Florida Banking March 2023

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

CAN’T MISS KEYNOTE: MARIA BARTIROMO AT FBA’S ANNUAL MEETING

BY BILL PENNEY, FBA CHAIR

H ave you heard? FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo will be our keynote speaker at the FBA’s 135th Annual Meeting! Bartiromo is a hard working, well-respected financial journalist who has been incredibly supportive of our industry. You will not want to miss her remarks at this event. We are so honored that she is going to visit our beautiful state of Florida to spend time with us. As

On Day 1, we have the chance to ask questions of representatives from each of the regulatory bodies during our “Rap with the Regulators” panel. Our Welcome Reception on that same evening will officially kick off the event. On Tuesday, July 11, we gather for the general session and informative panel discussions, and then enjoy a themed evening at the BankPac Silent Auction. Consider donating an item for the auction, and

you know, Bartiromo often invites the FBA to be a guest on her show “Mornings with Maria.” These appearances on national television give us an impressive platform to speak out about the latest issues impacting the banking industry and our nation’s economy. The FBA team, and particularly President and CEO Alex Sanchez, has nurtured this professional relationship with Bartiromo over many years. This year’s event will be held June 11-14 at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando. Though hearing Bartiromo speak

more importantly, bid high and bid often! This event is BankPac’s largest fundraiser of the year and provides important funds to support political candidates who advocate for a free and competitive marketplace. We have Maria’s keynote speech to look forward to on Wednesday, our third and final day, as well as breakout workshops led by industry leaders and a celebratory awards luncheon. We’ll cap the 135th Annual Meeting with the final banquet and an entertaining evening of fellowship. (Who remembers last year’s hilarious

“BARTIROMO IS A HARD WORKING, WELL-RESPECTED FINANCIAL JOURNALIST WHO HAS BEEN INCREDIBLY SUPPORTIVE OF OUR INDUSTRY.”

will be worth the cost of admission (and more!), there is so much else to look forward to. The FBA puts on an incredible program each year. There will be opportunities for professional development, networking and fun. We’ll hear from industry experts and knowledgeable speakers, catch up with our colleagues from around the state, raise funds for FBA’s scholarships and advocacy efforts, and conduct business such as installing new officers and board members. After a busy, exciting year as your Chair of the FBA, I will have the honor of passing the torch to Incoming Chair Jose Cueto.

diamond heist?!) Let me also remind you that this will be our fearless leader Alex Sanchez’s last Annual Meeting as FBA CEO, after 30 years of dedicated service to the association and our industry. Suffice to say, this will be an event to remember. I hope every member bank will send at least one representative to our Annual Meeting in June. Be sure to register today and make your hotel reservations. I’ll see you in Orlando! Visit the FBA website to register and stay up-to-date with the most current program information: www.FloridaBankers.com/AnnualMeeting

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