Hoosier Banker 15 With a theme of “The New Frontier,” the Indiana Bankers Association 2017 Annual Convention forged into the future, Sept. 10-12 at French Lick Resort. More than 400 attendees gathered for the annual meeting of educational offerings, official association business proceedings, and camaraderie in abundance. Events began with a golf outing at the famed Donald Ross Course. It was a beautiful day to enjoy the outdoors. Congratulations to the winning golf team from The First National Bank, Monterey: Clip, George and Mark Wamsley; and Kevin Crawford. The team members generously donated their earnings from the win to the Indiana BANKPAC. Opening day continued with a relaxing Wild West welcome party, as guests mixed and mingled wearing cowboy boots and hats, enjoyed down-home barbecue, and swayed and danced to a country music band. Some of the braver attendees completed the experience by testing their mettle against a mechanical bull. The next two days saw an impressive display of educational events, covering topics ranging from consolidation trends to technological disruption to differing generational mindsets. Monday morning, the IBA was honored to have U.S. Rep. Trey Hollingsworth, a member of the House Financial Services Committee, give a congressional update. Presentations also were made by leadership from the American Bankers Association and the Independent Community Bankers of America. IBA Chair Annette M. Russell, Security Federal Savings Bank, Logansport, led the Monday luncheon business meeting, including proceedings for election of officers for 2018. She also gave an update on the status of the Association, including legislative success, a summary of educational programming and events, and growth of the IBA Future Leadership Division. Also at the Monday luncheon, Dax Denton, IBA senior vice president-government relations, presented the 2017 IBA Legislator of the Year award to Rep. Tom Washburne, in recognition for his support of legislation favorable to the growth of the industry and the communities they serve. Washburne has announced his retirement from the Indiana Statehouse, but will continue in his professional capacity as corporate counsel of Old National Bancorp in Evansville. A highlight each year at Convention is the Future Leadership Division silent auction, held to raise funds for the Indiana BANKPAC. This year’s event was a success, raising more than $22,000. Combined with mulligan sales from the golf outing, plus dollars brought in through the annual sweepstakes, the total contributions made to the Indiana BANKPAC through Convention activity came to more than $75,000. Another highlight at this year’s Annual Convention was the Tuesday lunchtime keynote by noted economist Dr. Stephen Happel. Bankers paid rapt attention as Dr. Happel presented on the economy and the diverse factors contributing to it. After breakout sessions Tuesday afternoon, the Convention rounded out with the traditional closing banquet. Past IBA presidents/chairmen were recognized for their contributions to the Association. Members of the IBA 40 Year Club also were recognized, and new club members were given lapel pins. Additionally at the banquet, Chair Annette Russell was honored with a Circle of Corydon award from Gov. Eric Holcomb. The award, presented by Thomas C. Fite, director of Christina M. Bennett, CMP Vice President- Meetings & Events Indiana Bankers Association cbennett@indianabankers.org @cbennettin
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