2025
Economic Update with John Mitchell: Year Five-More Uncertainty Than Usual
Membership Luncheon
Date: January 22, 2025
Time: 11:30 PM PST
Location: The Benson
You’re invited to the RMA Portland Metro Chapter’s Economic Update with John Mitchell. Join us on January 22nd at the Benson Hotel for our most anticipated event of the year. John is a charismatic and well-versed speaker, captivating the audience with his unique style of presentation. He has been making economic presentations on the nation and the region for more than 50 years. We’re excited to have him back in Portland. There will be networking before and after the event, followed by lunch and insightful discussion.
2024
Developing Professionals | Happy Hour with Senior Credit Officers
RMA Portland Metro’s Developing Professionals group invites you to join an in-depth discussion with senior credit leaders from regional banks.
Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 4:30PM- 6:30PM
Location: Lucky Labrador Beer Hall
Featured speakers include:
- Justus Poling, EVP, Credit Officer – Umpqua Bank
- Phil Bridge, SVP, Regional Credit Officer – Heritage Bank
- Josh Samples, SVP, Senior Credit Administration Officer – Oregon Pacific Bank
The speakers will provide updates on the current credit cycle and how it compares to previous cycles. Topics will include Real Estate, Commercial & Industrial, and other Specialized Portfolios. The discussion will be moderated by Eric Deisler, SVP and Commercial Lending Team Lead at Oregon Pacific Bank. One free drink ticket is included. Networking opportunities are available before and after the event.
State of Banking
West Coast Markets
Date: November 5, 2024
Location: Luncheon @ the Benson Hotel
You’re invited to the RMA Portland Metro Chapter’s November Membership Luncheon. It’s the last chance to register, don’t miss our expert panel discussion on the State of Banking, including a Q&A session. Gain insights into the current industry landscape and upcoming trends on the West Coast. Networking opportunities are available before and after the event.
Women’s Affinity Group Event
Catapult Your Success with Transformative Engagement
Date: Tuesday, June 18th
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: The Benson
Join the RMA Portland Metro Chapter Women’s Affinity Group for a special luncheon event presented by Alice Tang, who will share strategies to
help you unlock your intrinsic value, build meaningful relationships, and silence imposter syndrome through the power of micro-mentoring. This event aims to empower women to support each other and thrive in their professional journeys.
Senior Executive Panel
Date: May 15, 2024
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: The Benson
Join the RMA Portland Metro Chapter for our annual Senior Executive Panel. This year’s event features distinguished local bank executives Brent Beardall, President & CEO of WaFd Bank, and Curt Queyrouze, President of Coastal Community Bank.
Economic Update with John Mitchell
Date: April 2, 2024
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: The Benson
You’re invited to the RMA Portland Metro Chapter’s Economic Update with John Mitchell. Join us on April 2nd at the Benson Hotel for our most anticipated event of the year.
John is a charismatic and well-versed speaker, captivating the audience with his unique style of presentation. He has been making economic presentations on the nation and the region for more than 50 years. We’re excited to have him back in Portland.
Credit Risk and Commercial Real Estate
Date: February 20, 2024
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: The Benson
You’re invited to the RMA Portland Metro Chapter’s February Membership Luncheon. Don’t miss our expert panel discussion on the Credit Risk & Commercial Real Estate, including a Q&A session. Our panelists will share their valuable insights, discuss innovative strategies and explore the challenges and opportunities in today’s commercial real estate market.
2023
Date: May 10th, 2023 – Brewing Success: A Panel Discussion on Business Development Strategies
You’re invited to “Brewing Success: A Panel Discussion on Business Development Strategies“, hosted by the RMA Portland Metro Chapter’s Developing Professionals Committee! This casual yet informative gathering will take place at Central Eastside’s Baerlic Brewing Company, providing an excellent opportunity to network, learn, and enjoy some great craft beer.
Our panelists will cover topics such as strategies for building relationships, identifying and pursuing opportunities, and maximizing growth potential in today’s competitive market.
Date: May 24th, 2023 – Bank Executive Panel
You’re invited to the RMA Portland Metro Chapter’s May Membership Luncheon. Join us as our panel of local bank executives delve into the latest hot topics in banking, including digital transformation, regulatory changes, climate risk, and financial inclusion. Stay ahead of the curve in these rapidly evolving times by gaining insights from industry leaders. You don’t want to miss this event! Register today. Networking opportunities will be available before and after the event.
2022
Date: October 26th, 2022 – Lending Horror Stories: A Developing Professionals Event
Our Developing Professionals Group hosted Lending Horror Stories with Carlene Lodeski, Senior Sales Executive at Lawyers Title Insurance. We shared real-life examples of why having title insurance matters. Ghosts from the past, power of attorney, divorce, death, and more!
