HB HOOSIER BANKER MAGAZINE indiana.bank PLUS! 2020 FLD Leadership Conference NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 A Tale of Two Leaders Sen. Bray and Rep. Huston help guide Indiana
Spry The Baker Group United Bankers' Bank Voluforms CLA Executive Benefits Network IntraFi Network SHAZAM Inc. BITS BKD CPAs & Advisors Check Printing Contract Consulting The Indiana Bankers Association is excited to recognize and thank the following associate members for their generous contributions and willingness to be Industry Makers Pledging Assistance, Cooperation & Togetherness (IMPACT). These IMPACT Players have contributed unused sponsorship dollars to the IBA for the remainder of 2020 to further its efforts to support banks during these unprecedented times. Please join the IBA in thanking them for the tremendous IMPACT they are making in the Indiana banking community. Thank You
DIRECTORS & STAFF HOOSIER BANKER MAGAZINE indiana.bank IBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers Lucas White, Chairman ....................................................The Fountain Trust Company, Covington Michael S. Zahn, First Vice Chairman ..................................First Federal Savings Bank, Huntington Garry D. Kleer, Second Vice Chairman ...........................................................First Bank Richmond Andrew J. Briggs, Immediate Past Chairman .........Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Archbold, Ohio Amber R. Van Til, President and CEO .............................Indiana Bankers Association, Indianapolis Constituent Directors Michael K. Bauer, ABA Membership Council ...................................WesBanco Bank, Wheeling, WV Michael H. Head, ICBA State Director ...................................First Federal Savings Bank, Evansville Tim Massey, Non-Indiana Headquartered Bank Director ...........................BMO Harris Bank, Chicago Melodie K. Yarnell, Future Leadership Division President .................Jackson County Bank, Seymour Regional and At-Large Directors Benjamin J. Bochnowski, North Region .....................................................Peoples Bank, Munster Joseph D. Carlson, North Region ...........................................Community State Bank, Royal Center Arden L. Cramer, At-Large ....................................................................Logansport Savings Bank Jeffrey W. Gump, North Region ............................................Farmers and Merchants Bank, Laotto Gregory Inman, South Region ........................................Scottsburg Building and Loan Association John M. Kennedy, South Region ....................................................... Greenfield Banking Company Michael C. Rechin, At-Large ............................................................First Merchants Bank, Muncie Jamie R. Shinabarger, South Region .........................Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company, Jasper IBA FUTURE LEADERSHIP DIVISION ADVISORY BOARD Melodie K. Yarnell, President .......................................................Jackson County Bank, Seymour Emily Boardman, Vice President ...........................................................Crossroads Bank, Wabash Greg Barnes Jr. ...................................................................................... STAR Bank, Fort Wayne Scott Carr ................................................................................First Savings Bank, Jeffersonville Jessica Carroll ..................................................... The New Washington State Bank, Charlestown Michael J. Clampitt ................................................................................North Salem State Bank Jason L. Ernst .....................................................................................Terre Haute Savings Bank Gavin Fisher ............................................................... Community First Bank of Indiana, Kokomo Nashelle Frazier .............................................................................Old National Bank, Evansville Brock C. Goggins .......................................................................German American Bank, Jasper Kyle Goodwin .............................................................................................. DeMotte State Bank Ryan Hart ...............................................................................................Lake City Bank, Warsaw Zach Hockersmith ..................................................Hoosier Heartland State Bank, Crawfordsville Amanda Morris-Feldman ...................................................First Federal Savings Bank, Rochester Jon-Myckle D. Price ...................................................Security Federal Savings Bank, Logansport Billy Winter ..................................................................................Bippus State Bank, Huntington IBA STAFF Amber R. Van Til ........................................................................................... President and CEO Paul W. Freeman, CAE .......................................................................... Executive Vice President Rod Lasley ............................................ Executive Vice President-Operations & Member Services Dax Denton ............................................................Senior Vice President - Government Relations Eric J. Augustus ...............................................................Vice President - Government Relations Christina M. Bennett, CMP ....................................................Vice President - Meetings & Events Laurie A. Rees ...................................................................Vice President - Education & Training Laura Wilson ........................................................................... Vice President - Communications Josh Myers ........................................................Assistant Vice President - Member Engagement Emily Brooks ..............................................................................Member Engagement Specialist Lizzie Ketzenberger .............................................Executive & Government Relations Coordinator Susan Clark ......................................................................Events & Products/Services Assistant Marcy Borden, CMP ....................................................................Education Meeting Coordinator Elizabeth DeHaven ......................................................................Education Meeting Coordinator Timothy Fry .....................................................................................................Staff Accountant Tracy Kubly ................................................................................................Technology Manager MISSION: To advocate for and sustain an environment in which banks can succeed. VISION: To provide exemplary service to members as the premier state bank trade association in the country. VALUES: In fulfilling our mission, we will: n Maintain the highest ethics, integrity and respect for others; n Serve with professionalism, innovation and resourcefulness; n Instill passion, positive attitude and enthusiasm; n Remain mindful that the success of the IBA is judged by the success of its members. Publisher: Amber R. Van Til Editor: Laura Wilson Advertising: Rod Lasley Design/Print: The Westcott Group Inc. Submissions: HB@indiana.bank Advertising: Media kits are available at indiana.bank. Advertising is reserved for members and associate members of the Indiana Bankers Association. Deadlines: Editorial and ad space reservations are due the first of the month preceding publication. Subscriptions: Subscriptions are provided free of charge to members and associate members of the Indiana Bankers Association. About: The flagship publication of the Indiana Bankers Association, Hoosier Banker is distributed to all banks and thrifts headquartered in Indiana, IBA- member banks headquartered out-of-state and IBA associate members. Publication Disclaimer Hoosier Banker (ISSN 0018 473X) is published bimonthly by the IBA Service Corp., a subsidiary of IBA Holding Company Inc., that is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Indiana Bankers Association. Material published in Hoosier Banker and on the IBA website is the property of the IBA. All rights reserved. Contact IBA Email IBA staff using first name initial and last name, plus “@indiana.bank” – example: jdoe@indiana.bank Indiana Bankers Association 8425 Woodfield Crossing Blvd., Suite 155E Indianapolis IN 46240-7321 317-387-9380 Vol. 104 No. 6
Hoosier Banker 5 CONTENTS 12 COVER STORY A Tale of Two Leaders 20 ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT 2020 FLD Leadership Conference Josh Myers, IBA FEATURES 6 Vantage Viewpoint Amber R. Van Til, IBA 7 Chairman’s Report Lucas White, The Fountain Trust Company 8 Chairman’s Odyssey 11 IBA Calendar of Events 23 Creating a Sustainable Future Jeff Klump, K4 Architecture + Design 36 Now I Know my XYZs James G. Caliendo, PWCampbell 46 Personal Finance for the Pandemic Era Robert S. Nichols, ABA 48 Community Cornerstones Rebeca Romero Rainey, ICBA 50 Builders of Banking 51 Centennial Banks 54 IBA Five Star Member Banks GR SUMMIT 22 IBA Annual Washington Trip Dax Denton and Eric Augustus, IBA IBA INSURANCE SOLUTIONS 26 Wire Fraud Chuck Maggard, IBA Insurance Solutions HUMAN RESOURCES 28 Managing Intermittent FMLA Leave Debra A. Mastrian, SmithAmundsen LLC DIRECTORS / SENIOR MANAGEMENT 30 Last Call for LIBOR Lester Murray, The Baker Group AG BANKING 33 Connecting With the Farmer Customer Brady Brewer and Aissa D. Good, Purdue University COMPLIANCE CONNECTION 35 Auto Dealer Loan Agreements Brett J. Ashton, Krieg DeVault LLP PRODUCTS & SERVICES PROFILE 38 PSP Year-End Summary 2020 Rod Lasley, IBA PSP SHOWCASE 44 Captive Insurance Relief Joshua Miller, The KeyState Companies and Travis Holdman, KeyState Captive Management LLC INDIANA BANK & THRIFT STOCK UPDATE 52 Stock Analysis Michael A. Renninger, Renninger & Associates LLC CLOSING NOTE 66 The BankLEAD Internship Program DEPARTMENTS 19 Next-Gen Bankers Video Series 25 Anniversary Milestones 34 Taking It Easy 45 In Memory of 47 Banking Center News 56 Associate Members’ Corner 58 Banking on Community 59 From the Board Room 60 Bankers on the Move 65 Advertisers Index 12 20 22 In This Issue Statehouse Leaders IBA's Successful Virtual Washington Trip
