6 Hoosier Banker July 2015 Each July, we take time to reflect on the United States’ independence from imperial control. As citizens of this great nation, we as individuals enjoy the freedom to be independent in both thoughts and actions, as long as we do no harm to other individuals or to society at large. This grand experiment in democratic rule and individual freedom, known as the United States of America, is a shining example of the successful interweaving of freedom and liberty with individual responsibility. Despite any societal problems that the United States may have, this nation is still the best place to live on planet earth. One of the tenets of our nation’s success has been the powerful dynamic between state and federal governments. The 50 states that make up the United States share many similarities, yet each is unique. Our states are unique in their geography, size and amenities, including natural resources. They reap the benefits of different types of major employers. Each has its own state-level, county and municipal governments, resulting in a national patchwork of rules that citizens live by. All of these factors combine to make the United States coveted among nations. We in Indiana will soon have even more cause to think back to our history and heritage. On Dec. 11, 1816, Indiana became the 19th state admitted to the United States of America. On Dec. 11, 2015 ‒ about five months from now ‒ Indiana will begin a year-long celebration of our bicentennial anniversary of statehood. A few years ago, the Indiana Bicentennial Commission was created to coordinate and lead the state’s efforts to celebrate our 200th birthday. One century ago, a similar organization helped coordinate the celebration of our state's 100-year anniversary. Recently the Indiana Bankers Association was approached about the honor of being the presenting sponsor of a bicentennial coin, an opportunity proposed by Perry Hammock, executive director of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission. Our executive committee of the board vetted the details, and the IBA board of directors voted to approve the sponsorship. Back in 1916, a much younger IBA likewise was the presenting sponsor of the centennial coin, so we are continuing a long tradition of working in unison with the state of Indiana in these celebrations. Coincidentally on Jan. 29, 1916, Hoosier Banker magazine was first published, and it has continued to be published each month since. Therefore Hoosier Banker will turn 100 years old in 2016, the same year that our state celebrates its bicentennial. In the coming months, many FEATURE PresiDenT’s PonDerinGs S. Joe DeHaven, President & Chief Executive Officer, Indiana Bankers Association communications will be shared with you explaining how the banking community can help to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Indiana’s statehood, particularly regarding your role in the exclusive distribution of the bicentennial coin. Many specifics are yet to be determined, and IBA staff will be working closely with Mr. Hammock and his team to finalize those details. As to Hoosier Banker magazine’s 100-year anniversary, staff is working on celebratory plans and is open to your ideas and insights. These will be exciting times for IBA and our member banks as we honor our past, while simultaneously looking to the future. In this patriotic month of July, let us be thankful for our rich heritage and for the patriots who made it possible. Particularly in this special time in our history, let us also look forward to a joyful celebration of 200 years of statehood for Indiana and 100 years of Hoosier Banker! Amber R. Van Til has been named an executive vice president of the Indiana Bankers Association. She most recently served as senior vice president-government relations, with primary responsibility for all state banking legislative issues and for IBA’s communications functions. Van Til joined the association in 2002 as lobbyist for the Community Bankers Association of Indiana; she was named vice president-government relations in 2005 and senior vice president-government relations in 2012. Van Til won in the category of Banking & Financial Services in 2008 for the Best & Brightest awards, sponsored by Junior Achievement of Central Indiana Inc. She is a member of the Governmental Affairs Society of Indiana, the Columbia Club and the Indiana Society of Association Executives. Van Til earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Indianapolis, a JD from the Robert H. McKinney School of Law, and is completing studies at the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin next month. t VanTil Promoted to Executive Vice President
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