Date: October 26th, 2022 – Applying Financial Tools & Cash Flow Methodologies in Challenging Times
Roger Busse, U of O professor and member of the Oregon Banking Hall of Fame, hosted this exceptional 6-hour course in October. There was a focus on evaluating and stress-testing business cash flows and repayment capacity using case studies in today’s risk challenges. Roger helped us understand the best-practices analytical methodology used in collecting information, from business management and providing consultative feedback from the results.
Date: September 21st, 2022 – State of Community Banking
We hosted our first membership event of the 2022-23 year in September: State of Community Banking! Our panel of leaders span all areas of banking – Executive Management, Governance, Regulation, and Investment. They will be discussing their thoughts on the Past, Present, and Future State of Community Banking. The panel included: Alex Gosline from Heritage Bank, Linda Navarro from the Oregon Bankers Association, Gordon Zimmerman from Citizens Bank, Bruce Clawson from Heritage Bank, and Adam Keefer from Piper Sandler Companies
Date: June 3rd, 2022 – The Information Environment in CRE Markets: Challenges and Opportunities
Commercial real estate markets are characterized by informational inefficiencies that represent challenges for investors and lenders in pricing risks and making decisions. This presentation focused on the information environment for underwriters and risk managers in commercial real estate markets. Julia Freybote from Portland State University reviewed space and asset market characteristics that contribute to informational inefficiencies.
Date: May 17th, 2022 – Bank Executive Panel
In our first in-person event in over 2 years, we hosted a panel of local bank executives as they shared their thoughts on the complexity of managing banking institutions in uncertain economic times. Panelists included: Tom Cleveland, Managing Partner at Access Business Finance; Lisa Dow, EVP & Chief Risk Officer at Columbia Bank; Jason Wessling, EVP & Chief Financial Officer at Pacific West Bank; and Frank Namdar, EVP & Chief Credit Officer at Umpqua Bank.
Date: March 2nd, 2022 – Economic Update with John Mitchell
We hosted an engaging virtual discussion with John Mitchell, Ph.D., a principal at M & H Economic Consultants and former U.S. Bancorp Chief Economist. John is a charismatic and well-versed speaker, captivating the audience with his unique style of presentation. He has been making economic presentations on the nation and the region for more than 50 years.
2021
Date: November 16th, 2021 – The Future of Money in a Digital World
Willamette College of Law Assistant Professor Rohan Grey guided us through the largely uncharted digital financial landscape. We learned about the evolving area of law around digital fiat currency, cryptocurrency, and NFTs (nonfungible tokens), and how your financial life may be impacted.
Date: October 27th, 2021 – Developing Professionals: Spooky Stories from the Pandemic
Our Developing Professionals group hosted our first virtual town hall giving finance professionals a chance to share their experiences and their responses to the pandemic.
Date: October 19th, 2021 – FinTech: Reshaping Banking
We hosted a great panel discussion with local leaders in the Fintech and Banking industry who are reimagining the future! They discussed the future of banking and how banking professionals may use technology in innovative ways to respond.
Date: April 6th, 2021 – Bank Leadership Panel – Opportunities and Strategy for 2021 and Beyond
A few of the region’s top bank executives discussed how the industry has changed over the last year and what the industry will look like in a post-pandemic environment.
Date: March 3rd, 2021 – Developing Professionals: Making Successful Career Transitions
Our panel of local finance professionals shared tips on career transition strategies, getting noticed, identifying the skills you need for your next opportunity and building skills where you’re at.
Date: January 21st, 2021 – Commercial Real Estate Panel
We heard from a few local commercial real estate experts, who are at the forefront of the industry’s changing landscape, as they discussed topics like the impact of COVID-19, changes in the real estate market, and much more.
2020
Date: December 9th, 2020 – Developing Professionals: Analyzing Bank Financial Performance
Jason Wessling, CFO at Pacific West Bank shared his experience with performing a bank financial performance analysis. The presentation examined key performance indicators of financial performance, how they are calculated, how they are related, and what they mean to the Bank overall.
Date: November 18th, 2020 – RMA Portland: Current and Emerging ERM Practices for Banks in the PNW
A panel of senior and executive risk management professionals from NW banks discussed the best practices and emerging trends in ERM for local banks. Panelists: Tom Henning from Heritage Bank, James Numata from Banner Bank, and Nichoel Casey from Willamette Valley Bank
Date: October 27th, 2020 – RMA Portland: The Coming Storm of Problem Loans
Our panel of experts discussed and highlighted problem loan management tips, tricks and best practices from a broad variety of positions and experiences.
