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What is an associate membership?
Banks depend on a variety of vendors, agencies and companies whose businesses relate to the commercial banking industry, covering diverse areas from real estate appraisals to insurance needs. For businesses who provide these and many other services, the South Carolina Bankers Association (SCBA) offers an associate membership program. An SCBA associate membership has many advantages for any company or individual who would benefit from a relationship with South Carolina bankers.
What are the benefits of the program?
Direct Access to information sources:
Associate members are automatically placed on the mailing list to receive all materials and publications distributed by the Association, including:
• Palmetto Banker : a quarterly magazine covering the state’s commercial banking industry by providing valuable and timely news of interest, education and SCBA activities.
• The Official Bank Directory of South Carolina : an annual publication that contains complete listings of all South Carolina banks, including such information as branches, key personnel, directors and assets/liabilities. Associate members are featured in a special section in the directory, increasing their exposure to bankers throughout South Carolina.
Participation in Association Educational Programs:
Each year, the SCBA offers more than 25 educational programs, seminars and meetings designed to provide up-to-date information on the dynamic and diverse field of commercial banking. Associate members are invited to register for all such programs, including the SCBA Annual Convention held each spring.
In addition, opportunities are available for associate members to participate in training conferences to accent their fields of expertise.
Visibility and Contact with Banker Members:
Attending SCBA activities can provide excellent opportunities for associate members to network and develop a rapport with potential banker clients.
Other Benefits:
In addition, discounted advertising rates are offered to associate members in Palmetto Banker. And all new members are recognized in the magazine’s “Welcome New Associate Members” column.
Who may be interested in an associate membership?
Any business relating to the commercial banking industry would be a potential candidate for SCBA associate membership. Memberships are generally held by accounting, insurance, brokerage, data processing and legal firms. Other members provide computers, software, check printing, real estate appraisals, cleaning and office supplies, printing, advertising services and contracting.
Who is eligible?
Many types of businesses are eligible for associate membership, including some that may not be aware they qualify. For example:
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In or out-of-state companies that deal with banks.
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Fully operating out-of-state commercial banks.
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If membership is held by a financial institution, it must be insured or eligible to be insured by the
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Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
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If a South Carolina commercial bank is in organization, it must have applied for a charter.
How to apply:
Candidates must submit an application, along with a letter of recommendation from one member bank. All applications are reviewed for approval at the SCBA Board of Directors bimonthly meetings. Dues for associate membership are $900 annually.
For more information on SCBA associate membership, contact: Anne Gillespie, Association Senior Vice President, at (803)779-0850. |