We have to agree with Pearl on the "more love and less paperwork" sentiments.  On any other day, one could interpret that quote to mean better customer service using technology...one of our true loves. 

Today's financial institutions are trying to wring more efficiency out of their operations while searching for new sources of revenue.  Being aware of the latest technology to accomplish those objectives has never been more important.

In this issue, we congratulate Kristin McNeish on her well-deserved promotion to Senior Consultant;  we welcome new team member, Matt Evans;  we map out a busy upcoming travel schedule;  and we highlight four great educational opportunities in the coming year.

Here's hoping your Valentine's Day is filled with much love and happiness!

Back in the days of the Cincinnati Reds' "Big Red Machine," Pete Rose earned the nickname, "Charlie Hustle" for his tenacious play and winning attitude.  Sawyers & Jacobs has our own version of Charlie Hustle...Kristin McNeish who was recently promoted to Senior Consultant for her excellent work and outstanding client service.  Kristin is a former banker who understands our clients' complex environments and works hard to deliver on our guarantee of 100% client satisfaction. 

Please join us in congratulating Kristin on her well-earned and much-deserved promotion.

We welcome Matt Evans to the Sawyers & Jacobs team.  A native of Collierville, Matt is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a B.S. in Marketing Management (3.97 GPA).  Matt is responsible for several aspects of our firm's marketing including special events, social media, proposal prep, and client communication.   His seven years of experience in the service industry will help Matt deliver superior client satisfaction and cultivate successful long-term relationships with our clients and business partners. 

Welcome aboard, Matt!  We're glad to have you!

Banking Education

As the old saying goes, "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance."  Bankers who neglect continuing professional education run the risk of putting themselves and their banks behind competitively.

We are very fortunate to be associated with three of the finest banking schools in the land.  The most recent is the Virginia Bankers Association School of Bank Management at the Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia, where Jimmy Sawyers has been invited to serve on the faculty and teach the new Technology, Payments, and Risk Management course at the 2011 session.

This continues what we see as a very positive trend of banking schools adding technology courses to better prepare bankers who will have to embrace the strategic application of technology to succeed.

Jimmy is back for his 12th year on the faculty of the Barret School of Banking held at Christian Brothers University and for his 8th year on the faculty of The Southeastern School of Banking held at Vanderbilt University.  

Links to all three banking schools are listed alphabetically below:

Barret School of Banking

The Southeastern School of Banking

Virginia Bankers Association School of Bank Management

We are grateful for our involvement with these respected schools.

February 16-17, 2011

Nebraska Bankers Association

Bank Technology Conference

Lincoln, NE