institutions, with hard dollar losses growing at an all-time high. In this session, we will discuss the true cost of fraud and gain valuable insights into the tangible and intangible losses incurred due to simple and complex fraud schemes. You will come away with a comprehensive understanding of various types of fraud affecting financial institutions, actionable steps to mitigate their impact and the importance of collaboration among industry peers and law enforcement partners.

Wednesday, April 3  |  11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Compliance

The CRA Final Rule - What You Need to Know
Steffani Jenkins (ICBA-CRA Partners)

Learn the implications the final rule on CRA Modernization will have on your bank, both positive and negative, and how to prepare for the changes. 

Credit/Lending

Preparing for a Recession: Credit Administration Action Items
Doug Wagler (FORVIS)

This presentation will share best practices to consider for managing your commercial loan portfolio as you prepare for a the potential effects of a looming recession.

Human Resources		 Panel: Hot Topics of the HR World 
Cyndi Mergele (Moderator, RSM US LLP), Jodi Dickau (Community Bank, Waco), Jaqueta Moore (Legend Bank, Bowie) and Annette Cano (Texas First Bank, Pasadena)

 
Join this session to discuss the most pressing topics currently facing human resource leaders in our community banks. Consider this as a conversation starter or pose your own question to our experts.

Leadership & Strategy

Strategies for Managing the Next Phase of the Rate Cycle
Andrea Pringle (The Baker Group)

It's been two years since the Fed started the most aggressive tightening campaign in four decades. Interest rate moves this cycle have been both swift and substantial. Banks saw margins expand rapidly in 2022 and then shrink in 2023 as balance sheets eventually felt the policy's impact.. What are the Fed's next moves? Is your balance sheet ready for the next phase of the cycle?

This session will discuss the current rate environment, banking trends and balance sheet strategies for today's environment.

Marketing		 Brands that Work: The Key is Continuity and Your Story
Cathy Landtroop (Vista Bank)

Now that you have a brand promise, are you ready to update your aesthetics?

Session Outline:

  • Do I have to push it out all at the same time?
  • How do I get buy-in from the whole bank team?
  • How long should this take?
  • How much does it cost?
  • Is there ROI in rebranding?

Operations		 Leave Tradition Behind: How Other Markets Influence Innovative Design
Kevin Blair (NewGround)

While traditional branches are no longer necessary for many consumers, innovative branches that embrace new ideas from other markets are experiencing heightened business growth. Financial institutions must look at other markets and evaluate why they're thriving. Retailers like Starbucks, Panda Express, Blue Nile and more are still dominating the market and drawing in new customers every single day. Only those institutions who are brave enough to learn from these markets will grow and succeed.
 

Wednesday, April 3  |  1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Compliance

Legal and Ethical Issues Related to Improper Marketing Activities
Anthony "Tony" Barbieri (Kessler Collins)

The presentation will include concepts such as privacy concerns and data collection, misleading advertising, intellectual property issues, rules and regulations of the FTC and other consumer protection bodies, privacy practices, liability protection and overall compliance.

Credit/Lending

3-Step Guide for Building a Stress Testing Program
Mike Fletcher (Qualtik)

When implementing stress testing programs, most community banks face data collection and accuracy challenges. Learn about how banks phase their way into a stress testing program by starting with achievable short-term objectives and addressing data challenges over time. Discuss stress testing options and the ways banks apply stress based on concentration type.

Human Resources

Implementing an Ongoing Training Culture
Michael Marshall (Texas Bank, Henderson)

As part of this session, we will develop a working document that outlines the main training aspects of your institution and offer a framework for ongoing training.

Leadership & Strategy

Taking Charge When it Comes to Leadership and Strategy in Your Bank (Panel)
Rick Jamieson (Moderator, First State Bank), Joe Barrow (First National Bank of Central Texas) and Deke Alexander (State National Bank, Groom)

Join this group of bankers for a conversation about leadership, accountability and actionable plans. They each have a story to share with you.

