Hoosier Banker 7 The Indiana Bankers Association is still going full steam ahead, despite the ongoing pandemic. The IBA has successfully transitioned to a virtual environment and recently hosted the FLD Leadership Conference online. Upcoming events likewise will take place virtually, such as the Banking on Women Conference and the combined Mega Conference/Annual Convention. The government relations team also is charging ahead and recently concluded this year’s IBA Annual Washington Trip. The virtual “trip” consisted of Zoom conversations with regulators, legislators and representatives of the national bank trade associations. Much of the discussion served as a reminder that we as bankers need to remain engaged with policymakers, even in these unpredictable times. Some of the topics we discussed have been around for a few years, such as cannabis banking, Farm Credit overreach and the industrial loan company loophole. We also talked about the need for a streamlined forgiveness process for Paycheck Protection Program loans of $150,000 and less. Additionally, we addressed the growing trend of credit union acquisitions of community banks, and the harmful effects of these sales on tax rolls and the community banking industry. Some of the legislators were unaware of the plethora of credit union acquisitions and thus were surprised to learn that, this year in Indiana, the number of credit union acquisitions of banks has exceeded the number of bank acquisitions of banks. On the DC trip calls, when we brought up the topic of credit unions, the legislators typically assumed that we would talk about the same credit union issues that have been problematic for years. The recent calls gave us the opportunity, then, to discuss this new issue of the proliferation of credit union purchases of banks. We also had the chance to explain that banks do not have a realistic, reciprocal option to purchase credit unions, due to formidable barriers imposed by the National Credit Union Administration. Looking ahead to the post-pandemic future, the Washington calls allowed us to express concern about the potential of sweeping legislation or regulation to be enacted in response to isolated abuses of stimulus programs. Undoubtedly some issues will come to light, given the size, scope and speed of the stimulus efforts, but we as bankers know from Dodd-Frank and other crises that overreaction can result in unintended consequences. A final note about the virtual Washington trip: I was pleased to see several new banker faces on the calls. As I travel about Indiana visiting with banks, I always talk about the trip with bankers who have not participated. Some of those banks had people on this year’s trip for the first time. My hope is that next year these new participants will travel to DC to gain the full, in-person experience. As the number of banks in Indiana continues to decline, it is critically important for all banks to be involved in the IBA. We have a strong Association in Indiana, and the IBA is admired across the country for its strength and quality. Member participation is key, and the Washington trip is a main component of our advocacy. For now my travels around the state are winding down, and I hope to complete all bank visits by mid-September. It has been a wonderful experience, and I appreciate all of our banks’ opening their doors to me. Sometimes they literally had to unlock their doors to let me in! I have learned a tremendous amount about the banks in Indiana, including that our member banks are much more diverse than I realized. No two banks are alike. There are differences in ownership, target lines of business and customers, and growth strategies. Each Indiana bank is unique, yet our many similarities unite us. That’s why it’s so important, especially in these trying times, to stay connected through the IBA. HB CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Home Bank • @HomeBank_1890 • Aug. 7 It was an honor to gather together with a number of great companies and individuals to sponsor North Madison Elementary’s “Project Playground!” @MrsvlPioneers #GatherGrowGive #makelivesbetter First Savings Bank • @fsbindiana • June 30 VP/Director of Treasury Management, Dana Juliot, presented a check to Clarksville Schools. We love supporting our youth! Springs Valley Bank & Trust • @SpringsValleyBT • June 26 Today, Springs Valley donated $100 to Crossroads Baptist Church in Oakland City to use towards their upcoming Community Baby Shower. Hoosier Heartland State Bank • @myHHSB • June 22 When Glow Girl Esthetics reached out to us with this unique idea to help local healthcare heroes, we were all in! We’re happy our donation could help provide 40 #skincarekits to essential workers at Franciscan Health C’ville. #communitybank #hhsbgivesback #facesonthefrontline Community First Bank of Indiana • @CFBIndiana • May 29 We are excited to announce our initiative to support every Hoosier nonprofit organization that has entrusted our bank to process their Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan. Read the press release here: https://www.cfbindiana. Follow IBA Twitter @indianabankers NOTABLE QUOTES Bank Community Service on Twitter Lucas White Chairman Indiana Bankers Association President The Fountain Trust Company, Covington @LucasNWhite
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