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“This is a way for us to say thank you.”

That’s what United Bank CEO and President Mike Vincent said Thursday night during the bank’s 2024 Joint Advisory Board Dinner at Wind Creek Casino and Hotel.

“Why do we have advisory boards?” Vincent said. “They bring an array of different perspectives, and they allow us to make informed decisions.”
Vincent recognized different advisory boards that were present for the annual dinner, and dignitaries.

Vincent said 2023 was a good year for the bank, and noted that its stock price went from $35 to $41.

According to UB officials, American Banker named the bank as one of the best banks to work for in 2023; and was named one of the top 200 community banks.

Additionally, United Bank is celebrating its 120^th year, serving its communities.

Vincent asked what sets United Bank apart from its competitors.

“It’s our people, and our commitment to serving our customers in south Alabama and northwest Florida,” he said.

Vincent then introduced the keynote speaker.

This year’s speaker was Mark Noon. Noon has authored books, and his most recent publication is “Set Up: Timeless Leadership Skills for Your Success.”
Noon spoke to the attentive crowd about how to connect with those who work around them and how to help them reach their potential.

“What’s important is something now one has ever done,” Noon said. “Nothing worthwhile has ever been accomplished by reasonable expectations.”

Noon asked what is beyond reasonable for you?
“Stretch beyond what is reasonable,” he said. “What is your dream?”
Noon said change is a big part of getting better, adding that 80 percent of the population doesn’t like change.

“We need to change from fear,” he said. “We change out of desperation.

“When I want to see people change it’s through inspiration,” he said.

Noon recalled an inspirational change is when it’s the beginning of the year, and you want to begin working out. Once at the gym, you see a person working hard to get better.

“My goal is to inspire you to make change in your community,” Noon said.

Noon then spoke of the different generations, from the baby boomers to Gen Z.

“How do we connect with them in the work place,” he said, adding that generations like feedback in different ways.

Noon encouraged those in attendance to connect, value and care for those in the work place.

Noon recalled a story when he was serving oversees in Qutar. He served over 20 years in the U.S. Air Force (AF).

Noon said while on this six-month deployment in 2010, he was going to miss his daughter’s volleyball match late that one season. He said he inquired with the FHSAA on whether the match is going to be broadcast on the radio, which it was.

Noon said someone messaged him, and told him to Skype a number that was provided. He said the number was to a computer of someone at the game, adding that he was able to see the volleyball match in real time.

He said that was a good example of someone caring for another, making sure he was able to see his daughter play volleyball.

Noon said there’s no excuse for not doing what others are doing.

“It’s what you do for your people that matters,” he said.