Midcareer bankers have a new and easy way to build their industry knowledge and professional network: BankBeatGroups launches this month, making monthly webinars and periodic live events available to people in the banking industry looking to take their career to the next level.
BankBeatGroups will offer access to subject-matter experts across the spectrum of banking topics. Monthly webinars will be conducted over the lunch hour on the third Thursday of the month, beginning Jan. 18. The first webinar features KC Mathews, UMB Bank executive vice president and chief investment officer. He will offer an overview of the economy. The presentation will last about 20 minutes, with additional time available for dialogue.
Subsequent webinars are scheduled throughout the year. On Feb. 15, Patrick Dix of SHAZAM, the Iowa-based EFT network, will provide insights on essential professional communication. Dix, a former television news anchor, is vice president of communications at SHAZAM. On March 15, William Bojan, president and founder of Integrated Governance Solutions, will provide an overview of corporate governance; he will explain why it is important to everyone in the bank.
For information about how to participate in the webinars, see www.BankBeatGroups.com.
Live events also will be a part of the BankBeatGroups service. Yet to be scheduled, 2018 events are expected to take place in Sioux Falls, S.D., Minneapolis/St. Paul and Madison, Wis. Events will typically take place between 5 and 7 p.m., with time set aside for socializing followed by a presentation from an industry expert. Time will be made for informal dialogue at the conclusion of each presentation. As the service grows, it is anticipated that live events will be scheduled for additional sites across the Midwest.
Other services, such as a business-oriented book club, also are planned.
“We are eager to reach bankers who are looking for ways to build a peer network and become better leaders and professionals, yet have limited time due to family and other responsibilities,” said Kelly Kracht, BankBeatGroups coordinator for NFR Communications. “Banking is a great career and it is important we do all we can to keep busy mid-career bankers engaged and support them professionally. We hope this service proves to be a win-win scenario for both the individual and the banking industry.”
One of the major benefits of BankBeatGroups is it will promote networking on a regional basis, so participants can establish contacts across state lines. While live events will likely attract local bankers, the webinars and other virtual events will bring together bankers from multiple states.
BankBeatGroups is building support from sponsors, including Bell Bank and NorthWestern Financial Review magazine. BankBeatGroups is a new service of NFR Communications, Inc., the company that publishes NorthWestern Financial Review magazine and manages the Bank Holding Company Association.
Currently there is no cost to be a member of BankBeatGroups, although a nominal annual dues is expected to be implemented at some point in 2018.
Follow BankBeatGroups on social media @BankBeatGroups.