Oklahoma Banker

Last month, more than 60 bankers attended the OBA’s 2021 Senior Management Forum in Las Vegas. While the temps were close to 115 degrees, it was still great to see so many bankers. It was a record crowd and just coming off our annual convention, which also had record numbers. It’s clear bankers are ready to be back in person …

The chief economists of North America’s largest banks expect a sustained rebound in both consumer and business credit market conditions over the next six months, according to the American Bankers Association’s latest Credit Conditions Index released last month. The latest summary of ABA’s Credit Conditions Index examines a suite of indices derived from the quarterly outlook for credit markets produced …

Last week, the OBA held its Annual Convention and Trade show at the Omni in Oklahoma City, and it was a great couple of days. We had record number of golfers playing in the rain, we had over 300 registrants and a sold-out exhibit hall full of great OBA Strategic Members. This year’s convention had a feel unlike any other …

The U.S. economy is recovering rapidly and is expected to yield inflation-adjusted growth of 7.2% over the four quarters of this year before easing to a still-robust 3.1% in 2022, according to the latest forecast of the American Bankers Association’s Economic Advisory Committee. “Since the committee met in January, further federal stimulus and a tremendously successful vaccine rollout are fueling …

Gov. Kevin Stitt has selected Billy Taylor and Rick Walker as the newest regents on the Oklahoma State Board of Regents for the Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges. “I am thrilled to have both Billy Taylor and Rick Walker serving on the Oklahoma State Regents,” Stitt said. “Billy’s leadership experience will be an asset in this position and his passion for …

The Oklahoma Bankers Association has a new president and CEO for the first time in 33 years – but one with a familiar name – when Adrian Beverage assumed the post officially on Saturday, May 1. Beverage will be moving from his former position as chief of staff, executive vice president and director of government relations for the OBA, where …

Here’s some news before I get personal. Congress is in recess as this issue of our newspaper goes to press. The president has signed into law the new PPP Extension Act – H.R. 1799 – which extends the program through May 31 of this year, yet the details of how the PPP is working (or not) are still anyone’s guess. …

(Editor’s note: The following story ran in its orginal form in the May 2015 issue of Oklahoma Banker.) By Jeremy Cowen Senior Vice President/Communications Editor Like the mythical phoenix, Roger Beverage’s undying love and respect for community banks and bankers rose from ashes … the figurative ashes many years ago of a bank he himself was forced to close. They …

The Oklahoma Bankers Association 2021 Convention is set for May 24-26 in Oklahoma City, with the brand-new Omni Hotel as the host locale. This year’s convention will be slightly different than previous years as, after the cancellation of the 2020 Convention, several events will be packed into the schedule and there will be no keynote speaker to begin and end …

Enough about the 2020 Presidential election and its aftermath. But it’s worth noting there’s a reason people are concerned about the “elections have consequences” part. I mentioned in this column or in another opinion piece a few weeks back that the dynamics of the Paycheck Protection Program would be much different going forward. They are, unfortunately, and they are leaving …