A Message From Hayes Parnell

Covenant Bank

 

CBAA membership is like an extended family to me. You will not find a more personable, knowledgeable staff to work with in an association environment. I can say without hesitation that the atmosphere is always great when you call or stop by the association office and you always encounter a ‘can do’ attitude from each staff member.

 

My CBAA is in business to help my community bank! The organizational structure of leadership includes community bankers from all over the state volunteering their time, resources and knowledge to bring value-added benefits to all association members. I have benefited enormously from the wisdom and experience gained from other bankers that are active in our association. One of the most important member benefits is the friendships you make with other bankers. You always have someone you can call and test ideas with or ask advice on key issues you may be facing.

 

Work by the staff and banker leadership is always evident at annual events such as the convention held in the Spring each year. The conventions are always well attended by both bank and associate members and provide excellent opportunities for education, official association business, networking, and strengthening ‘family’ ties among community bankers and financial services professionals from all over our state. I have found the convention experience to be invaluable and I always learn something new and meet new friends each year. The CEO, Executive Management, and Directors Conference held along with the FDIC Directors’ College each year provides a venue for members to learn about key issues affecting the banking industry. The speakers are informative, the topics are timely, the food is great, and the whole event feels like a family reunion --- the kind you really want to attend!

 

The continuing education experience through the CBAA is second to none. There are live seminars, webinars, conference calls and printed materials to provide member banks the information they need to be on the cutting edge of administrative issues, governmental issues, regulatory issues, legal and compliance issues, operations and technology issues, and strategies for marketing, growth and profitability. We involve all levels of our staff in these educational opportunities and I know our bank delivers better service by being better informed.

 

CBAA Services provides excellent opportunities for association members to benefit from endorsed service providers. The service areas are selected by surveying our membership and only the very best companies are named to this elite group. Our bank has engaged many of these service companies and the cost savings or profit enhancement opportunities will literally add thousands of dollars to our bottom line this year.

 

Community banks must have a legislative voice and the CBAA does an incredible job representing members at the state and federal levels. Leadership in this area is experienced and numerous issues affecting our industry have been championed to our benefit over the years. The CBAA-PAC needs to be an annual line item on every member bank’s budget. Our PAC has accomplished much for us and is now stronger than ever. Remember, don’t complain about a failure if you didn’t contribute to the cause!

 

As a banker, I generally measure things on a return-on-investment basis. I can tell you that my involvement in CBAA consistently provides double-digit returns to our bank and my professional career. Membership is the most valuable external resource available to community banks.