10 MAY / JUNE 2017 COVER STORY How has your agricultural background helped your banking career? “First Bank of Berne has a large agricultural base on the loan and deposit side, and many of our local businesses are dependent upon the agricultural community, so having that background is helpful. We also have many employees who grew up with farming backgrounds, and many still have involvement in agriculture at some level.” You are active in the community. What is your community service philosophy? “My philosophy is that every person, no matter what age, background or physical abilities, needs to be involved in community service. We all need to apply our skills and abilities, whatever they may be, to give back to the people in our communities. We need to give not only financial resources, but also our time. “Involvement can be on the Little League diamond, at a 4-H fair, in church or with the local school system. What is important is being willing to make a difference in the lives of others, especially those who are less fortunate. “I think God designs us for a purpose, and we learn as we go along. Everyone has had experiences that can help somebody else. Maybe it’s helping someone raising their first child or going through a significant health event. “That’s where I feel our philosophy on community service truly comes into play. We all have opportunities, but sometimes we have to look to discover what those God-given opportunities are.” Your bank is a long-time member of Indiana Bankers Association. What is the value to you in being a member? “Charlie Isch was very involved in the IBA and got me involved early in my career, so I have been able to appreciate the IBA from multiple facets. We send a large number of people each year to the Mega Conference, including our board and many on our management team, and I also will be at the Annual Convention this fall. “I appreciate those educational opportunities, because banking changes so rapidly. Getting the opportunity to interact, hear speakers, walk through the exhibitors’ area and talk to vendors is extremely valuable. “We also utilize IBA for numerous webinar opportunities, and I’ve gone on the IBA Annual Washington Trip on several occasions. The trip has helped me gain a greater appreciation for what’s involved in crafting legislation, and what my responsibility is as an IBA member. “The peer groups have also been an excellent resource from the IBA, particularly when I came into my position in the beginning. I was able to talk to leaders and bank presidents at other organizations about shared struggles, concerns and strategies. It’s been great to meet with them and talk about how they are dealing with a challenge or an issue. “The IBA has done a good job of staying ahead of the game. I have a lot of respect for the Association.” What are the biggest challenges to this industry? “The biggest challenge to this industry is maintaining profitability and growth within the highly regulated environment that banks operate in. Complying with increasing regulation, while trying to meet the needs of our customers so that they can still get the products and services they need, is also a challenge. First Bank of Berne opened its operations building in 2015, providing 20,000 square feet of workspace, training areas and meeting spaces. The facility was designed by K4 Architecture + Design. A First Bank of Berne wall mural depicts Berne’s clock tower, a replica of the glockenspiel of Bern, Switzerland. (Continued on page 12.)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==