Date: September 22nd, 2020 – RMA Portland: Economic Update with John Mitchell | Virtual
For our first virtual event of the year, we enjoyed another great discussion with John Mitchell, Ph.D. John shared his views on the economy as well as his fascinating insight on key economic trends driving business at local and national levels. John’s presentations are always incredibly current, focusing on the now and the near future of the economy. We were happy to have him back twice this year!
Date: January 22nd, 2020 – RMA Portland: Economic Update Luncheon with John Mitchell
We enjoyed an engaging discussion with John Mitchell, Ph.D., a principal at M & H Economic Consultants and former U.S. Bancorp Chief Economist. John is a charismatic and well-versed speaker, captivating the room with his unique style of presentation. He has been making economic presentations on the nation and the region for more than 40 years. We were happy to have him back again this year!
2019
Date: November 6th, 2019 – RMA Portland: Oregon Banking Industry Panel
This conversation addressed a wide range of topics from de novo activity, mergers & acquisitions, the industry’s impact on the state, regulations and operating in our current economy.
Date: September 18th, 2019 – RMA Portland: Cyber Security
Peter Adams and Peggy Kitzmiller from Aldrich Technology shared their insight on cyber security through a banker’s eyes.
Date: June 6th, 2019 – RMA Portland: Sponsor Appreciation
The RMA Portland Metro Board had a great time showing appreciation to our sponsors over wine, appetizers and a special giveaway.
Date: May 22nd, 2019 – RMA Portland: CRE Panel
This lively panel discussion featuring local commercial real estate experts caught us up on the latest changes involving the Portland commercial real estate market.
Date: April 11th, 2019 – RMA Portland: Women in Banking
This RMA Women in Banking breakfast networking event and panel discussion was a chance to build connections between the banking community and other local creative financing options. Our panelists included a microlender, an SBA lender, and a non-profit lender. The event was moderated by a community banker.
Date: March 13th, 2019 – Skill Builder Series: ABL II – The Sequel
“ABL-II – the Sequel” took place on March 13, 2019, – an exciting dive into the deeper waters of asset-based lending focusing on receivables and inventory, in some more detail compared to the first Skill Builders.
Date: March 11th, 2019 – General Membership Luncheon: Executive Panel
A panel of three local bank CEOs gave insight into what it means to be a leader in today’s banking industry at RMA Portland’s March Membership Luncheon.
Date: January 15th, 2019 – General Membership Luncheon: Economic Update with John Mitchell
John Mitchell, a principal at M & H Economic Consultants and former U.S. Bancorp Chief Economist, shared his views on the economy in the coming year as well as his fascinating insight on key economic trends.
2018
Date: November 7th, 2018 – General Membership Luncheon: Managing Risk with Ed Schreiber
Ed Schreiber, RMA National Board Chair & Risk Management Expert shares insight on preparing for the next recession.
Date: October 17th, 2018 – Developing Professionals: Banking Horror Stories
Jaydra Perfetti of Paper Investigator shared her experience as a forensic accountant in a dynamic presentation at Lucky Labrador.
Date: September 26th, 2018 – General Membership Luncheon: An Industry Update on Fraud
Our expert panel, Devon Nevius from Upward Technology; Jason Thomas from Cook Security Group; Jeanna Madlener from Woodruff Sawyer; David Porter from Geffen Mesher and moderator Rich Denman from Cascade Credit Services focused on institutional fraud, employee theft, cybersecurity and risk management.
Date: May 24th, 2018 – Skillbuilders Series: Collateral Managed: Asset-Based Lending in Perspective
Accounts receivable financing and inventory lending is a type of asset-financing arrangement in which a company uses its receivables — outstanding invoices or money owed by customers — as collateral in a financing agreement. This workshop was taught by Rich Denman and Erik Svilich from Cascade Credit Services, Inc.
Date: May 16th, 2018 – General Membership Luncheon: Commercial Real Estate Development and Capital Markets Forecast Panel
Commercial real estate developers invest funds and determine credit capacity over a two to five-year horizon. However, the success of a project is determined by a longer investment time frame. Join us for a panel discussion with local real estate experts and developers to assess the longer-term aspects of the local real estate market.
Date: April 24th, 2018 – Developing Professionals: A Banker’s Guide to Risk Assessment on Insurance Policies
We had Don Shanklin, Bill Mooney, and Shon DeVries from Propel Insurance speak on common questions to ask when assessing the risk of an insurance policy for a loan.
Date: March 21st, 2018 – General Membership Luncheon: CEO Focus with Mark J. Grescovich – Economic Growth and the New Tax Bill: Impacts on Banks and Lending Models
As the President, CEO, and a director of Banner Bank, Mark gave us an insightful look into how banks will be affected by the new tax bill and what it means for economic growth.
