Press Releases
California Banks Still Awaiting Guidance as Paycheck Protection Program Set to Launch
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Since the beginning of this national pandemic, California’s banks have been outreaching and working proactively with customers to minimize the adverse financial effects of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 virus.
California Banks Respond to Governor Newsom’s Announcement
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association released the following statement today following Governor Newsom’s press conference.
“Since the beginning of this national pandemic, California’s banks have been outreaching and working proactively and constructively with customers to minimize the adverse financial effects of this crisis.
California Banks Encourage Outreach, Assisting Customers and Communities
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association released the following statement today regarding California’s banks ongoing assistance and outreach efforts during the COVID-19 crisis.
The California Bankers Association Encourages Homeowners to Reach Out Regarding Mortgage Hardships
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association (CBA) released the following statement regarding homeowners who might experience difficulty making mortgage payments in light of the COVID-19 national emergency:
The Western Bankers Association Announces Industry Response to Coronavirus
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Western Bankers Association (WBA) released the following statement regarding the banking industry’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19):
“Banks are actively monitoring the latest reports from the Center for Disease Control and taking numerous precautions to help ensure the safety of their customers and employees. Banks have well-developed business continuity plans and are prepared and ready to help their customers in this time of need.
WBA Works With San Diego District Attorney’s Office to Draw Attention to Elder Financial Abuse
DA Works with Banks, Credit Unions to Remind Employees They Are Mandated Reporters of Financial Elder Abuse
New Outreach Campaign Includes Postcards, Brochures and Video
Eric Ellingsen, President and Chief Operating Officer of California Bank & Trust, Elected New Chairman of the Western Bankers Association
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Western Bankers Association (WBA) today announced that Eric Ellingsen, president and chief operating officer of California Bank & Trust (CB&T), will serve as the 2019-2020 chairman of the board of directors. Ellingsen was officially elected at the WBA’s annual conference held in March.
Steve Andrews Named the New President and CEO of the Western Bankers Association
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Western Bankers Association (“WBA”) today announced that Stephen G. Andrews (Steve) has been selected to serve as the president and CEO of the association, succeeding Simone Lagomarsino.
Provident Bank Honored as Bank of the Year
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Western Bankers Association (WBA), today announced that Provident Bank, headquartered in Riverside, Calif., was honored as the WBA’s Bank of the Year. Craig Blunden, chairman and CEO of the bank, accepted the award at the WBA’s annual conference held last week.
Western Bankers Association Announces its Endorsement of Fitech
Partnership expands WBA member benefits to include merchant payment processing
SACRAMENTO, CA, – The Western Bankers Association, one of the largest banking associations in the U.S., announces its appointment of Fort Worth-based Fitech as its newest endorsed partner.
After a rigorous application and review process, Fitech earned WBA’s coveted endorsed partner status, chosen for its best-in-class merchant services offering, tailored specifically for community banks.
The Western Bankers Association Announces Incident Response Program to Bolster Cybersecurity for Member Banks
SACRAMENTO, CA, – The Western Bankers Association (WBA) today announced the availability of a new member benefit, the Incident Response Program (IRP) designed to help member banks prepare for and mitigate against cyber incidents.
WBA’s Social Impact Awareness Campaign
Join Us!
In 2018, the WBA, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, launched their 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.
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.