6 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 The year 2020 has been a bumpy ride at best. Uncertainty has become the norm. Our plans have been disrupted. Handshakes and hugs have transitioned to virtual Zoom calls. There has been much frustration, particularly for those of us in the banking industry. Can you say Paycheck Protection Program? I have come to learn, however, that almost every difficult situation yields its bright spots. One upside of the past several months has been rediscovering the gift of time. In the pre-pandemic world, most of us were running ragged, chasing overfilled schedules. Since then, we’ve been able to spend more time together and more time bettering ourselves. For me, 2020 has afforded lighthearted moments with my husband and boys. It’s given us time to play board games, watch movies, bake cookies and relax. What I value most has been the opportunity to reflect on what really matters. Closer relationships and a deeper faith are the welcomed gifts in the midst of this challenging moment. I hope you will permit me a little personal perspective in this edition of this column. 2020 also is notable for me and my family, because this is the year my father retires. Many of you know that both of my parents have long worked in the banking industry. My father, Dan Moore, is president and chairman of the board of Home Bank SB, Martinsville. My mother, Judy Moore, served as a vice president at First National Bank until her retirement in 2002. My father famously says that it should have been him who retired, because if my mother had kept working, she’d be the CEO of a major bank corporation by now. Instead, my mother chooses to dedicate herself to others by volunteering full-time, supporting and raising funds for the Magdalene House, a women’s shelter in Morgan County. Effective Dec. 31, it’s my father’s turn to retire as CEO of Home Bank, though he will remain chairman and consultant. He also will continue to serve as the chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis. For me, his retirement, as well as the retirements of several close industry friends, brings me to a moment of reflection. My father began his banking career in 1974 at Railroadmen’s Federal Savings and Loan Association of Indianapolis, then joined the Home Bank team in 1977, the year I was born. Throughout my life, he has instilled in me the leadership concept of legacy. Through his example, I learned that being a leader is not about winning or losing, but about positively impacting the lives of people within our spheres of influence. Good leaders continually ask: Are others better off for having worked with me? Did I lift up those around me? Do the people I serve sleep better at night knowing that I am looking out for their best interests? My father additionally models humility, kindness and servitude. VANTAGE VIEWPOINT Don’t Miss Out! Under his leadership, Home Bank created a gifting program that allocates 10% of bank net earnings to the community. Through this program, the bank has provided services including cancer screenings, Habitat builds, funding of Bible education, and tools to help disadvantaged individuals escape the cycle of poverty. Other traits that define Dan Moore are his playful sense of humor, his deep and abiding faith, and his love of family. He has earned many titles and awards through his 40+ years in banking, but he’ll proudly tell you that his favorite titles are those of husband, father and grandfather. He emulates everything I hold dear about the community banking industry: integrity, service to others before self, and love of community. It’s been a special honor to represent my father in my everyday tasks serving the banking community. It will continue to be for years to come, as I know that his passion for community banking doesn’t end on Dec. 31, 2020. To my mother and father, I love you both and thank you. You have been the best possible parents, and I am looking forward to a front row seat as I watch you continue to build your incredible legacy. HB Amber R. Van Til President and CEO Indiana Bankers Association avantil@indiana.bank @grbanker Mega Reimagined – New for 2020 Nov. 16-18 Indiana bankers have the opportunity to listen, learn and network with peers. Agricultural Clinic Dec. 3 Learn the latest about ag credit and finance from experts in the field. Internal Bank Audit School Dec. 8-9 Learn about regulatory hot topics while reviewing traditional audit concepts. Note that these events are being held virtually. For event updates, visit: indiana.bank/calendar
Hoosier Banker 7 My year as chairman of the IBA has been nothing like what I expected. I have spent countless hours on Zoom instead of attending meetings and conferences in person. Several people have told me they are sorry my experience has been ruined by COVID-19, but I do not feel that way at all. It was not what I expected, but it has been very special. I may not have had the standard experience of being chairman, but oftentimes a unique experience ends up being better. I’m very pleased that I was able to complete visits with every Indiana-based bank, despite the pandemic. When the shutdown began, I took a three-month hiatus from traveling around the state, but I was determined to get back on the road and complete my goal. Throughout the summer months, I had a heavy travel schedule and was able to complete all of the visits by the end of September. Ultimately, I