11 Hoosier Banker November 2014 Continued on page 12. Gov. Mike Pence and first Lady Karen Pence cut the ribbon in July at the inaugural Farnborough International Air Show to promote Indiana’s attractive business environment. “I believe our overall tax environment, including the relief that we passed on the financial institutions tax, has played a key role in creating the kind of environment that’s resulting in a growing Indiana economy.” Your website states that you are “dedicated to continuing Indiana on a pathway to success through fiscal responsibility, economic development and educational opportunity for every Hoosier child.” What can the Indiana banking community do to assist? “It’s more about what the banking community is already doing in Indiana. One of the strengths of our financial institutions in the state of Indiana is the longstanding tradition of community partnership and philanthropic support that comes out of our financial institutions. “Whether it be working with an individual or business customer in making financing available that results in a growing economy; whether it’s partnering with our local schools in ways that encourage engagement with our teachers and classrooms, particularly in career education; or whether it be banks’ philanthropic support of everything from Little League in the community to virtually every worthy cause in cities large and small in Indiana, our Indiana banking community plays a leading role in the economic vitality of our communities. Their support is reflected in the success of our schools and in the quality of life in communities around Indiana.” Where were you raised? “I was born and raised in Columbus, Indiana, and I’ll never forget when I got my first passbook savings account at Irwin Union Bank and Trust. I was old enough to have my dad take me down to the bank and open up an account and begin to learn to save. “I know banking is big business, and Indiana is fortunate to have some very significant financial institutions that are in our state and do business in our state. But for me, my experience with banking has always been that of a smalltown guy who could walk into the lobby of the bank with his folks, who would know the teller and the branch manager. “That childhood experience shaped my view of banking in Indiana. I recognize what a vital role it plays in ensuring that our families, our businesses and our communities have the resources to keep growing.” What role does the banking industry play overall in the ongoing economic success of Indiana? “Reliable access to capital is essential for Indiana companies to be able to invest and to grow, and banks are the primary source of credit. In 2013, banks nationwide financed more than $287 billion of small business loans, out of a total of $1.5 trillion of business loans. These loans support expansion plans, they support hiring, and they support capital investment. “Banks also work in their local communities through programs like the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and are active partners in local development projects. Additionally there are many other, subtle ways that banks are a glue for our community. At its very core, the banking industry is the leading source of capital that keeps Indiana business moving.” Both you and First Lady Karen Pence keep full schedules, including Mrs. Pence chairing the state’s bicentennial celebration in 2016. How do you balance your challenging time commitments? “We’ve been in public life together for 14 years. For us, it really is about putting family first. “That doesn’t mean that we don’t work a lot of hours. Today, for example, we started out at the Governor’s Conference for Women, where Mrs. Pence spoke, and I spoke, then it was a quick kiss on the cheek, and we both went off to the rest of our schedules for the day. But then we’ll see each other by the end of the day. “Protecting family time – time with our kids when they’re home – has been the key for how being in public service has not only been a time when our family has survived, but it’s been a time when we feel like our family has prospered. I feel that my wife and I, and my kids and I, are Gov. Mike Pence accepts the Outstanding Achievement in State Tax Reform award, presented by The Tax Foundation in April.
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