6 Hoosier Banker April 2015 be a truly fascinating journey into a lifestyle that is foreign to most of us. On Wednesday, May 13, our luncheon presenter will be Josh Bleill, who lost both of his legs when a bomb exploded while he was stationed in Afghanistan. Josh will share his story, which follows a curvy path from military service as a Marine to now being community spokesperson for the Indianapolis Colts. We will also honor our Five Star Member banks and our Diamond Associate Members during the Tuesday luncheon. On Wednesday we will announce the eagerly anticipated winners of the Maxi Awards, in recognition of the best bank marketing efforts during the past year. Monday will be dominated by the golf outing. Other networking opportunities consist of the ever-popular hospitality suite, open both Monday and Tuesday nights, and the Mega Reception, held at the JW Marriott Indianapolis early Tuesday evening. I look forward to renewing friendships with longtime acquaintances and developing new relationships during Mega. I hope you, too, are able to participate in Mega 2015 and connect with good friends, both old and new. I have the privilege of knowing many individuals who represent companies that sell products and services to banks throughout the country. Many of these people represent companies that are associate members of the Indiana Bankers Association. Not only do I see these friends at IBA events, but I frequently run across them at other industry events, such as the annual conventions of the Independent Community Bankers of America and American Bankers Association, and the ABA National Conference for Community Bankers. Invariably the conversation will turn to the IBA-hosted Mega Conference, presented each spring. Everyone I talk with knows about the Mega Conference. Most of them tell me they will see me there again this year. Often service providers will approach me and ask how they can get a booth, because they have heard others talking about how valuable the Mega Conference is. These discussions always make me proud to represent the IBA. They also make me proud of our staff, who devised the concept and execute it annually. I must agree, it is impressive. It is the largest event hosted by a single state association in the country, and we are far from being the largest state association. More importantly, I am proud because of what we make available to our member bankers. What an outstanding opportunity for bankers throughout Indiana to attend this educational event and large exhibit hall. Coming up May 11-13 is this year’s Mega Conference: “Mission Possible — Taking the Mystery Out of Today’s Complex Banking Issues.” Mega will once again be held at the Indiana Convention Center, with the JW Marriott Indianapolis acting as our host hotel. In addition to the over 80 friends who will have booths in the exhibit hall, we will present a dozen educational tracks over May 12 and 13. Track topics will cover: Directors, Operations & Technology, Retail Banking, Risk Management, Sales & Customer Service, Trust, Business Lending, Financial Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Compliance, and Strategic Thinking. Something new this year will take place in the closing session of the Strategic Thinking track, when we will host “Ignite.” This fast-paced session will consist of a series of five-minute speeches from bankers and other industry friends describing something they are passionate about. It should be enlightening and entertaining. Chris Bennett, IBA’s vice president-meetings & events, has lined up two outstanding speakers for luncheon keynotes. On Tuesday, May 12, James Olson will detail his life working as a spy for the CIA for over 30 years. It will FEATURE President’s Ponderings S. Joe DeHaven, President & Chief Executive Officer, Indiana Bankers Association Chris Branson has been appointed to the board of directors of CITBA Financial Corp. and Citizens Bank, Mooresville. He replaces David Kollmeyer, who has retired from the board after 15 years of service. Branson is the owner of Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service and Crematory. He serves as board president of the Community Foundation of Morgan County, vice president of the Mooresville Chamber of Commerce and board member of the Mooresville Senior Center. Branson is a member of the Mooresville Kiwanis Club, Mooresville Lions Club, Mooresville Masonic Lodge #78 and the St. Thomas More Knights of Columbus. He also is active with Selected Independent Funeral Homes, the Indiana Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. Branson earned a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University and is a graduate of the Worsham College of Mortuary Science. t From the Board room
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