traveled 8,057 miles to visit 93 banks over 39 days. I lost track of how many cups of coffee it took! Perhaps my greatest accomplishment was completing these travels without contracting or spreading COVID-19. Before the pandemic, I enjoyed going out to lunch with bankers and trying the local restaurants. After the virus hit, I would pack my lunch and eat in my car, trying not to touch anything other than my bottle of hand sanitizer. Traveling around the state and meeting all of the bankers has been the best part of my year as chairman. Every single banker was welcoming, open and fun to talk to. I learned that, while most banks have similar products and services, almost every bank has a different business model or strategic plan. I was surprised by how diverse our banks are. One bank specializes in funeral trusts and has no customer accounts. Another uses hand-written ledger cards instead of a computer system. All of our banks, though, share common ground in being committed to their communities. I must thank Larry Myers of First Savings Bank, Jeffersonville, for giving me the idea. He visited all of the Indiana-based banks when he was chairman of the Association in 2015. He was the first in IBA history to take on this task, and I thought it was time to do it again. My first visit was to Larry at the start of October 2019, seeking his expert guidance. Larry handed me a bottle of bourbon and said he thought I would need it. He was right – the bottle had to be replaced by Thanksgiving. The visits were certainly a lot of work and took a lot of time out of the office, but they were well worth it. After meeting bankers in every corner of the state, I am more optimistic than ever about the future of the Indiana banking industry. Several Indiana banks clearly are taking succession plans seriously. I met with management teams, including the newer members, who are all sharp and will serve the industry well. Some banks plan to sell, and some plan to sell to credit unions, but those that want to stay in business are putting together successful teams. It has been a great honor to be chairman of the IBA this year. I love banking, and I love advocating for it. The opportunity to be IBA chairman will always be a career highlight for me. I sincerely appreciate the Association and all of the Indiana banks for giving me the opportunity to represent you. As I prepare to get out of the way at the end of this year, I have confidence that Mike Zahn will make a great chairman in 2021. He’s enthusiastic and passionate about banking and will represent us well. I hope Mike gets to host more in-person events than I did, but he will be successful regardless of any obstacles the world throws at him. HB CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 1st Source Bank • @1stSourceBank • Sept. 30 Last week, our team attended the groundbreaking of the new residential unit at Bashor Children’s Home. We’re so proud to support this project, which will house & provide therapeutic services for girls who have escaped abuse & trafficking. Thank you to Bashor Home for all you do! Citizens State Bank • @CSB_Indiana • Sept. 21 Join us to support @hsefoundation and @HSESchools by supporting #WeGotThis! For each $25 you donate, you’ll receive a face mask (or you can donate it to the school) and $1 will go to support the PastaBowl Food Drive. #Community STAR Bank • @STARFinancial • Aug. 30 Thank you to all our STAR volunteers who helped out with @ UWACIN’s Day of Caring! It was a beautiful day for refreshing the Crescent Avenue Weekday School’s playground. Crossroads Bank • @CrossroadsBank • Aug. 26 Our Warsaw team has volunteered all over the place this month! They teamed up with United Way of Kosciusko County & Combined Community Services. Together, they participated in the “Read United” and “Tools for Schools” programs. Way to go, Warsaw! Centier Bank • @CentierBank • Aug. 19 We at #Centier Bank pride ourselves on being at the heart of the community, and we are happy to support @ HamiltonHumane to help build a new state-of-the-art facility in #Fishers: https://tinyurl.com/y5fbeww3 #commUNITYbanking #Centier #fishersindiana #humanesociety Follow IBA Twitter @indianabankers NOTABLE QUOTES Bank Community Service on Twitter Lucas White Chairman Indiana Bankers Association President The Fountain Trust Company, Covington @LucasNWhite
8 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 Chairman White’s Bank Visit Odyssey Lucas White, chairman of the Indiana Bankers Association, photo-documented his visits to all of the member banks headquartered in Indiana. Photos shown on these two pages represent only a portion of his visits. Follow Chairman White’s full travel adventure on Twitter: @LucasNWhite CHAIRMAN'S ODYSSEY
Hoosier Banker 9
10 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 Hoosier Banker 29
