8 Hoosier Banker July 2015 Dear Fellow Bankers: Like other community bankers, I wear many hats as president and CEO of Logansport Savings Bank. As expected, I am responsible for recommending the bank’s strategic direction and future planning, but also I am involved in several operational areas due to our smaller size. I have been in banking for more than 35 years, beginning while in high school. I enjoy working with staff, customers and community members on various projects, and it is satisfying to know that we are helping to grow and improve our community. Banking has allowed me to meet some of the best people around, not just locally, but throughout the state and nation, and to see firsthand how success happens. We bankers many times measure success in financial achievements, but success is also reflected in the betterment of those around us ‒ our community and state. One area of service I enjoy is being on the board of directors of the Indiana Bankers Association, which I joined in January. We are fortunate in Indiana to have such a strong and meaningful association. It is second to none. Through board service, I have come especially to appreciate the role of Indiana BANKPAC. While I do not consider myself politically driven, I do understand the importance of standing up for this industry, to help protect it so that we can continue to do what we do best. Unfortunately there are those who would like to change our historical base mission and diminish our ability to serve our communities. Through the IBA board, and also through CEO discussion groups and other IBA offerings, I have had the chance to get to know fellow bankers statewide. Networking is extremely valuable and gives us the opportunity to share best practices. I am also active with community organizations, including past service as United Way campaign chair and board member in Cass County, Chamber chair and board member, and Economic Development chair and board member. Currently I am treasurer of the Region 4 Workforce Board, and I serve on the business advisory board for Indiana University-Kokomo. I also continue to serve the United Way campaign through its Leadership Division, as I have done for many years. Our culture of community service is strong at Logansport Savings Bank, with staff and board members involved in more than 30 organizations. We understand the importance of supporting the community, because our community is a great supporter of us. Giving back is just a natural thing to do. Encouraging staff members to serve is not a difficult proposition because our staff is community-oriented. We provide time and resources, and we genuinely are interested in our employees’ causes, from United Way to school sports teams to quality-of-life initiatives. Community service ties in with our mission statement, which clearly states that our purpose is “serving the needs of our customers, providing them with the best possible service in an efficient, friendly, caring atmosphere” as an “independent, locally controlled and operated, profitable financial institution.” We understand what we are here for and, more importantly, we understand what we are not here for. We have a focused bank approach that has helped us remain profitable with a stable employee base, while meeting customer needs and expectations for 90 years. Banking is in my blood. I started working at Peru Trust Company ‒ now Wells Fargo ‒ in high school and continued while studying finance at Ball State University. While in college, I also worked at First Merchants of Muncie before heading back to my hometown of Peru for 9 full-time years after graduation. I was with Salin Bank in Logansport for 14 years before joining Logansport Savings Bank nearly 10 years ago. Along the way, I had the opportunity to complete the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. I also have had the benefit of many fine mentors who taught me important lessons at various stages of my career. I am indebted to all of them. One of those mentors is Dave Wihebrink, my predecessor at Logansport Savings Bank. It was Dave who approached me about joining the bank as part of a long-term succession plan. I joined the bank in early 2006 and worked closely with Dave in preparation for being named president and CEO in 2010, at which point Dave remained as chairman. The result of this measured plan was a smooth, seamless transition for the benefit of the community, employees, board and shareholders. We found another advantage to long-term succession planning is that discussions are more meaningful, because the people who ultimately will be responsible are present at the table. Long-term stability is the theme of my home life, as well. My wife Kim and I celebrated our 31st anniversary last month. She is an elementary school teacher for Maconaquah School Corporation in Miami County. We have two grown children: Kyle is a PGA golf professional for Crooked Stick in Carmel, and Alison works for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. When Kim and I are not working, we often are visiting our children or enjoying sporting events as long-time ticket holders for the Indianapolis Colts and IMS. Another favorite activity is traveling to Walt Disney World in Florida. We are annual pass holders and make the trip to Orlando three times a year, often with friends or family. Perhaps my attraction to Walt Disney World is partly why banking is so important to me. They say that “dreams do come true”at Disney. As banking professionals, we work daily to help our customers’ dreams come true, too. It is very gratifying to have that impact in this service profession. FEATURE Board Review Arden L. Cramer, IBA Northwest Region Director Logansport Savings Bank
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