Date: February 27th, 2018 – Developing Professionals: Tax Reform: Impacts on Your Customer’s and Banks Financial Performance
The Tax Reform and Jobs Act passed in late 2017 included several major changes to the tax code that could have major implications for your small and medium-sized commercial clients.
Date: January 16th, 2018 – Premier Membership Luncheon: Economic Update with John Mitchell – Passing the 60’s, A New Fed and Help Wanted
John is a charismatic and well-versed speaker making economic presentations on the nation and local Portland, OR region for more than 40 years. At this event, John presents his economic projects for 2018.
2017
Date: November 15th, 2017 – General Membership Luncheon: Managing Risk with Greg Seibly from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco
Greg brings 30 years of banking experience to his talk on risk management, hailing from US Bank, Sterling and Umpqua where, serving as President of Consumer Banking, he helped to finalize the Umpqua-Sterling merger.
Date: October 25th, 2017 – Developing Professionals: Lending Horror Stories with Gina Kaveny from LSQ Funding
Gina Kaveny of LSQ Funding Group shares spot-on stories of loans gone wrong and lessons learned.
Date: October 12th, 2017 – Skillbuilders Series: Building Confidence with Title Insurance
Understand the importance of how title insurance is directly tied to the Bank’s perfection of collateral when dealing with real estate secured loans.
Date: September 27th, 2017 – General Membership Luncheon: Cyber Crime – What Bankers Need to Know
In conjunction with the local Federal Bureau of Investigations, we are pleased to present a membership luncheon on Cyber Crime. Our guest speaker will be a Special Agent on the White Collar Squad of the FBI.
Date: May 24th, 2017 – General Membership Luncheon: Commercial Real Estate Development and Capital Markets Forecast Panel
A panel discussion with local real estate experts and developers to assess the longer-term aspects of the local real estate market in Portland.
Date: May 23rd, 2017 – Enterprise Risk Roundtable: Coherent Capital and Liquidity Strategies
An invitation-only event where we team up with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco for a timely discussion on best practices in capital, liquidity and model risk management.
Date: April 19th, 2017 – Premier Membership Luncheon: Women in Banking
One of Portland’s most prolific advocates, Karen Whitman helped define local and statewide communities for three decades. Join us in honoring her career.
Date: April 6th, 2017 – Developing Professionals: How Manufacturers Grow Profits and Go Global
A talk by David Looper, consultant for the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP). Their consulting firm aims to help small and mid-sized Oregon manufacturers become more competitive in the global marketplace by providing customized methodologies that bring bottom-line results.
Date: March 9th, 2017 – General Membership Luncheon: Senior Leadership Panel
Evolve and Thrive: The Evolution of the Competitive Banking Model. A panel discussion on senior executive leadership with Stacey Dodson of U.S. Bank, Michelle Weisenbach of KeyBank N.A., Stephen W. Yose of First Interstate Bank and Terry E. Zink of Bank of the Cascades.
Date: Feb. 1st, 2017 – Developing Professionals: Are You Smarter than a 5th Year Title Officer?
Yvonne Inserra and Dave Wilson of First American Title present on deciphering a title report in fun game-show format. Take on our Title and Escrow team and see if you can out talk title exceptions!
Date: Jan. 26th, 2017 – Premier Membership Luncheon: John Mitchell’s Economic Update
A presentation about current economic trends including Donald Trump, the Cubs and policy shifts.
2016
Date: Nov. 15th, 2016 – General Membership Luncheon: Diversifying Banking
A panel discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Date: Nov. 2nd, 2016 Developing Professionals: Horror Stories
Malcolm Hodge, VP and Manager at Premier Community Bank and Dolores McKinnon, VP and SBA Relationship Manager share stories of loans gone wrong and lessons learned.
Date: Sept. 28th, 2016 – Developing Professionals: Cash Flow Fun
Roundtable discussion on global DSCR, UCA and traditional cash flow.
Date: Sept. 14th, 2016 – Skillbuilders Series: Supporting and Communicating Your Risk Rating Decisions
Reconcile the strengths and weaknesses of a borrower into a concise risk profile that will ensure an accurate and well-communicated risk rating.
Date: September 13th, 2016 – General Membership Luncheon: Uniquely Portland
Portland Business Journal reporter Matthew Kish provides critical insights to succeeding with tomorrow’s business leaders today.
Date: August 3rd, 2016 – Premier Membership Luncheon: Update with Senator Jeff Merkley
Senator Merkley addresses issues of special interest to RMA’s membership, banking and other key industries in our Oregon economy.
2015
Date: March 18th, 2015 – General Membership Luncheon: Senior Leadership Panel
A discussion with a panel of senior leaders from local and national banks to discuss the future of the industry coming out of the deepest recession in memory.