Hoosier Banker 11 View full calendar and register online at indiana.bank/calendar, or click on the icons above in HB Digital. IBA Center for Professional Development | 8425 Woodfield Crossing Blvd., Suite 155E | Indianapolis, IN 46240 | 317-387-9380 ONLINE Build knowledge via webinars or on-demand. CLASSROOM Learn with peers in a classroom setting. SCHOOLS Deepen understanding through multi-day learning. EVENTS Experience a variety of IBA gatherings. CONFERENCES Convene and connect at signature IBA events. Calendar of Events CALENDAR UPDATE CBC Deposit Compliance School Nov. 16-17 Mega Reimagined Nov. 16-18 Security Management Seminar: Trends That Impact Nov. 19-20 BSA Fundamentals Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Call Report Dec. 1-2 Agricultural Clinic Dec. 3 Internal Bank Audit School Dec. 8-9 Very Technical Workshop Dec. 10 Branch Management Series Session I - New Year, New Start: Key Components for a Successful Year Jan. 12, 2021 Senior Retail Banking Officer Forum Jan. 13 Advanced Commercial Lending School Jan. 13-14 BSA Officer Forum Jan. 14 Mortgage Lending School Jan. 19-21 Senior Lender Forum Feb. 3 • Group 1 Feb. 4 • Group 2 Security Officer Forum Feb. 4 CBC Session 1 – Three Sessions Feb. 9 • Feb. 10 • Feb. 11 CFO Forum Feb. 11 • Group 1 Feb. 12 • Group 2 Advanced Credit Analyst School Feb. 17-18 Marketing Directors Forum Feb. 23 IT & Operations Officer Forum Feb. 24 • Group 1 Feb. 25 • Group 2 Risk Management Forum March 4 Human Resource Directors Forum March 9 Leadership Development Program March 16-18 IRA Basics March 23 IRA Advanced March 24 NOTE: For the latest information about IBA event dates, locations and format, please visit: indiana.bank/calendar Convert to HB Digital to Enjoy: n Bonus links to videos, photos and more n Portability by phone/mobile device n Early access, averaging two weeks ahead of snail mail Switch to HB Digital HOOSIER BANKER MAGAZINE indianabankers.org Hoosier Banker is available free of charge to all IBA members and associate members. To start your HB Digital subscription – or convert hard copy to digital-only – contact Laura Wilson at lwilson@indiana.bank, 317-333-7146.
12 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 COVER STORY A Tale of Two Leaders Sen. Bray and Rep. Huston help guide Indiana The Indiana General Assembly is due to convene in January for a “long” session, following its every-other-year cycle of meeting for an extended time to address multiple topics, including setting the state budget. Traditionally, Indiana’s long session begins the first week of January and concludes at the end of April, though COVID-19 restrictions may impact the 2021 schedule. While next year will likely usher in some uncertainty, what is certain is that Indiana is graced with strong and stable leadership committed to guiding the proceedings of the Statehouse in a safe, efficient and productive manner. With Sen. Rodric Bray as president pro tempore of the Senate and Rep. Todd Huston as speaker of the House of Representatives, Indiana is prepared to face future challenges. Hoosier Banker recently had the opportunity to interview both leaders. Rodric Bray: President Pro Tempore Sen. Rodric Bray was elected to the Indiana Senate in 2012, serving District 37 covering Morgan County and parts of Johnson, Owen and Putnam counties. In December 2018, he was sworn in as president pro tempore. Bray additionally serves as counsel for Morgan County; is a partner with Bray, Bray and Bray law firm; and formerly served as Martinsville City Attorney. Community outreach includes service as past president of Morgan County Community Concerts and as a director of Home Bank, Martinsville. Bray earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a JD from Valparaiso University. He and his wife, Kelly, have two children. What are your responsibilities as president pro tempore of the Indiana Senate? “In Indiana, the lieutenant governor is the president of the Senate, presiding over the Senate chamber when in session. When the lieutenant governor is not there, it’s my job to preside. “The running of the Senate falls to the president pro tem. It’s my responsibility to appoint members of the Senate to certain committees and appoint chairmen of those committees. When bills are filed in December of the year leading up to the session that begins in January, I review and assign those bills to committees. I also assign members to the summer study committees. “In addition, I’m responsible for hiring the upperlevel staff, such as fiscal analysts. Of course, I also have the job of serving as senator for my district. Fortunately, I have a lot of good people helping to get it all done.” In the Senate, you chair the Rules and Legislative Procedure Committee and also have worked on the Judiciary, Civil Law, and Corrections and Criminal Law committees. How do the legal issues addressed in these committees affect Hoosiers? “They all have a significant impact. I have chaired the Judiciary Committee and the Civil Law Committee and have served on the Corrections and Criminal Law Committee. Those are a good fit for me, because I’m a lawyer by day. I also spent some time as a deputy prosecuting attorney, so the Corrections and Criminal Law piece was particularly of interest to me. “All of the issues raised in these committees hit the everyday Hoosier. The effective functioning of our courts is absolutely imperative with regard to how we handle crime, what kind of sentences there are, the cost imposed with that sentencing, and our policies for rehabilitation. My goal is to make that run as effectively and efficiently as possible.” In 2016 the Indiana Bankers Association named you Sen. Rodric Bray President Pro Tempore Rep. Todd Huston Speaker of the House
