15 Hoosier Banker October 2014 know that our existence is dependent upon our ability to serve your needs efficiently. Therefore we cannot close the door to any opportunity that might enhance our ability to provide that service. The board is in lockstep on these five points and, over the next couple of years, we intend to focus on accomplishing specific goals toward each of these strategies. While the board is working hard on these issues, it is comforting to know that so many of you have participated in this process and will continue to participate and support our efforts in the coming year. Together, I know we will accomplish many of these important goals. Of course one of the most important functions of the IBA is to represent you at the Statehouse during the legislative session each year. Typically there are around 100 bills introduced that could affect your bank and your ability to serve your customers. The IBA Government Relations Team monitors these bills and acts accordingly to protect your interests. There is no way to know what will be introduced next year, but we will continue our advocacy on your behalf. Currently we are working on foreclosure simplification, but doubt we will have a bill for the 2015 session. We expect other groups will have bills dealing with some aspects of the process. Our voice will be loud and strong on your behalf. At the national level, IBA works closely with both the American Bankers Association and the Independent Community Bankers of America. These organizations take the lead on those issues, but IBA is deeply involved and has strong relationships and communications with the Indiana delegation. Prior to lunch you heard from banker leadership representing both ABA and ICBA about the issues in Washington. Additionally, three weeks ago, about 70 Indiana bankers and associate members, along with staff, were in Washington to visit with regulators and congressmen following briefings by ICBA and ABA, as well as the Conference of State Bank Supervisors. This is important work, and we hope you will join us on future trips to Washington. Without our grassroots efforts, we will never prevail at getting credit unions taxed, farm credit supporting us instead of competing against us, or meaningful regulatory relief enacted. This year the board of directors hired Donaldson Capital Management, headquartered in Evansville, to manage the IBA investment portfolio. Donaldson has been managing the investment portfolio of the IBA Group Health Insurance Trust for over 10 years, so it is very familiar to us. As the portfolio continues to grow, the board and staff recognized that IBA does not have the resources to continue to do this internally. We look forward in the next year to working closely with Donaldson Capital Management to appropriately invest the money, to assure ongoing service to members in the future. I am optimistic about the future of the banking industry in Indiana. The board of directors that you have elected is very strong. The Association is very strong. Your commitment is very strong. Together, we are certain that we will be successful at whatever issues are directed at us. With your membership, your grassroots involvement, your support of IBA programs and services, and your commitment to helping determine IBA’s future, success is assured. I am excited to serve you in 2015, and proud and appreciative of the confidence you have displayed by electing me as your 2015 Chairman. Together we will succeed. t Outgoing IBA Chairman Dave Heeter (left), presents the chairman’s gavel to Chairman-Elect Larry Myers at the Annual Convention. James G. Hiatt, president/chief executive officer of First State Bank of Middlebury, has announced plans to retire, effective Jan. 1, 2015. He will continue to serve on the board of directors of Crystal Valley Financial Corp. and of the bank. Hiatt has been serving as president since 1982 and is a current member of the Indiana Bankers Association board of directors, in the capacity of northeast region director. John Edge has retired as president of the Owensboro region of First Security Bank, Owensboro, Kentucky, after 17 years with the company. He is one of the founding executives that started the bank in 1997. Edge continues with the bank in a consultative capacity. t taking it easy
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