Marketing		 The Data Behind Decisioning: Getting Your C-Suite on Board
Preston Afrank (Haberfeld)

At a time when data analytics drives everything, community financial institutions have access to a wealth of data regarding consumer and business behaviors as well as high-probability prospects to target.  The challenge is most executives never use this data to make effective decisions. Your financial institution’s data represents the key to growth. We know where our current consumers live and operate their businesses, and we have access to internal product and service utilization.

During this session, we will explore specific and actionable strategies to use internal data to:

  • Grow core relationships;
  • Increase fee income; and
  • Deepen relational intensity.

Operations		 Strategies for Effective Project Management

Kristin Jones (HC3)

Join Kristin Jones, HC3 Director of Project Management, as she shares best practices, pitfalls to avoid and insights from 15+ years as a technical project manager. Discover how to build a strong project management team, manage competing tasks and optimize project management placement within your bank. Gain practical solutions for overcoming project management challenges in the banking industry and empower your team to achieve successful outcomes. 
 

Wednesday, April 3  |  2:45 - 3:45 p.m.

Compliance

Regulation E: Disputes and What Everyone is Talking About
Amy Koshiol and Karen Leiter (CLA)

This session will discuss risk management for areas within disputes, common mistakes and issues.

Credit/Lending

Hot Topics Lenders Panel
Christy Bussey (Moderator), Sloan Kuehl (First National Bank Central Texas), Deke Alexander (State National Bank, Groom) and Matt Crable (Texas First Bank)

Let’s address the current realities of our industry and what we can expect in the future. Dive into the hot topics with our panel and address your most pressing questions.

Human Resources

Performance Management
Chris DiLorenzo (The James Paul Group)

Effective performance management ensures teams understand their roles, receive timely and constructive feedback, and have the support they need to achieve their goals and objectives. In this session we will look at what the performance management process should look like, and discuss the pitfalls we often fall victim to.

Leadership & Strategy

Why Some Bankers Drive More Profitable Relationships
 Mark Trinkle (Anthony Cole Training)

In most banks, 15% of all consumer relationships drive 75% of deposits and 50% of revenue. Additionally, business relationships with treasury management and the primary operating account will have three times the return on capital as a standalone loan. You know the bankers in your group who are skilled at identifying primary relationships and properly leveraging them. What are those lenders and RMs doing differently than others?

Anthony Cole Training Group has teamed up with the pioneer of sales evaluations, Objective Management Group, and compiled bank specific data findings that will shed light on which skills most bankers are lagging and how strong bankers drive their success. In this session, Mark Trinkle, CGO and Community Bank Practice Leader, will share the data and lead an interactive discussion around what bank CEOs are doing to drive results with this industry leading data.

Session Outline:

  • Understand what areas and skills are getting in the way of your team’s growth and success.
  • Begin to assess where your team is on these strengths and how to address weaknesses.
  • Access to a free tool to evaluate your relationship building tool compared to other banks.

Marketing		 Reimagining Banking: Exploring Digital Innovations for Enhanced Branch Experiences
Coleman Clougherty and Kim Jankowski (La Macchia Group)

As customer expectations evolve, how do you know what elements will best engage them in your branch? Learn how banks are leveraging unique applications of technology and innovation to drive foot traffic and increase engagement within their brick-and-mortar locations.

Operations		 Change Management
Kelly Goulart and Apryl Salazar (IBAT)

From regulatory change to products and services to core changes, change management affects every area of your institution. Banks should ensure a collective approach to identifying, prioritizing, communicating and monitoring/mitigating risk associated with changes as part of an organized risk management approach. 

Join IBAT's Compliance Team, Kelly Goulart and Apryl Salazar, as they present on Change Management: A How to Guide and Why it's Important.

Wednesday, April 3  |  4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Compliance

Risk Assessments: A "How-To"
Natalie Torbet (FORVIS)

During this session we will discuss the methodology and elements of a successful compliance risk assessment. Additionally, we will discuss common examiner observations and compliance hot topics that may impact your institutions compliance risk assessment.

