technological, economic and regulatory issues shaping community banking: • Remaining Independent: Strategies and Practices for Remaining Independent in the Age of Industry Consolidation — Tom Keenan, President, Keenan & Partners • Understanding Artificial Intelligence and Third-Party Risk — Mandy Fisher, CPA, CFE, CISSP, Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer; and Casey Balcerzak, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Opportunity Bank • Montana Economy at Mid-Year 2026 — Jeffrey A. Michael, Director, Bureau of Business and Economic Research, University of Montana • Update from the Banking Commissioner — Melanie Hall, Commissioner, Division of Banking and Financial Institutions, State of Montana Together, these sessions gave attendees practical ideas they could take home to their institutions, as well as a clearer view of the forces likely to shape the remainder of 2026 and beyond. CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE Now, I need to circle back to Thursday evening and our awards presentation; it rightfully deserves its own section. We had the privilege of recognizing some amazing individuals and organizations whose leadership, partnership and service represent the best of community banking. MVP Bank Member Award: Opportunity Bank of Montana We were proud to present the 2026 MVP Bank Member Award to Opportunity Bank of Montana. President and CEO Laura Clark is an impressive leader who has built an incredible team. Laura was one of the first board members I met when I joined the association, and I have appreciated her steady guidance and leadership. We also cannot thank her enough for spearheading the Fundamentals of Banking Course, which has seen phenomenal growth over the past year. Outstanding Associate Member Award: Bell Bank The Outstanding Associate Member Award is always one of our most difficult selections because we are fortunate to work with so many fantastic associate members. This year, we were pleased to recognize Bell Bank and its very own Craig McCandless. Although I have not known Craig long, I enjoyed catching up with him over coffee in Helena, and he has always made an effort to reach out and stay connected. He has been a true partner to MIB, consistently stepping up to support us and help our association thrive. We are grateful to Bell Bank’s dedication to MIB and proud to recognize their contributions. Young Banker Award: Caden Harkins, Three Rivers Bank of Montana Caden Harkins has distinguished himself through remarkable professional growth, advancing from personal banker to commercial credit analyst and now loan officer at Three Rivers Bank of Montana in just four years. His integrity, work ethic and commitment to serving people of all ages in his community make him an outstanding representative of the future of community banking in Montana. We were delighted to honor Caden with the 2026 Young Banker Award. THANK YOU FOR MAKING BUTTE SPECIAL To every sponsor, exhibitor, speaker, volunteer, board member, associate member, banker and guest who helped make the 2026 Convention possible: thank you. Butte gave us a record-setting turnout and an unforgettable experience. More importantly, everyone who attended helped reaffirm the strength, resilience and shared purpose of Montana’s community banks. We cannot wait to build on that momentum together through the remainder of the year and into 2027! Community Banker 7
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