October 3-5, 2021 Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
VACB members gathered at Hotel Roanoke in early October for a live, in-person convention after a 24-month hiatus and a virtual convention in 2020. Although attendance was a little lighter due to concerns over COVID, members were excited to be meeting in person and spent the three days in Roanoke enjoying time together and bringing VACB’s formula for convention success to life. The VACB annual convention works on a three-prong process — focusing on trends in the banking environment, exposure to the latest offerings from our Associate Members and great networking opportunities.
Although attendance was a little lighter due to concerns over COVID, members were excited to be meeting in person and spent the three days in Roanoke enjoying time together and bringing VACB’s formula for convention success to life.
The two Business Sessions were on target with valuable information, insight, and inspiration. The morning began with the membership approving the slate of officers for 2021-2022. Next was an economic overview presented by Dr. Robert Genetski, who provided an outlook for the economy and financial markets. In addition to discussing government policy changes and how they will affect various parts of the economy, Dr. Genetski presented his thoughts on Virginia’s economy and how the Commonwealth faired throughout the pandemic compared to other states.
Our next presenter, Dan Stimpson from ICBA Securities, presented his view on the changing landscape of liquidity. Dan shared best practices for liquidity risk management, regulatory expectations, and various strategies banks can deploy to maintain the correct mix of liquidity and core earning assets.
The final presenter Monday was Brian Plum with Blue Ridge Bank. He led a lively Q&A discussion with VACB President Steve Yeakel on Blue Ridge Bank’s entry into the FinTech arena and why banks present at the convention need to embrace FinTech and start the vetting process of these companies sooner rather than later. The pandemic changed the way a lot of customers bank, and that online, remote presence isn’t going away.
Our Monday Business Session concluded with the Passing of the Gavel. Then current Chairman Mike Thomas with Select Bank welcomed Dennis Dysart into the role of Chairman for 2021-2022.
Monday night at the Chairman’s celebration, attendees gathered for a Hometown Hoedown. The country & western-themed evening started with a delicious meal that featured all the vittles you would expect at a down-home cookout, and what a feast it was! After dinner, the night was open for a great time, both inside and out. Attendees had their choice of fun events, including bourbon and cigars, relaxing by fire pits with friends, or playing one of the many games available to attendees. The evening was all about fun and fellowship as we celebrated our 2020-2021 Chairman, Mike Thomas.
Tuesday began with the traditional buffet breakfast. A number of attendees then gathered for a brief Moment of Remembrance, which had been created as a special event this year to honor some of those lost over the past year. President Steve Yeakel read the names of several friends and family lost, including former VACB Executive Director Pat Satterfield, and Vicki Thomas, our Chairman’s wife, who fought a courageous battle against cancer. Following the reading of the roll, Steve was joined by Stacy Stevens, a fine musician and banker at Bank of Botetourt, and the duo offered “It Is Well” as a musical reflection. It was a moving, beautiful service.
Our second Business Session began with a sit-down Q&A between Steve Yeakel and ICBA Chairman Bob Fisher. Bob shared fresh updates on the latest developments in Washington, D.C., provided a review of priority issues that ICBA is tackling on behalf of its community bank members, and how ICBA continues “building the brand” of community banking.
Our next session featured Shelli Willis and Zayne Tweed (with Troutman Pepper), and Nasreen Quibria (with ICBA) for a panel discussion. This one focused on the future of FinTech, blockchain technology and how and why banks should be preparing for these technologies and the opportunities these products and services will afford banks and help to level the playing field with larger banks.
Our final session featured Jason Young with LeadSmart, who shared his insight into what creates the ultimate high-performance workplace. As a veteran at Southwest Airlines, Jason knows a thing or two about creating engaged employees performing at their best in a successful workplace culture.
The convention concluded with the YHB Grand Prize Drawing. This year Jesse Meadows and Brandon Driver with YHB were on hand to draw a lucky banker’s name for one of several prize choices shipped to their home. Our lucky winner at this convention was Ned Honts with Bank of Botetourt.
In his last act as VACB Chairman, Mike Thomas declared the 44th Annual Convention convened and wished all a safe trip home. He also urged everyone to make plans now to join VACB at the Williamsburg Lodge for the 45th Annual Convention & Trade Show in 2022.
