Latest comments for http://www.ababj.com , comment 0 to 4 out of 4 comments http://www.ababj.com Thu, 23 May 2013 05:23:34 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.ababj.com/myblog/how-is-your-bank-getting-up-and-moving-forward.html#pc_571 We formed a Corporate Banking Division 2 years ago to capitalize on bringing those value-added services to our clients and prospects. We have a solutions approach and we are evolving out of a "lender" focus to a "relationship" focus. We have significantly expanded our Treasury Services offerings and can now compete with any bank for commercial clientele based on our organic offerings as well as services offered in concert with partners. We have also embarked on the implementation of a new CRM system to assist in this endeavor. - Donna Bennett Mon, 13 Sep 2010 20:38:24 +0100 http://www.ababj.com/myblog/how-is-your-bank-getting-up-and-moving-forward.html#pc_564 Strategic planning has been a bit of a challenge in this environment. It is the old adage that “It is hard to remember that you came to drain the swamp once you are knee deep in alligators.” I think there will be opportunities in developing strategies which draw customers—both businesses and consumers—into deeper relationships, through both value-added services and financial education. - William Grant, chairman and CEO, First United Bank & Trust Co., Oakland, Md. Sat, 04 Sep 2010 15:12:34 +0100 http://www.ababj.com/myblog/how-is-your-bank-getting-up-and-moving-forward.html#pc_563 We are going to be operating much more leanly than we have in the past–with less staff, less account options and smaller sized banking centers. We will use technology investments to help us continue to meet our customer needs. We are literally looking at every function and service in the organization to determine if it can be done more effectively and how, or if it should be done at all. Additionally, we are looking at adding new services related to our electronic age--including an iPhone apps, micro business capture, and online financial management. Some of our advertising has and will continue to shift to web media, as well. Strategic planning has certainly become an ongoing process, instead of an annual event. What I’ve said here reflects my own opinion and may not necessarily reflect the opinion of my bank. - Mike Murphy, EVP/CFO, First American Bank, Norman, Okla. Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:27:21 +0100 http://www.ababj.com/myblog/how-is-your-bank-getting-up-and-moving-forward.html#pc_560 Strategic planning usually involves setting goals like ROA, ROE, asset growth, etc. In the past, it has been more about today’s problems than tomorrow’s opportunities. In order to be successful and remain independent, our mindset needed to change. Most of our employees did not know our mission statement, much less our current strategic plan. To our employees, they were just words on a page, without meaning. This is why our bank is in the process of determining our future strategy. This strategy has to be steadfast about the objective, but flexible as to the means. After many meetings we determined that our future strategy was quite simple–“Great Customer Service, Every time, Without Exception.” ROA and ROE are a byproduct of customer service. As we proceed with the planning process, our focus is on the customer’s experience. For example, customers do not care about fancy underwriting software unless it reduces the “decision” time. Before we spend on technology, we are asking ourselves: Will it improve the customer’s experience? As the world goes digital, we are going handshake. - H. McCall Wilson, Jr., president and CEO, The Bank of Fayette County, Moscow, Tenn. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:00:42 +0100