EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE BY SHANE SCANLON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MIB It’s hard to believe how fast the summer went by, and I hope you all had an opportunity to enjoy the last several months with family and friends. There has been no shortage of activity at the Montana Independent Bankers Association (MIB), and we’re excited about the opportunities we’ve been working on here in Montana, as well as the critical pieces of legislation advancing in the U.S. Congress. REGISTER FOR THE FUNDAMENTALS OF BANKING COURSE MIB is excited to announce a new partnership with Helena College to offer the Fundamentals of Banking Course to both member and non-member banks. While the program is designed for new employees, we strongly encourage senior employees, high school students, college students and anyone interested in pursuing a career in the banking industry to register for this course. I want to thank Laura Clark, president of Opportunity Bank, for establishing this banking course for her employees several years ago. Her successful program has garnered a great deal of positive feedback. Curriculum The Fundamentals of Banking Course is designed to give participants a clear understanding of the banking industry, from day-to-day operations to broader financial concepts. The aim is to spark long-term interest in the field, support employee retention and create opportunities for future advancement within the industry. Schedule The course will be conducted online, allowing you to access materials and complete assignments at your convenience each week. The first course started at the end of October. The same course will be offered from Jan. 26-March 6, 2026, and April 27-June 5, 2026. Cost/Registration The cost to register for the course is $250 for MIB member banks and $350 for non-member banks, high school students and college students. Scan the QR code to register or learn more about the Fundamentals of Banking Course. https://mibonline.org/bankingcourse/ NEW PARTNERSHIPS AND OPPORTUNITIES BLOCKCHAIN AND DIGITAL INNOVATION TASK FORCE On Oct. 6, the Montana Blockchain and Digital Innovation Task Force convened for its first meeting. The task force was authorized by SB 330 during the 2025 legislative session, which passed with strong bipartisan support in both chambers and was signed into law by the governor. We are pleased that Loren Brown, CEO and president of Ascent Bank and current president of MIB, was appointed to the 21-member task force. The Montana Blockchain and Digital Innovation Task Force will play a critical role in informing members about blockchain, financial and digital innovation technology, and providing context for related issues. The task force will study activity in other states and explore policy considerations that could impact the regulatory environment, consumer protections and the growth of business opportunities within our industry. All of this will lay the groundwork for potential legislation that we anticipate will be brought forward during the next session in January 2027. The task force is required to report its findings and recommendations to the Economic Affairs Interim Committee and the Legislative Council by July 1, 2026. 6 Community Banker
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