Hoosier Banker 13 PHOTO CAPTION: As president pro tempore, Sen. Rodric Bray presides over the Indiana Senate. Legislator of the Year, in part because of your work on legislation that won strong bipartisan support. What is the key to building bipartisanship? “There is a way to do it, and the first step is obvious. You have to be willing to pick up the phone or walk across the aisle and talk to folks who may not align with you philosophically. Keep the conversation civil and substantive by talking about the meat of the bill and staying on topic. “The other secret is to start early. With the session starting in January, start the conversation in May or June. Talk to anybody who might be interested, or any organization or group that might be affected. Get their input, and take all views into consideration. “By August, start writing up the bill, then circle back and share it with others so they can weigh in. Continue to build a coalition leading up to December, when bills are filed. By then, everybody who might be interested in the topic understands what you’re doing, and why you’re doing it. “There can be a bit of paranoia around the Statehouse, but by starting early and having all those conversations, you wipe that away. Most of the time, by the time you get to January, you’ve taken everybody’s communications into consideration, rounded off the rough edges, and you have legislation that can be fairly broadly supported.” In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, banks have helped by processing Paycheck Protection Program loans to assist small businesses. What more can the Indiana banking community do to support economic growth? “First, I want to say how important those banking partners were to people when this whole situation began. PPP loans were confusing when they first came out, but people needed them right then. “I know bankers across the state who scrambled to make it happen, and there was no shortage of stress, but Indiana got those loans that kept small businesses open. Banks have had a wonderful impact on the state. “As for what more the banking community can do to support economic growth, just continue to be that partner who will figure out the answer, regardless of how difficult it may be. We’re simply not going to be able to recover from this without banks.”
14 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 to be fairly difficult, based on the challenges the pandemic has given us. “The original forecast for the 2021 budget was done in April of 2019, and right now the forecasts are lower as a result of the pandemic. We are now looking to be potentially $3 billion to $4 billion short of the original forecast, creating some significant challenges. “Another big topic in this legislative session is that of redistricting. We are going to have to redistrict the congressional seats based on 2020 census numbers, and local governments will have to redistrict, as well. That’s often contentious, and I expect it will be again. “We’ll also have a number of other issues coming up. Last year we took a swing at trying to improve healthcare costs in the state of Indiana. We made some progress but didn’t finish the job, so we’re going to continue to work on that. “We’re additionally going to try to work on ways to make our energy costs more competitive. They’ve been going up and up, which has had an impact on all Hoosiers, including Hoosier businesses. “Another big topic is determining how we as a state can create an environment that allows the economy to get going again after it’s taken such a hit with this pandemic. One idea that’s floating around is immunity for businesses and other groups. “So long as these organizations are taking reasonable, prudent steps to make sure that employees and customers are safe, they should get immunity from potential lawsuits in the event that somebody contracts COVID-19 at their place of business. That’s a big conversation that we’ll be having this next legislative session.” Do you see the 2021 General Assembly changing how it operates if the spread of COVID-19 remains a concern? If so, how? “Yes, and we are in the process of determining exactly how we will function. We’ve created a Legislative Continuity Committee of both House and Senate members. They’re looking at how we can function if we are still impacted by COVID-19 in 2021, and I suspect we will be, at least on some level. “The committee is examining a series of steps of how we can function, with the first one being functioning as normal, if COVID-19 isn’t creating challenges for us. The second step is functioning in the chambers while remaining socially distanced. The next step is, if we can’t be together, how can we do our work virtually? “If the work is done virtually, we’d still As the 2021 legislative session approaches, what are some of the top issues? “Every session has its own personality, it seems, and its number of important issues, but this year is going to be a big one. The first and foremost priority will be crafting another two-year budget for the state. That’s going On Nov. 20, 2018, with family by his side, Sen. Rodric Bray was sworn in as Senate president pro tempore by Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush. Sen. Rodric Bray greets FFA students at the Indiana Statehouse.
