COVER STORY

Speakers talk authenticity, social media and influence

MIDWEST INDEPENDENT BANK IS PROUD TO BRING INFLUENTIAL PROFESSIONALS TO ITS FALL 2017 COMMUNITY BANKING CONFERENCES.

Jill Castilla, president and CEO of Citizens Bank in Edmond, Okla- homa, will be the keynote speaker for the August conference. She was recognized as the American Banker “Community Banker of the Year” in 2015, and has a wealth of knowledge

on overcoming what may seem like impossible circumstances. Castilla’s history of military service, and education in fi-

nance and economics lent itself well to cleaning up her hometown bank. Takeaways Castilla has from turning a troubled bank into a growing and respected institution include being transparent and authentic. “We owned the story of our past,” she said. By providing transparency and accessibility, Castilla and Citi-

zens Bank of Edmond were able to develop community advocates. Along those same lines, Castilla said making the bank’s purpose be more about building the community than that of building the bank itself, was very impactful. “It’s not just your own plan,” she said. “You are an advocate for

your community. You take on a bigger role.” Investing in busi- nesses is more than offering loans and services. Whether allowing access to wifi for a nearby business when their internet goes down, or hosting its monthly family-friendly street festival, Heard on Hurd, Citizens Bank of Edmond is now known for being a safety

net to other businesses in its community. “If you do good, you’ll do well,” Castilla said. Utilizing social media was also key in turning around Citizens

Bank of Edmond. Castilla encourages banks everywhere to real- ize the potential relationships that can be fostered through social media. “Social gives you the ability to shake hands with leaders in your community and around the world.” Making those connections online can give more opportunities

for collaboration. Banks should look at social media the same way they look at traditional networking, like being active members of associations or the local chamber of commerce. Castilla believes social media helps you keep the pulse of both economic and com- munity issues. Te October conference will feature keynote speaker Kevin

Van Trump, founder and CEO of Farm Direction and the Van Trump Report. Van Trump creates a daily agriculture newsletter that strives to educate readers about what is driving markets and how to prepare for what might be coming next. Te Van Trump Report is circulated in more than 35 countries around the world. His October presentation will focus on moving parts associated with the financial markets, geopolitical events, economics, media and culture shaping and influencing the direction of the agricul- tural markets. Don’t miss these and other relevant speakers and topics at the MIB Community Banking Conferences this fall.

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