Florida Banking April/May 2025

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

MAXIMIZING VALUE THROUGH BANCSERV AND OUR 137TH ANNUAL MEETING

BY DEREK JONES, FBA CHAIR

A s Chairman of the Florida Bankers Association (FBA), I am reminded of how collaboration, innovation and partnership drive the success of our member banks. In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, staying ahead requires access to trusted solutions and strong industry connections. That’s why I encourage you to join us for the FBA’s 137th Annual Meeting, taking place June 8-11 at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples. This year’s event promises to be a valuable opportunity to connect with peers, gain industry insights and explore solutions that can help your bank thrive. A key part of our commitment to supporting your success is BancServ, Inc., the wholly-owned subsidiary of the FBA. Through our Endorsed Partner Program, your peers rigorously vet and endorse companies that provide industry-leading products, services and solutions designed to help member banks save time, effort and money. From cutting edge technology to risk management tools and compliance solutions, our Endorsed Partners deliver real value to Florida’s banking community. These carefully selected providers are not just vendors — they are trusted partners, committed to helping your institution succeed. The Annual Meeting is the perfect opportunity to experience this value firsthand. Our Endorsed Partners will be featured adjacent to our meeting space, where you can easily explore their offerings and discuss how their solutions can address your bank’s needs. Additionally, we’ll have our traditional exhibit hall. The exhibit hall is more than a showcase — it’s a hub for meaningful conversations, problem-solving and relationship-building. I encourage you to engage with our trusted partners,

ask questions and discover new ways to enhance your operations and better serve your customers. As always, the meeting will offer a wide range of informative sessions, keynote presentations and networking events. The opening keynote speaker on Tuesday morning, Tom Morrison, will address market disruption challenges and how industries can mold and adapt. Our closing keynote on Wednesday afternoon, renowned climber Aron Ralston, will regale us with the harrowing tale of losing his arm while hiking and how all of us can turn the boulders in our lives into blessings. Other sessions will provide practical insights for bankers on a range of topics including, emerging technologies,

regulatory changes, economic trends and cybersecurity. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned participant, you’ll gain fresh perspectives, valuable connections and actionable insights to take back to your institution. Just as important as the content is the opportunity to connect with fellow bankers from across the state. Annual Meeting fosters an environment where we can share challenges, exchange

“THE FBA’S ANNUAL MEETING IS... A CELEBRATION OF OUR SHARED COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE OF FLORIDA BANKING.”

ideas and learn from one another. The relationships built here often lead to collaborations and partnerships that extend far beyond the event itself. The FBA’s Annual Meeting is more than a conference — it’s a celebration of our shared commitment to the future of Florida banking. Your participation strengthens our community and drives our industry forward. I urge you to mark your calendar and make plans to join us in Naples. Together, we’ll share ideas, address challenges and continue building on our legacy of excellence. I look forward to seeing you there.

WWW.FLORIDABANKERS.COM APRIL | MAY 2025 — 7