14 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018 and we both want to always be giving back. “I have been involved in economic development for over 30 years. In the 1990s our small community had to reinvent itself when all of the manufacturing jobs left Tell City. Up until that time, we had a General Electric plant that, at its peak, employed 3,000 people, plus three wood manufacturing plants that employed approximately 1,500. They were all gone. “The community leaders had to be creative in bringing jobs back, and we’ve been able to do just that. We totally shifted our focus, and now Tell City has the world’s most productive gray and ductile iron foundry, and is a major employer for the region. This company primarily manufactures parts for the automotive industry. We have also been successful in attracting ancillary companies, which support the automotive industry. “From a local, regional and state perspective, being involved is one of the most important things anyone can do. Fortunately, our children have inherited this trait, and Barbara and I are proud to say that both of our children carry a deep belief in being philanthropic.” What goals do you envision for the IBA in 2018? “I have big plans for the IBA in 2018. One of my primary goals is to create curricula in higher education that focuses on banking. We’ve had numerous conversations with major universities in Indiana. These meetings have been with university presidents, business school chairs and various other university educators, and have been very productive, with strong interest. “The feedback has been tremendously positive. The key is to understand what the universities and educators are looking for but, most importantly, what the students are looking for. The aim is to show young adults that banking is a wonderful career – it is rewarding personally, professionally and financially. The more exposure we can provide, the more we can bring in talent to help resolve the succession challenges that many community banks face. “This first goal leads into a related goal of establishing an internship program. One part of the banking curriculum would include a two-year internship component. Details are open for discussion, but the long-term view is to provide exposure to students, so they will view banking as a true career path. “An overall goal for the IBA is to continue growing our political action involvement. We need more people attending the IBA Annual Washington Trip, and we need more people engaging in meaningful grassroots communication with their legislators. “Bankers should be meeting with legislators and having a dialog with them on a regular basis. This provides a platform to tell our story … the story of bankers assisting the citizens and small businesses in the legislator’s district. “It takes time to elevate engagement to have more personal contact with legislators, and it can be difficult to convince people that the effort really is worthwhile. Being active in different IBA events, such as the Future Leadership Division Day at the Statehouse, the annual IBA legislative briefing and reception, and the DC trip are ways to solidify relationships and, therefore, add value when reaching out to our elected officials to discuss current or changing legislation. “Generally for grassroots advocacy to work, there is no single activity that will create the desired results. The IBA must continue offering multiple activities and create an environment that promotes advocacy within the political arena.” How can bankers maximize the benefits of IBA membership? “Members can maximize the benefits of being an IBA member by becoming more engaged. One way is to allow your employees to utilize the IBA’s tremendous educational offerings and opportunities. “And from a government relations perspective, bankers can become engaged in the annual legislative briefing and reception at the beginning of each legislative session, and by attending the summer regional meetings held throughout the state. The connections made and relationships built, not only with legislators, but with bankers, allow us the opportunity to pick up the phone, call one of our banking peers and say, ‘I’m challenged with this issue, how do you handle it within your institution?’” How has the IBA served you in your career? “The IBA has helped with my career development mainly through affiliation with leadership of the Association, other bankers and our elected officials. My involvement in the IBA has been more engaging for the last 10 years, from participating in educational programming to peer interaction. “It’s very helpful, as we manage our individual institutions, to share best practices with peers and to gain a better understanding of how the industry is moving. The IBA has definitely been instrumental in my career development, and for that I am more than willing to serve in any way possible in an effort to assist future Indiana bankers.” HB Family photos are on proud display in the office of Clay Ewing.
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