AWARDS GALA EVENT

American Banker founded the Banker of the Year Awards in 1990, and in 2001 began the annual tradition of celebrating its honorees at a gala dinner and ceremony. The black-tie event, in New York City, is attended by a who's who of the banking, regulatory, and political communities — individuals who care deeply about the financial industry and its role as a force for growth and progress. Dubbed "the Oscars of banking," by the New York Post, and "a world-class event" by a banking company chief executive, the Banker of the Year Awards is both a substantive and fun evening. The program includes an invited keynote speaker and a charitable donation.

Mark your calendar for what is sure to be an historic evening.

Industry leaders will be honored in the following categories:

• Banker of the Year
• Community Bankers of the Year
• Innovator
• Lifetime Achievement

SELECTION PROCESS

Honorees are selected solely by the editors of American Banker. The editors consider a wide range of candidates: Eligibility extends across the full spectrum of financial service providers and other organizations or agencies related to the field.

The editors' decisions are strengthened by their daily observation of the banking and financial services industry, and their close engagement with its leaders. The deliberations are confidential and independent.

However, while there is no formal nomination process, the editors are eager to hear your thoughts: What are financial services' greatest success stories? Let us know. To submit suggestions for the 2008 Banker of the Year Awards, click here.

BEST IN BANKING SPECIAL REPORT

The annual Best in Banking Special Report is one of American Banker's most visible supplements. The Best in Banking Special Report is distributed to American Banker subscribers, as well as to guests at the Banker of the Year dinner. The issue features full-length profiles of our honorees and their achievements, as well as year-end retrospectives such as “The Year in Banking” and “The Year in Quotes”. The Best in Banking supplement is the culmination of a full year of close coverage of the events and trends in financial services. As such, it carries a sense of occasion and prestige, as well as a sense of celebration and fun.

Click to see an online version of the 2007 Best in Banking special report.

Issue Date: December 5
Ad Close: October 27
Materials Due: October 31