Customer relationship management is another important area in operations. Community banks rely on strong customer relationships and personalized services to build customer trust and loyalty. Another significant part is risk management, which protects the bank from losses, whether from credit risk, operational risk, market risk or the ever-increasing fraud/cybersecurity risk. These risk areas are taking up more time and requiring more attention every day. The use of technology has changed substantially since I started my career. It has become an integral part of our lives. Its benefits include efficiency, quicker transactions, improved data security, and allow customers to access accounts and services through various methods instead of driving to the bank. The use of AI, if it hasn’t already, will change many areas of a bank. Fraud and cybersecurity measures are paramount to protecting the bank against losses and the exposure of customer information. The final area I want to mention is human resource management. Recruiting and maintaining qualified staff is important to the bank’s overall success. To accomplish this, a bank must have competitive benefits, provide ongoing training and invest in employees’ personal development. Qualified and motivated staff members are better equipped to meet customer and bank needs. Bank management and operations generally require a balanced approach that integrates sound practices, effective leadership from all departments, a customer-focused approach, efficient operations and strong risk management. I hope everyone plans to attend and is geared up for a great 49th Annual Convention and Expo, Sept. 14-16, 2026, at The Lodge of Four Seasons. Organizing and holding a great convention year after year is not an easy task. I am very appreciative of Matt, Michelle, Jessica and Rebecca for the efforts they put into making each convention a success! I also want to say thank you to the speakers and vendors who will be attending. Your time, knowledge and products help all of us better navigate the daily world of banking. With this being my final message, I want to take the opportunity to say that serving as the association’s president over the past year has been a great honor. I want to thank the prior chairmen of the board, the prior presidents, the MIBA Board of Directors and all the member banks for their support. To Doug Fish, immediate past president, thank you for your past and continued service. To Chuck Gnuse, I know the association will be in good hands next year, as you step up as our new president. Looking forward to seeing everyone in September at the 49th Annual Convention. 36th Annual Scholarship Auction Browse and Bid for a Great Cause! In just a few short months, we will gather with our MIBA membership, family and friends for another exciting Convention & Exhibition. This year’s 36th annual MIBA Scholarship Auction will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at The Lodge of Four Seasons. We hope you are already thinking about the items you’ll donate to this worthy cause! On Tuesday during the Convention, the Exhibit Hall will close at 2:00 p.m., and the MIBA Scholarship Silent Auction & President’s Reception will begin at 4:30 p.m. All registered bankers and exhibitors are invited and welcome to join in the fun in support of the next generation of Missouri independent bankers. If you have an item to donate to the auction, please contact the MIBA offices at (573) 636-2751 to request a donation form. For more information, visit miba.net. Donations to and purchases made at the auction are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. The Show-Me Banker Magazine | 5
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