After the session, the IBA Intern Conference concluded, but the FLD Leadership Conference continued with a casual networking reception and dinner, followed by another fun-filled FLD Trivia Night Competition that featured Hambone’s Trivia. Teams battled it out to determine this year's champions, and a remarkable group of bankers walked away with a coveted trivia champion trophy and goodie bags after a fierce competition. Day two of the FLD Leadership Conference began with a session from Michael Foland, a current FLD member and banker with Security Federal Savings Bank in Logansport. He inspired attendees to remember that, with a servant mindset, bankers can be a powerful source of financial education and hope that can make an impact in their communities, no matter the role they are in. As with many FLD events, the need to engage in grassroots advocacy was stressed as an opportunity to learn and grow in the industry while also making an impact on the bank. IBA Vice President of Government Relations Ross Teare was joined by Lake City Bank President Kristin Pruitt and NWSB President Syd Whitlock for an open and honest conversation about why today’s bank leaders should be willing to engage with grassroots advocacy efforts and make their voice heard to elected officials. They also discussed the ways to get engaged and how it can impact the bank, the community and bankers as individuals. Attendees were also fortunate to hear a video message from Congressman Marlin Stutzman, who represents Indiana’s 3rd district and serves on the House Committee on Financial Services. He explained his work on the committee and the important voice that bankers have on legislation. Conference attendees then broke out into smaller groups for more speed roundtable discussions for additional idea sharing, which is always a popular part of the event. The final speaker for the event was Alex Perry, who shared practical strategies, powerful phrases and a simple four-part framework to help bankers prepare for and navigate challenging conversations and conflict. The 2025 FLD Leadership Conference, combined with the IBA Intern Conference, was a highly successful event that benefited all attendees, as well as the banks they came from. Thank you to all the banks that committed to engaging their employees in this year’s event. Thank you as well to the sponsors of the FLD Leadership Conference that made the event a success, including Amundsen Davis LLC, CLA, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, infotex, and our presenting sponsor, Krieg DeVault LLP. Also, special thanks to Independent Community Bankers of America for sponsoring the IBA Intern Conference. Josh Myers Vice President – Member Engagement Indiana Bankers Association JMyers@indiana.bank Josh is responsible for leading the Future Leadership Division, overseeing IBA grassroots advocacy and coordinating member engagement strategies. He first joined the IBA staff in 2009 after serving as an intern with the Indiana Senate Republican Caucus, legislative intern for Bose Public Affairs Group and field manager with the House Republican Campaign Committee. Thank You, Sponsors! ▶ Amundsen Davis LLC ▶ CLA ▶ Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ▶ Graduate School of Banking-Wisconsin ▶ infotex ▶ Independent Community Bankers of America ▶ Krieg DeVault LLP FLD FOCUS CONT. 44 HOOSIERBANKER
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