Credit/Lending

Building Effective Loan Collection and Recovery Processes and Procedures
Christy Bussey

Managing credit risk not only means building and managing a sound portfolio, but it also means being prepared for the inevitable losses that will occur and managing those effectively.  This session will cover:

  • Loan default lessons
  • How to gather and utilize data to make the best workout/collection decisions
  • Structuring and staffing a loan collection and recovery area
  • Creating or revising you special asset policies and procedures

Human Resources

Unlocking the Potential: AI in Banking
Cal Roberson (Integris)

Explore the transformative power of AI within banking. Learn how AI-driven solutions can streamline operations and elevate customer interactions. Discover effective strategies for leveraging AI while mitigating industry-specific risks. Unleash the potential of AI in banking with us.

Leadership & Strategy

Building Culture Among Your Team
Chris DiLorenzo (The James Paul Group)

Team culture is defined as the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, behaviors and norms that characterize the interactions and working relationships among members of a team within an organization. It shapes how individuals collaborate, communicate and contribute to shared goals. The stronger the culture, the more successful the team. Unlock the potential of your team with this transformative training session focused on building a unified and positive team culture. During this dynamic session, participants will learn essential strategies to foster collaboration, enhance communication and cultivate a shared sense of purpose within the team.

Participants will leave the program equipped with the knowledge and skills to positively influence and shape their team culture. The training aims to foster a collaborative, supportive and high-performing environment where team members thrive and collectively contribute to organizational success.

Session Outline:

  • Explore the fundamental principles of effective collaboration and teamwork.
  • Understand how a cohesive team can drive success and innovation.
  • Define and articulate the core values that will shape your team culture.
  • Establish trust and accountability as the foundation for a positive team culture.
  • Understand pivotal role of leadership in shaping and sustaining team culture.

Marketing		 Stop Selling and Start Connecting
Patrick Dix (SHAZAM)

It’s not enough to be your community’s “hometown bank.” It’s more than telling a potential customer it’s “your people” that make the difference. They really don’t care how many years you’ve been in business. It’s time to focus on your story. Information is being delivered faster than ever and the volume can turn to noise if you don’t stop and pay attention. Explore the ways digital media is changing the way we market to consumers, the new ways customers are digesting information and how you can differentiate your message by connecting with customers through storytelling instead of trying to sell to them.

Operations		 Unlocking the Potential: AI in Banking
Cal Roberson (Integris)

Explore the transformative power of AI within banking. Learn how AI-driven solutions can streamline operations and elevate customer interactions. Discover effective strategies for leveraging AI while mitigating industry-specific risks. Unleash the potential of AI in banking with us.


Thursday, April 4, 2024

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Track

Session Details

Compliance

Elements of An Effective CMS
Kristen Ueckert (FORVIS)

During this session, we will review the elements of an effective CMS program, including change management. 


Credit/Lending

Best Practices for Monitoring Your Loan Portfolio
Michelle Lowe (VeraBank, NA)

Loan portfolio monitoring is of utmost importance in the current credit landscape. Join us as we discuss ways to manage credit risk through an established annual review process, standard credit quality reports, portfolio stress testing, and other best practices. 

Human Resources

Panel: Next Gen Benefits, Internships and Remote Work Challenges
Merrick Matthews (AHPT) and Dwight Garey (Texas A&M)

Can your workforce be engaged while working remotely? What benefits appeal to today’s workforce? Let’s discuss these and more with our panel of experts from all walks of the our industry.

Leadership & Strategy

Building Project Management
Michael W. Marshall (Texas Bank) 

As part of this session, you will develop a working document that will help map out your physical building project.

Marketing		 Crafting a Corporate Giving Strategy Aligned with Your Core Values for Lasting Impact
Kathrynn Cavanaugh (Kameo Marketing)

Corporate giving is not just a philanthropic act; it's a strategic imperative that can elevate your brand, engage your employees and make a meaningful impact on society. This is an immersive workshop designed to guide attendees through the essential steps of crafting a corporate giving strategy that resonates with their organization's core values and extends its influence in its communities along with creating CRA impact. 

