Excitement From An Upcoming 2011/2012 SBMM Student

Jamie Snead, Public Relations Manager at StellarOne

I entered banking about three years ago after several years with a local not-for-profit…talk about a culture change! I’ve enjoyed my time so far in the financial industry. It’s definitely an interesting time to be in the industry. As our company grows and changes, I want to have a depth of knowledge in bank marketing beyond just what my job description states. I’m confident that the ABA SBMM will help me achieve a well-rounded knowledge of bank marketing so that I may advance my career and help advance our company to be the best Virginia-based financial services company.

Testimonial From a Former SBMM Student:

Tim Pannell, CEO/President of Financial Marketing Solutions

I attended the School of Bank Marketing and Management because I wanted to fully understand how marketing could accomplish the strategic goals of the overall bank and not just be pretty. I knew I would gain valuable understanding of the bigger picture and better enable me to do my job within that context.

Another Testimonial From 2010/2011 SBMM Student

Dawn Sprayman, Executive Marketing Director of Point Bank

Having been in marketing for over 20 years, I wasn’t sure what to expect in year one. What I found was an enormous wealth of marketing information focused on banking. I truly grew as a marketer as a result of those six days. This year I am very excited about the BancExec simulation. I know it will be a fantastic learning experience!

Testimonial from 2010/2011 SBMM Student

Amber Farley, 2011 SBMM Class VP of Communications and Director of Interactive Services & Media at Financial Marketing Solutions in Franklin, TN

When my CEO approached me in 2010 about attending the 2010/2011 ABA School of Bank Marketing & Management (SBMM), I couldn’t have been more excited. Working at a full-service advertising agency in Franklin, TN that solely works with community banks, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet other bank marketers from around the world and learn about their individual challenges and solutions. I was also looking forward to learning more about the financial industry as a whole. While both of these were fulfilled during my first year at the school, never in a million years did I imagine that the school would be as beneficial as it was to both my personal life and professional career. Not only did I meet incredible financial contacts that would become part of my professional network, but I also made lifelong friends.

The SBMM will be a whole new experience for your professional career. It will provide you with the opportunity to learn, network, socialize and challenge yourself outside of your typical 9:00 – 5:00 workweek walls. The information you learn will be extremely relevant and immediately applicable within your organization. It will leave you feeling liberated, refreshed and empowered to make a difference in your organization.

I am looking forward to the challenges, opportunities and experiences that Year 2 brings.

Bring it BancExec. Bring it!

Testimonial 2010/2011 Student

Sarah Phipps, Regional Sales Manager for Simmons First Bank of Northwest Arkansas.

The thing I most enjoyed last year was the quality of information that was presented to us! So much of it was immediately applicable, and made it possible for me to bring that information/those processes/ideas/etc. back to my bank and implement immediately. In addition, building the network of classmates to bounce ideas off of, share questions and concerns with, and being able to see what questions/concerns/ideas they have has also been a tremendous asset.

As for this year, I am most excited to participate in the actual BancExec simulation. Why I’m also a little nervous about portions of it, I think it is going to be a really great experience!

2011 SBMM is Approaching Quickly

2011 SBMM is Approaching Quickly

I always find the start of a new year to be very refreshing. New year, new resolutions, new beginnings … This year however, I am thrilled to have a repeat of 2010—attending the ABA School of Bank Marketing and Management (SBMM)!

Last year was certainly a life altering experience—from learning new marketing trends and techniques to meeting fellow classmates and comrades that will remain friends for life. I am sure we all have memories that we hope are never forgotten. Mark Zmarzly and his fellow 2010 officers created this blog so that former, current, future and even non-students can all partake in the SBMM experience. I plan to keep this an active environment so that their vision is not diminished.

We have a little over three months before the 2011 curriculum and experience begins, and I couldn’t be more excited. The 2011 class officers have been very busy with planning the events, schedules, activities, etc. for this next year. We will keep you posted once everything is confirmed. Stay tuned!

Mark's Final Thoughts

I have been putting off writing my final blog post for the 2010 SBMM because I had hoped to find time to reflect back and write an overall review of the school, including some key takeaways from each session.

Well, life and work have prevented that from happening, and I’ve also realized that if I tried to write a large, all-encompassing post, it would likely come nowhere near reflecting the true value of my experience. Instead, I’ll summarize my 2-year ABA SBMM experience as follows:

1. I have made amazing friends that I will keep for a lifetime. This is despite Pesce’s proclamation that “we’re never going to see each other again.”

2. I have learned so much about both bank marketing and banking fundamentals. The first year curriculum is a great overview and immersion in all things related to bank marketing. The second year takes you into unfamiliar territory and explores what is marketing’s place at the executive table and how to make an impact once you get there. I have no doubt many of my fellow classmates can make that important transition at their respective banks.

3. I wish there was a third year.

To anyone considering attending the school…I say, “You absolutely need to do it!” Life is best experienced in a state of constant learning. The personal and professional development you can gain from this experience is enormous, as long as you commit to the curriculum and your classmates.

To my classmates…again, you all are dear friends to me. We will stay in touch and see each other over the year…I hope. Right, Chris? =) - mz