B2L Leadership Scholarship (spring)
Each year the executive committee of the B2L Board of Directors offers a scholarship to a high school senior whose parent is employed full-time at an ABA member bank. Applicants are judged on the basis of scholastic record, financial need, character, leadership and potential for development. Applications are due mid-February and applicants are notified of their status early April. Scholarship Application
Legislative Day (April)
In April of each year, B2L host its annual Legislative Day. This event allows ABA members from all over Alabama to bring high school students to Montgomery to learn about the legislative process and meet their elected officials. Participants have an opportunity to visit the House chamber, learn how bills become law, and take part in a mock vote. Tours of the Capitol and lunch at the RSA Activity Center are also provided. Registration information
BBQ with Bankers
BBQ with Bankers is an outreach program to help promote the banking industry to college students throughout the state. It is an opportunity for bankers to meet, greet and eat with business students interested in learning more about banking. In 2023 we will host events at the University of Alabama, Troy University, Auburn University, University of South Alabama, University of North Alabama, University of Alabama - Huntsville and Jacksonville State University.
All events will be marketed to college students through the business schools. We hope that this will encourage college students to consider careers in the banking industry. While registration for the students is free, the cost for bankers is $50 to help offset the cost of the event.
Silent Auction and Raffle (June, July, August)
Held in conjunction with the Alabama Bankers Association’s Annual Convention and Trade Show, B2L Annual Leadership Conference and our Bank Directors' & CEO Conference. The B2L Silent Auction is always a highly anticipated affair. B2L Board members and staff collect donations from throughout the state to use in the annual silent auction. Proceeds from the auction are used to off-set costs of B2L programs, functions and community involvement.
Peer Group Forums (year-round)
Bankers 2 Leaders hosts a series of roundtable events throughout the state. The peer group forums/roundtable discussions pair seasoned practitioners with attendees to lead thought provoking discussions designed to help attendees solve real world issues. Peer groups are currently offered for Human Resources, Marketing and Compliance groups. Each meet several times a year. Cost for each meeting is $50 and includes lunch. For information about our 2020 schedule contact Ashley Thomas at athomas@alabama.bank or by calling (334) 386-5736.
Washington DC Trips (March, May, September)
Alabama bankers will have no fewer than three opportunities to visit each year with federal elected officials and regulators in our nation’s capital. The Alabama Bankers Association will lead a delegation of member bank representatives to the American Bankers Association’s Government Relations Summit which is held annually in March, the Independent Community Bankers of America’s Washington Policy Summit is every May, and the Alabama Bankers Association annual DC Fly-in is typically scheduled in September. With each trip, the association works to maximize our time in Washington DC by hosting members of the state’s Congressional delegation, as well as key staffers, for meetings or meals on Capitol Hill or in some of the city’s best restaurants. The association also budgets some important face-time with regulators from the CFPB, FDIC, Federal Reserve, and OCC. These trips allow bankers from Alabama to engage in important conversations with decision-makers about how policies developed in Washington can impact communities here at home.
Annual Leadership Conference (July)
Each July B2L hosts an annual leadership conference. This conference is a three-half day event that allows attendees to hear from top leadership presenters and motivators from throughout the nation. Each year the speaking topics cover what is hot and trending in the areas of communication, interpersonal skills, time management, peer mentoring, and overall leadership. The conference allows bankers time to network with top vendors and other bank leaders throughout the state. This family friendly conference is highly anticipated and attended each summer. Locations vary from year to year. 2024 Conference Brochure
In 2016 the B2L Board of Directors embarked on a new endeavor, the Bank Executive Leadership Certification Program. The purpose of the BELCP is to develop the Alabama banking industry’s next generation of promising leaders. The 18-month program is designed for highly motivated mid-to senior-level banking professionals. This program will equip promising executives with the ability to handle the challenges associated with moving into new and more complex leadership roles. The curriculum will enable participants to learn how to build effective teams, communicate with persuasion, manage conflict, identify and develop top talent, lead under pressure, and champion change. It is also the association’s desire that graduates of the program build a network of leaders that remains committed, loyal and actively involved in matters that affect the association and our ability to help our member banks to serve the financial needs of the communities in which we live and serve. Every class is developed and taught by faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized authors, researchers, educators and consultants. Fortune 500 companies and the world’s most influential leaders seek their advice and expertise. They approach teaching through case studies, interactive exchange, and thought provoking concepts that shape the practice of leadership and management. The ideal participant is an emerging bank leader, on-track to assume the responsibility of corporate leadership. B2L’s Bank Executive Leadership Certification Program is a learning experience that places emerging leaders on the fast track to executive promotion. All classes are tailored to the unique leadership challenges and goals of each participant.