Pub. 7 2016 Issue 1

www.wvbankers.org 6 West Virginia Banker A Message from the President & CEO By Joe Ellison 69th Annual School of Banking I am yielding my space in this edition of the magazine to our Director of Education, Donna Atkinson. Donna will be bringing you up to date on a variety of issues concerning the WVBA School of Banking. For 68 years, WVBA has been educating bankers and training the next generations of industry leaders. As we are preparing to celebrate WVBA’s 125th anniversary, we are all looking through our picture archives, and we have had great fun looking at classes from the WVBA School of Banking from years past to see “Where are they now?” We were able to identify a number of alumni who are CEOs of West Virginia banks and there was even one featuring a graduating class with yours truly in the picture. Please read about our School of Banking and, if you are interested in learning more, please contact Donna. Donna, thank you for the great job you do directing our School of Banking. By Donna Atkinson, Director of Education T he 69th year of the WV School of Banking will be held May 22-27, 2016. As we review the student evaluations from previous years, we cannot help but become enthusiastic in anticipation of another great year. Comments from the students include: • “I love the fact that we get to look deeper into howandwhy banks operate. I gained awealth of information that I wouldn’t have, probably ever, if I didn’t have this opportunity.” • “I liked the instructors’ enthusiasm! They made it fun and exciting. You wanted to learn. I want to take this enthusiasm back to the office and share it with others.” • “I liked the classroom discussions, which helped me learn a lot about what’s going on at different banks. Also, the networking opportunities were a big highlight for me. • “Learned new information I have never heard before. A good balance of work and fun.” • “Very friendly and helpful instructors. Sub- jects covered were interesting and useful for a banking career. Resources for continued learning were provided.” • “I had an excellent week. I came with an open mind and a positive attitude. I knew it would be intense, but I was going to take in as much as I could. The support frommy employer was helpful in my achieving this.” • “I have come away from the course with great respect for my management that runs our bank. There are a lot of variables into running the everyday business at a bank.” • “Covered all relevant topics and met all of my expectations.” Who is involved? The WV School of Banking is maintained by the Board of Trustees who offer their time, knowledge and talents to the educational process. The faculty consists of active bank- ers and individuals who are experts in their fields. Our Dean is Dr. Edmond Seifried, Professor Emeritus of Economics and Busi- ness at Lafayette College in Easton PA, Chief Economist for the Sheshunoff CEO Affilia- tion Program, a partner in Seifried & Brew LLC, and a nationally known speaker on economic trends. His involvement with our school has significantly enhanced its success. What’s the School’s purpose? The curriculum prepares bankers to serve ef- fectively and profitably the needs and desires of the public by • developing a better understanding of bank- ing – focusing on critical banking functions, their interrelationships, and what deter- mines profitability • developing analytical skills and manage- ment techniques • creating an awareness of the changing bank- ing environment and the role of the bank in the financial services industry. Course II and the Graduate School utilize the BankExec internet based exercise to provide bankers with an understanding of the problems associated with the financial management of the bank. Except for senior management, few individuals in a bank have the opportunity to be exposed to the range of operating decisions presented in this exercise. Students leave with greater respect for their management and the decisions they face. As we plan each year’s school, we review comments from the students, we listen and we observe. It can only get better! We are enthusiastic about our role in the banking in- dustry and we look forward to meeting your educational needs. n