8 Hoosier Banker October 2016 CONVENTION COVERAGE For three beautiful days in September, 446 attendees gathered at the French Lick Resort for the 2016 Indiana Bankers Association Annual Convention. The theme, “Balancing Act: Walking the Fine Line Between Challenge and Opportunity,” reflected on the complexities of the industry. Per tradition, convention events kicked off with a golf tournament on Sunday, Sept. 11. Congratulations to this year’s winning team: Roger K. Cromer, Crossroads Bank, Wabash; Todd Taylor, Taylor Advisors, Louisville, Kentucky; and Roger A. Bird and Joe Urbanski, Farmers State Bank, LaGrange. Later that evening, attendees gathered in the exhibit hall for a circus-themed opening reception. Exhibitors featured an array of games and activities, while guests intermingled with staff and others dressed as circus performers and animals. Festivities continued with dinner, music and birthday cake for IBA’s Paul W. Freeman, executive vice president. On Monday, Sept. 12, events began bright and early with a rousing leadership keynote from Meridith Elliott Powell. Educational opportunities continued with a stream of high-powered sessions, including presentations from the chairs of both the American Bankers Association and the Independent Community Bankers of America. At Monday’s luncheon, IBA official business was conducted, including election of IBA officers for 2017, a new board member elected for next year, and recognition of board retirements. In addition IBA President Amber R. Van Til presented Sen. Rodric Bray with the IBA Legislator of the Year award. Sen. Bray was honored for his industry support and sponsorship of bills addressing the issue of foreclosure. Monday evening the IBA Future Leadership Division hosted its annual silent auction, raising more than $22,000 for Indiana BANKPAC through the auction and an additional $50,000 through the BANKPAC sweepstakes. Features of the evening included Rep. Woody Burton’s auctioneering skills, and a PAC donation voting contest for the opening reception’s best costume, for which Jeremy Siegle, Bank of Wolcott, was named contest winner. The final day of the convention, Tuesday, Sept. 13, began with Tom Hershberger’s presentation, “Every Circus Needs a Ringmaster.” The day continued with presentations covering topics ranging from digital strategies to loan underwriting, plus a luncheon keynote by Dr. Steffen Schmidt, a.k.a. Dr. Politics. Events concluded with the closing banquet. IBA Chair Michael H. Head, First Federal Savings Bank, EvansBalancing Act: 2016 IBA Annual Convention Walking the Fine Line Between Challenge and Opportunity
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