14 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2018 different traits together, you have a strong, well-balanced team. A team that works well together can accomplish its goals and can turn any challenge into an opportunity.” How is your retirement being structured? “I’m going to stay on as president of the holding company and will be working from home, with some travel involved. I’ll be starting a shareholder relationship program to work on shareholder succession planning. I’ll also be looking for additional revenue sources for the holding company. “I want to continue to stay involved with Junior Achievement, because I’m on an executive committee and board of directors. I want to stay involved with the IBA as much as I can. I’d like to continue to review advocacy materials and encourage bank staff to participate. “Mostly, I look forward to family time. Tina and I have six grandchildren, plus I have another son and daughter who don’t have children yet, so we may end up with more grandchildren. Also my father is 94, and we care for him a lot, and I’m thankful for that time together. “I have a passion for my job, and that passion will never go away, but now it’s time for family.” HB advocacy is, not only to our bank, but also to the industry. “What we need to know is in front of our eyes every day from the IBA team. I sometimes read the information about bills two or three times, to make sure I understand how it pertains to Bath State Bank. Every IBA banker should read those bills, because there will always be something that pertains to each bank and staff. “Also, if there’s an issue and we need to contact legislators, IBA makes it easy through email reminders. I read everything when I hear from the IBA Government Relations Team. “I enjoy doing all I can to assist the IBA team. Assisting IBA in its fight against legislation harmful to banking makes all our lives easier and more enjoyable.” You are extremely active with Junior Achievement and other organizations. What is your community service philosophy? “For our staff, there is no limit, because it is common sense to help your communities. We have employees involved in many areas throughout several counties. “We don’t have any limitations on it. If an employee needs to be gone longer from work, we plan ahead and have people fill in for one another. Even if they need to be gone all day, I allow them to do it. “Volunteers are special people. They make our communities prosper, and I encourage our staff to be involved.” Your president’s message on the bank website states, “Having the right people by your side is what matters.” Please explain. “You can be a great player on the field, but if you do not have the right players out there with you, you will not win any games. We have worked diligently to learn employee’s strengths and to put them in the right places, where they can be the most efficient and valuable to the bank. “Years back, when we were building our staff, it was a learning process. At times we thought someone would be good in a position, but it wouldn’t work out. So we started studying people’s strengths and weaknesses. “My philosophy is to strengthen the strengths, eliminate the weaknesses, and let people do what they do best. We have built a very strong team with that, especially with our supervisors and within their departments. “When you bring these The motto of Bath State Bank has evolved through the years to: “The Bank by the Side of the Road That Is Always a Friend!” VIDEO BONUS The Story of Banking George Ferriell exemplifies the community banking spirit in “The Story of Banking.” To view, click on the video icon in HB Digital, or visit: indianabankers.org/iba-commitment-community-campaign-videos. Branden Logue (left) and George Ferriell stand by a display of trophies that demonstrate Bath State Bank’s commitment to Junior Achievement and the Indiana Bankers Association.
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