In spite of the persistence of our COVID-19 problems, the process of getting back to “normal” grinds on. Slowly, to be sure, but slowly, nevertheless. In the meantime, the banking industry remains right in the middle of the discus sion about the Paycheck Protection Act, specifically as it relates to forgiveness. I think Congress is right to focus on forgiveness …

Take note the OBA 2020-21 Emerging Leaders Academy is currently accepting applications. We’re looking for the best and brightest bankers who seek to sharpen their leadership skills. The Academy will help you reach new heights with powerful speakers offering information leaders need for effectively maneuvering in today’s business climate. Each session helps participants become true leaders by understanding those around …

By Joshua Miller & David Guerino KeyState Captive Management, LLC COVID-19 presents significant challenges for U.S. businesses across every industry, and community banks have had to respond to some unique circumstances. As we focus on moving toward recovery, nearly everyone agrees some changes to operating environments will be permanent and this is the “new normal.” When community banks adjust to …

Take note the OBA 2020-21 Emerging Leaders Academy is currently accepting applications. We’re looking for the best and brightest bankers who seek to sharpen their leadership skills. The Academy will help you reach new heights with powerful speakers offering information leaders need for effectively maneuvering in today’s business climate. Each session helps participants become true leaders by understanding those around …

In This Issue… Additional info from SBA on loan fraud Be sure to return your bank’s Hall of Fame ballots! Oklahoma Views & Vistas calendar available for discounted pricing through Aug. 31 OBA education corner …

While 2020 is only about half over, it has definitely been memorable. Unfortunately, it included the cancellation of our Annual Meeting and Convention. You may recall your 2020 membership dues included a registration for the Convention. While we missed seeing you at convention, we still want to make things right. To do so, we have created a $500 credit for …

By now, your bank should have received its Oklahoma Bankers Hall of Fame ballots, which were mailed out on July 31. Please make sure your bank’s ballots are returned to the OBA by Aug. 21 so they can be tallied. If you have any questions, contact Lea Ann Jackson at the OBA.

In This Issue… Be sure to return your bank’s Hall of Fame ballots! Save the date for OBA Oktoberfest Golf Tournament ABA, OBA survey seeks feedback on current core provider experiences Forgiveness platform user guide released ABA starts anti-phishing campaign OBA education corner …

Oklahoma banks are still working hard to detect fraud in EIDL SBA loans, and to get those funds returned to our government. John Bernardo, with the FBI, reached out to his contacts and was able to get us contact with Roger Pak, a special agent with the SBA. Both have provided questions that will be helpful in making a fraud …

The Small Business Administration has released its platform user guide for forgiveness applications, and the forgiveness portal will be up and running on Monday, Aug. 10. Several bankers have called us and said they are ready to start submitting the forgiveness applications they’ve already processed on Monday, especially those working with companies like OBA’s endorsed vendor Abrigo, where approved applications …