PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE MENTORSHIP AND CONNECTION BY LOREN BROWN PRESIDENT, MIB Hello my friends, I hope you all have enjoyed this fabulous Montana summer! By the time you read this, the weather may have changed, but I am writing it at the end of July after enjoying some of the best Montana weather I can remember for a summer. Thank you to all of you who joined us for our 2025 Montana Independent Bankers Convention and Trade Show held at Big Sky Resort. We had outstanding attendance this year. And speaking of weather, we couldn’t have asked for better weather for the three days. Probably the only complaint was that we had to have the classes and meetings inside rather than outside, enjoying Big Sky’s weather and beauty! I heard nothing but fun and enjoyment was had on the rafting trip, the golfing event and from folks who just got out, hiked and explored the mountain and surrounding area. We had excellent sessions put on by a variety of topic experts. Everyone had a fabulous time interacting with each other at our PAC auction, gala, receptions, meals and other fun events. If you were there, you know what a valuable experience it was. If you missed it, I am sorry and I hope you will make it a point to join us next year! An absolutely bittersweet moment for me during the convention gala was getting to recognize our outgoing executive director, Jim Brown. As I have shared in previous articles, Jim and I have absolutely no family relationship despite our shared last name. However, when I joined the board of the MIB in 2017, Jim welcomed me with open arms as if I were a family member, just like he has done for the other new board members I have seen join our organization’s leadership team. Jim was incredibly passionate about the MIB’s mission and purpose and shared that with me. He helped show me the ropes and explained what was expected of a board member and how I could be most effective for the organization and for the community banks in our state. Jim also encouraged me to attend my first ICBA LIVE, which was an absolutely eye-opening experience. I haven’t missed one since. Jim also encouraged me to 4 Community Banker
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