Operations		 Infrastructure Maturation: How to Grow the Support Functions to Keep Up with the Growth of Your Bank
Eric R. Alexander (Six Arrows Consulting)

As your bank grows in size or complexity, or both, are your support functions keeping up? How should you go about assessing the processes, people and platforms in each function to determine where to make improvements and develop new capabilities to ensure your back office functions don't hold you back? 

Thursday, April 4  |  11:15 a.m. - 12:00  p.m.

Compliance

Navigating Your Next Regulatory Examination: Stories from a Former Bank Regulatory Attorney
Jera Bradshaw and Robert Flowers (Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP)

The regulatory environment has taken a more aggressive turn. Bank examiners are scrutinizing all facets of bank operations, including concentration risk, third-party relationships, CRA, fair lending, BSA/AML, capital and other compliance-heavy bank functions. In this session, we will discuss how to prepare for the examination process and best practices for responding enforcement matters. We will also discuss real situations and offer perspectives on how to work with the regulators in an advantageous manner.

Credit/Lending

Driving Innovation in Ag Lending: Navigating Complexity with Efficient Solutions
Jeff Galloway (Core10)

The distinct demands of agricultural lenders and the intricate needs of farmers can sometimes lead to technology exacerbating challenges rather than creating efficiencies. In this session, we'll gather insights and discuss finding the right solution for your bank's needs, so you can embrace innovation. Our focus will be on driving efficiency, streamlining operations and enhancing support for both lenders and farmers.

Human Resources		 2024 Employment Law Update

Amy Beckstead (Beckstead Terry Ditto PLLC)

There have been many changes on both the state and federal level pertaining to employment law.  This session will discuss these new changes and provide action items employers should implement because of these changes

Leadership & Strategy

Stewardship: The Key to Effective Leadership in Your Community Bank
Eric Alexander (Six Arrows Consulting)

Stewardship: a vital but neglected aspect of leadership in any organization.  But in a bank, it lies at the heart of why the bank exists and how we bankers serve our customers, our communities, our stakeholders, and each other.  What does stewardship look like for every role in the bank, from teller to board member?  How does a stewardship mindset and culture transform how we approach responsibility and accountability?  Let's explore practical principles for living out this key to effective leadership.

Marketing		 Navigating the Marketing Maze: Insights from Community Bankers and Industry Experts (Panel Discussion)

Abbey Carnes (Moderator, IBAT), Kelsey Goates (Wellington State Bank), Brad Womack (Kleberg Bank) and Giancarlo Perossa (MG Architects)

Step into the intersection of marketing and banking with this dynamic panel of community bankers and industry experts. Explore the symbiotic relationship between finance and brand strategy as we delve into innovative approaches to bank marketing. From challenges in maintaining brand cohesion across diverse markets to strategies for leveraging community engagement and social media, we'll explore topics such as standing out in crowded markets, enhancing the branch experience, and measuring success in marketing campaigns.
 
Don't miss this dynamic discussion that promises to inspire new ideas for your bank's marketing strategies. 

Operations		 Building an Innovative Culture to Support Your Digital Journey
Tim Dively (CLA)

Although digital transformation is a key focus in community banking, the significance of establishing the proper infrastructure to drive success is often overlooked. In this session, we'll explore how best to structure your bank to develop a culture of innovation.
 

Thursday, April 4  |  1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Compliance

Managing AI Risk: A Primer for Financial Institution
Rafael DeLeon (Ncontracts)

Artificial intelligence feels like it’s taking over the world, including banking. From credit risk and customer service to operational improvements and marketing, the opportunities – and risks – of AI are real. What does your financial institution need to know about managing AI risk? Join our panel of experts as we explore the challenges of AI in financial services.

Session Outline:

  • Common use cases for AI and Natural Language Process (NLP);
  • Existing and emerging AI risks (including what regulators have to say);
  • Data security and privacy;
  • Measuring AI risk; and
  • Internal controls for managing AI.

Credit/Lending

Appraisals and Evaluations: Post-COVID Lessons

Session description coming soon.

