Oklahoma Bankers Association We make bankers better!
By Megan McGuire
OBA Member Relations
A commonly asked question at the OBA is: Am I a member?
Every employee of an OBA member bank is a member of the OBA. Furthermore, every employee of an OBA strategic member is a strategic member of the OBA.
The Oklahoma Bankers Association would like for all its members to make the most out of their membership. Staying up-to-date with the Association is the best possible way to take advantage of all its offerings: advocacy, education, fraud prevention, legal and compliance, products and services, leadership development, etc., and fellowship with peers.
All members should receive the OBA Update, a weekly e-newsletter that goes out every Tuesday. This publication covers the latest industry news, upcoming events and ways to get involved. Those not currently receiving the OBA Update who would like to be added to the distribution list, should email their information to info@oba.com. Additionally, each member institution receives at least one copy of the Oklahoma Banker monthly newspaper.
Another way to maximize membership, see faces of other Oklahoma bankers from across the state and interact each other is to check out the OBA’s social media accounts (Instagram: @oklahomabankersassociation; Facebook: OklahomaBankersAssociation; Twitter: @OklahomaBankers; LinkedIn: Oklahoma Bankers Association).
With 2017 rapidly coming to a close, here’s a list of eight things to remember in 2018 about making the most of OBA membership:
Advocacy: The OBA exists to “Make Bankers Better,” and a big part of this is advocating for the industry at both the federal and state level. The OBA will keep you posted on government relations issues and any action bankers need to take going forward.
Education: Attend a seminar, webinar or school. The education department keeps the calendar full of the topics that matter most to Oklahoma bankers.
Fraud prevention: Call Elaine Dodd. We’re the only state bankers association in the nation with a fraud specialist, and she’s a dial away and free of charge for our members.
Legal and compliance: Call Mary Beth Guard and the legal team – a nationally renowned team. Again, freee of charge and only a phone call away.
Products and services: There is a wide range available to OBA members at costs that are often better than a bank can get on its own.
Leadership development: There several opportunities through the year, but the quintessential event of the OBA calendar year, the 2018 OBA Annual Convention & Trade Show, is set for May 21-23 at the Hard Rock in Tulsa.
Insurance: Call Judy Hanna with the OBA Insurance Agency. Banks using the OBA Insurance Agency are able to enjoy the added benefit of Judy being located here in Oklahoma, and benefit from the Agency representing several carriers to ensure they receive the best coverage while keeping costs down.
Fellowship with peers: Every OBA event is an opportunity to connect with fellow Oklahoma bankers across the state.
Communications: Keep an eye on the Oklahoma Banker, OBA Update, OBA.com (new website coming in early 2018!) and OBA social media outlets for the latest news.