6 Hoosier Banker January 2015 As I continue to study the genius of the founding fathers of this great country called the United States of America, I am amazed at how comprehensively, yet simply, they organized our government. Take the first amendment of the Constitution of the United States, which reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. ”This straightforward sentence covers a lot of ground. Millions of words have been spoken and written to describe what it means, or at least how a particular author believes it should be interpreted. The last portion, “and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances,” provides the right, and arguably the responsibility, for groups and individuals to be represented in front of elected officials. In other words, this constitutional passage authorizes lobbying, grassroots efforts and financial support for candidates who share our concerns. The Indiana Bankers Association, our sister associations in every state, the American Bankers Association and the Independent Community Bankers of America all represent the business of banking and bankers. Collectively and individually, these groups represent those banking interests in various venues on a wide range of issues. Nearly any group of people with a common cause has its own team of lobbyists who represent them. Though lobbyists are often maligned, their responsibility is legitimized by the First Amendment to the Constitution. Not only does our foundational document legitimize those of us who regularly interact with and educate legislators and government administrators, but it also legitimizes and even encourages individuals to be active in grassroots efforts. For bankers, there are many opportunities to do this grassroots work. Your Indiana Bankers Association encourages you to sign up for VoterVoice, a communications system designed specifically for grassroots efforts and available on the IBA website. IBA also encourages your support of ICBA and ABA efforts in Washington, D.C., during their respective government relations fly ins, as well as participation in the IBA Annual Washington Trip, scheduled this year for Sept. 27-29. Last year nearly 70 people attended this trip. This year IBA Chairman Larry Myers has set a goal of 80 participants to attend, as he states on page 11. Coming up soon is our annual Legislative Reception. The IBA consistently hosts one of the most attended and successful legislative events during the General Assembly Session each year. Even though it is the U.S. Constitution that guarantees the right to petition government, that right later was FEATURE President’s Ponderings S. Joe DeHaven, President & Chief Executive Officer, Indiana Bankers Association extended to the states. In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt said it best: “Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere.” Essentially, this is what the IBA, ABA and ICBA do – we advocate to improve conditions within your sphere. Though these associations provide expertise, professionalism and relationships, it is only our constituents – our member bankers – who can provide the elemental grassroots information. It also is you, our members, who provide the funding, through our PAC, to allow our industry to help those candidates who share our concerns. IBA, ICBA and ABA have a symbiotic relationship with our collective bank members. We need each other in order to assure that we can succeed. Your next opportunity to participate in this constitutionally granted right will be at the 2015 Legislative Reception, to be held at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis across from the Statehouse from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 3. IBA will be there, elected officials will be there, and over 100 bankers will be there. Will you? Upcoming IBA Grassroots Events Legislative Briefing and Reception – Feb. 3, Hyatt Regency Indianapolis A briefing at 4 p.m. by the IBA Government Relations Team will update IBA members on pressing issues in the 2015 Indiana General Assembly. The following reception from 5-7 p.m. gives IBA members the opportunity to meet face-to-face with elected officials. Day at the Statehouse – March 16, Indiana Statehouse Sponsored by IBA’s Future Leadership Division, this inaugural event will help connect emerging leaders in Indiana banking with the legislative process that affects banking operations. IBA Annual Washington Trip – Sept. 27-29, Washington, D.C. This hallmark event gives IBA members a chance to meet with legislators in our nation’s capitol. Additionally, a strong showing of Indiana bankers demonstrates to legislators that the voice of the Indiana banking community needs to be heard. Access IBA VoterVoice, the legislative action center of the Indiana Bankers Association, at indianabankers.org/votervoice. Details about VoterVoice are available in the December 2014 Hoosier Banker, page 20.
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