Finance Panel by NAWBO

Our local chapter of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) recently had a luncheon at the Canary Hotel with a panel of bankers discussing pressing questions for our local business owners.

The format of the lunch was very interactive, with a card asking a specific question at each table for the people sitting together discuss while eating lunch. Each table had a banker positioned amongst the group, to help promote conversations around banking. The table where I was sitting had this question: "What do you want your banker to do for you?" and Eloy Ortega who is the CEO of The Bank of Santa Barbara sitting with us. This led our group into a discussion that didn't stop until our plates were cleared and we were ready to listen to the panel speakers.

The panel included:

Jeff DeVine, President & CEO of American Riviera Bank

Marsha Bailey, Founder & CEO of WEV (Women's Economic Ventures)

Annette Jorgensen, Small Business Administration lender, Community West Bank

A number of questions were discussed, and a lot of great information was shared from these professionals who are out in the field on a daily basis. To distill it down, I'd say the main takeaway is that these bankers prefer to have relationships with their customers, and that if you are looking for a loan or a great relationship with your bank, go and ask them your questions. They care about you, about our community, they want to help if they can, money is available, banks are reasonable, and you should use them as a resource!

To get more information or attend upcoming events, visit  http://www.nawbo-sb.com/.