PEER GROUPS Explore Engagement and Networking Opportunities Through OBA Peer Groups The start of a new year presents an ideal opportunity to explore engagement through OBA peer groups. These groups foster professional growth for individuals and their institutions, benefiting the entire industry. Meetings, held both inperson and virtually, facilitate networking, roundtable discussions, exploration of industry issues, and learning from guest presenters, particularly OBA Associate Members. Peer groups with this icon require managerial approval. Peer groups with this icon advise OBA on policy matters. Agriculture Roundtable Meeting Frequency: 2–3x/year Designed for bankers involved in agriculture lending. Meetings include presentations by industry experts, government agencies or legislators followed by the opportunity for roundtable discussion. The roundtable may also participate in an annual field trip to learn more about the operations of an agricultural business for industry education and peer networking. The roundtable also advises OBA on policy matters. Bank Counsel Roundtable Meeting Frequency: 2–4x/year Open to inside and outside counsel for Oregon’s banks, this peer group is designed to provide a forum for discussion of legislative, regulatory and legal issues impacting banks. Bank Operations Roundtable Meeting Frequency: 4x+/year Designed for those involved in bank operations, this peer group tackles issues related to running the operations side of the bank. Meetings provide a forum to discuss current issues and best practices which are often addressed by industry experts, government agencies or legislators. Community Engagement Roundtable Meeting Frequency: 2–3x/year This peer group is designed for those with CRA responsibility at their bank. Objectives for this group include working with stakeholders to facilitate communication between local communities and OBA members and to increase understanding of the Community Reinvestment Act. Compliance Roundtable Meeting Frequency: 4x/year This peer group provides a forum for bank compliance professionals to share ideas and discuss issues related to compliance with federal, state and local regulations and statutes. Meetings include presentations by industry experts and roundtable discussion. Finance & Accounting Committee Meeting Frequency: 2–3x/year This committee is designed for CFOs and those with finance or accounting responsibilities. Meetings provide a forum to discuss issues related to bank financial management, accounting, regulation and best practices. Hot topics are addressed by industry experts, government agencies and legislators. Financial Institutions Security Task Force (FIST) Meeting Frequency: 4x/year FIST is a cooperative effort made up of representatives from the bank and credit union industries in Oregon and Washington, as well as representatives from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The goal of FIST is to reduce crimes committed against financial institutions. Government Relations Committee Meeting Frequency: 4x+/year This committee advises the OBA Board on state and federal legislation and regulations impacting Oregon’s banking industry. It also recommends initiatives to enhance the industry’s position as the preeminent provider of financial services in the state. Meeting frequency increases to weekly when the Oregon Legislature is in session. Human Resources Committee Meeting Frequency: 4x+/year This committee is designed for bank human resource professionals. Meetings are held four times per year and provide a forum to discuss current employment issues, regulations and best practices. Current issues are addressed by industry expert guest speakers and government agencies. Continues on page 29 Winter 2025 • BANKING MATTERS 19
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