Human Resources

Attracting Top Talent
Robert Flowers (Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP)

In a recent survey, community bankers ranked recruiting and retaining talent as a top worry, behind only acquiring new customers and tied with margin and funding costs. Traditionally, benefits packages have focused on criteria such as retirement benefits, vacation time, parental and family leave options, health insurance and more recently, flexible working hours. Yet over time these benefits have become table stakes and as a result, do not necessarily differentiate employers. In this session, we will talk about various strategies and tools to attract and retain talent, from additional compensation tools to remote and hybrid work and similar “non-cash” benefits. We will also tackle forefront issues such as the current state of DEI initiatives.

Leadership & Strategy

Business Models and Strategies of High Performing Banks
Zain Tariq (S&P Global)

During this session, we will talk with bankers who have achieved high performance in the last year and discuss what business models and strategies are helping them achieve outperformance.

Marketing		 The Importance of Data and Information to Create Strong Marketing Campaigns
Robb Gaynor (Digital Onboarding)

When campaigns fail, bank marketers often blame the creative. However, failures are usually caused by poor targeting and personalization. Offers simply don't resonate.
 
Join this session to learn:

  • Why your data model is holding you back & what to do about it.
  • How to create data visualizations you can leverage to launch winning campaigns.
  • Why you should use surveys if you don't have centralized "big data."
  • How to target campaigns.
  • How to leverage results over time to optimize your results.

Operations		 How Security Systems Can Improve Overall Operational Efficiency

Kyle Morden and Paul Pounds (OpenEye)

OpenEye, in conjunction with NuSource Financial, will present on how new developments in technology can help with Operational Efficiency. From decreasing time to find and share events, to using analytics to send alerts when customer wait lines are too long, we will share knowledge on how to leverage your camera system to provide operational insight.
 

Thursday, April 4  |  2:45 - 3:45 p.m.

Compliance

The AML Act, The Corporate Transparency Act and The FinCEN Priorities: Next Steps for Regulatory Readiness
Terri Luttrell (Abrigo)

The FinCrime industry has been waiting for regulatory reform. Now that the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) is law, we see FinCEN and the regulatory agencies taking action to implement desperately needed change. The Corporate Transparency Act and beneficial ownership are getting the attention and direction they deserve, but is it enough? Regulations are being written to support the FinCEN Priorities and give the industry much-needed guidance. Are you ready for your next exam? This session will discuss the current legislative and regulatory climate and provide tips on knowing what your financial institution should do now to prepare. 

Credit/Lending

Adopting Technology in the Lending Function
Matthew Smith (IBAT), Robin McDougald (Texas First Bank) and Chris Bibb (Texas National Bank, Sweetwater)

Join Matthew Smith, Robin McDougald and Chris Bibb as they discuss how to create a culture that embraces technology and fintech. 

Human Resources

Compensation Edge: Components to Consider
Kelly Earls (BCC)

The presentation will discuss the various components of compensation that are in addition to base salary, annual bonus and company benefits to give your organization a winning edge to acquire and retain top talent.

Leadership & Strategy

Building a High Trust/High Responsibility Team
Christopher Williston (IBAT)

The secret to great teams is simple - it’s all about the individuals’ ability to count on and trust the contributions of one others.  While this may be simple, it is never easy, and many teams end of characterized by poor communication, misaligned goals and a lack of cohesion to ensure top performance. 

In this session, IBAT President and CEO Christopher Williston will explore the leadership and team dynamics necessary to create a team characterized by a high level of trust and a robust sense of responsibility.

Marketing		 Turning Data Into Revenue, Deposits, and Growth
Brian Bauer (revio.)

In this session, we'll discuss the banking landscape, traditional data use cases and customer intelligence to focus on growth. 

Session Outline:

  • The framework to contextualize "data analytics" for banks; and
  • Breakdown data types, sources and uses between peer performance, business intelligence and customer intelligence. 

Operations		 Top 10 Cyber Threats and How To Mitigate Them
Brandon Gettert (Curated Cyber)

This session will discuss the top 10 cyber threats and how to mitigate them in "plain English." The presentation includes social engineering, third-party exposure, working remote, configuration mistakes, poor cyber hygiene, cloud vulnerabilities, mobile device vulnerabilities, internet of things, ransomware, poor data management and poor post-attack procedures.