Press Releases
WBA Launches Social Impact Awareness Campaign
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The WBA, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, has officially launched its social impact awareness campaign designed to share with public the tremendous impact our member banks have in the communities they serve. The focal point of the campaign is the creation of a series of regionally focused videos designed to highlight these efforts and showcase the positive impact.
The video series can be viewed on our YouTube page here.
Western Independent Bankers, a Division of Western Bankers Association, Announces 2018 Banker and Bank of the Year Recipients
SACRAMENTO —The Western Independent Bankers (WIB), a division of the Western Bankers Association, announced today the recipients of the 2018 Banker and Bank of the Year Awards to Tony Kallingal, regional market president of Scott Valley Bank, and Mohave State Bank, respectively. The announcement was made at the association’s Annual Conference in Kauai, HI, which hosted a record-breaking audience of bank presidents, senior officers, and directors.
Western Independent Bankers, a Division of the Western Bankers Association, Announces SavvyMoney as Best in Show Winner of the 2018 Fintech Showcase
SACRAMENTO — The Western Independent Bankers (WIB), a division of the Western Bankers Association (WBA), announced today that SavvyMoney was voted the Best in Show winner from a selection of fintech presenters attending the Fintech Showcase featured at WIB’s Annual Conference in Kauai, HI. This cutting-edge showcase was created to address the unique questions and concerns bankers experience when navigating the intersection of technology and financial services.
Jim Lokey Honored as CBA’s Distinguished Banker of the Year
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association, a division of the Western Bankers Association, today announced that Jim Lokey was honored as the CBA’s Distinguished Banker of the Year. Lokey was officially recognized at the WBA’s annual conference held last week.
Debbie Skinner Named New Chair of the Western Bankers Association
SACRAMENTO – The Western Bankers Association (WBA) today announced that Debbie Skinner, EVP and chief administrative officer of Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California (F&M Bank), will serve as the 2018-2019 chair of the board of directors. Skinner, who has been a member of the board since 2015, was officially elected at the WBA’s annual conference held last week.
California Bankers Association, Western Independent Bankers Finalize Merger
As of January 1, 2018, the California Bankers Association (CBA) and Western Independent Bankers (WIB) have merged and are now the Western Bankers Association (WBA).
Simone Lagomarsino Named New President and CEO of the California Bankers Association
SACRAMENTO – The California Bankers Association (CBA) today announced that Simone Lagomarsino has been selected to serve as the new president and CEO of the association, succeeding Rod Brown, who is retiring after serving in that role for nearly 10 years. Prior to her new role with the CBA, Lagomarsino served as CEO of Heritage Oaks Bank, and president and CEO of Heritage Oaks Bancorp, headquartered in Paso Robles, Calif.