18 MAY / JUNE 2020 ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT On Feb. 10, the Indiana Bankers Association had the privilege of welcoming nearly 60 banking advocates to downtown Indianapolis for the FLD Day at the Statehouse. The event has been a staple of the FLD for several years and is one of the best ways for emerging leaders to learn about the legislative process and become involved in IBA’s grassroots advocacy efforts. Beginning inside the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites, the day began with a fun and challenging “FLD Feud” trivia and icebreaker where attendees had the opportunity to introduce themselves to their peers and answer a trivia question about state government. For example, did you know that there were over 900 bills filed during the 2020 Indiana legislative session and that there are nearly 50 committees in the General Assembly? Following was an in-depth discussion from IBA’s government relations staff, Dax Denton and Eric Augustus, on the 2020 legislative session. They discussed the basics, like what the IBA government relations team does, plus went in-depth on important banking bills and how FLD members can lend their voices to support the IBA’s advocacy efforts with legislators. Next, the group traveled a short distance to the Indiana Statehouse for an opportunity to meet with legislators as a group. The first meeting included Sen. Eric Bassler (R-Washington) and Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington). Sen. Bassler is the chairman, while Sen. Zay is the ranking member of the Senate Insurance and Financial Institutions Committee. Next FLD Lends its Voice at the Indiana Statehouse the group met with Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel). Rep. Burton, who is retiring after the 2020 session, has served for several years as the chairman of the House Financial Institutions Committee, which Rep. Schaibley also serves on. Both meetings with legislators provided FLD members with an insider's view of the Statehouse and the legislative process, and an opportunity to discuss issues and ask questions. Attendees then had freedom to move about the Statehouse. Several used the opportunity to schedule individual meetings with legislators to meet for the first time or to get to know them better and talk about banking issues. Others toured the Statehouse and took in the sights of Indiana’s history. The day culminated with a delicious networking lunch and a fun, enlightening discussion from Abdul-Hakim Shabazz. Among other roles, Shabazz is an attorney, hosts the “Abdul at Large” talk show on WIBC-FM 93.1, is an editor and publisher of IndyPolitics.org, and is a frequent panelist on Fox 59’s IN Focus and “Inside Indiana Business.” He provided an interesting look at the political environment, the hot issues of the 2020 session and more. The IBA is very appreciative of all the members that participated in this event, as well as Krieg DeVault LLP for sponsoring lunch. For FLD members and other emerging leaders who missed the event, there are still several grassroots advocacy opportunities available, including IBA regional meetings, the IBA Annual Washington Trip and more. You have a story, and your voice matters. HB Josh Myers Assistant Vice President - Member Engagement Indiana Bankers Association jmyers@indiana.bank @joshmyersIN
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