Hoosier Banker 15 need to allow people to watch the process, because transparency is really important, and people also need to be able to present testimony. Would they testify in person, via some sort of WebEx or Zoom meeting, or will the testimony be given in a different room so that we can all stay socially distanced but still be in the Statehouse? “There are a lot of complicated issues, and we are looking at several options. Each step depends on how COVID-19 is impacting us at the time.” As a member of the Home Bank board of directors, what insights have you gained about banking? “I’ve learned a lot. Prior to coming on the board, I served as Home Bank’s attorney for a number of years, and I felt I knew a little bit about banking, probably just enough to make me ‘dangerous,’ I suppose. “Interestingly, I came on the board in 2008. As every banker will recall, that was a bad year, with a big economic downturn. I learned a lot about how to deal with an economy that’s in trouble, and it helped me make better decisions going forward as the economy began to improve. “The bottom line is that board service has given me a well-rounded picture of the banking industry, rather than just the attorney piece that I was doing beforehand. I understand banking much better now.” How does your family’s political background influence your work as a public servant? “As a child, I was able to watch my grandfather, who was in public office, and my father, who was as well. At Sunday dinners they would go round and round on different subjects and issues, and it implanted in my mind the importance of public service. “I always anticipated trying to do the same at some point in my life. When I got into my 30s, my wife and I had young children. At that point, I thought it might not come to pass, and I focused on practicing law and raising my family. “Then an opening came up in the Indiana Senate. By then I was in my early 40s, and it seemed like the right time. Our children were older, I felt I was on top of my law practice, and I was looking for another challenge. Politics has to align that way. “So I took a chance on it and was successful. I’ve truly enjoyed it ever since.” Please share a bit about home life and pastimes. “My wife, Kelly, and I have two boys, ages 12 and 15. Our oldest just started high school. They both play baseball, and I’ve coached them a number of years in that sport. “They also do some band and theater, and other creative things of that nature. Kelly and I just try to stand behind them and their interests, and support them as best we can. Being a parent has been an absolutely wonderful ride. “As a family, we like to travel, and we try to take camping trips every year. That’s something we really enjoy. We like to stay at the state parks. “Camping has been very popular across the state this year, because so many other places have been closed down. People are discovering just how wonderful our state parks are, so it’s kind of nice that way.” Since being elected to the Indiana Senate in 2012, Sen. Rodric Bray has built a reputation for consensus-building.
16 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 all 100 House members to lead the chamber. This role includes everything from appointing legislators to committees and maintaining order and decorum in the chamber, to overseeing about 80 House employees and managing the over $20 million House budget.” In the House, your committee work includes the Ways and Means Committee and the Legislative Council Interim Study Committee. How do the issues addressed in these committees affect Hoosiers? “As co-chair of the Ways and Means Committee, I had the opportunity to author the 2019 Indiana state budget along with other meaningful tax and fiscal legislation. The budget was balanced, and we invested in our priorities like K-12 education, infrastructure and economic development. “We ensured that we had ample reserves, which turned out to be critical in helping us Todd Huston: Speaker of the House Rep. Todd Huston was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 2012, serving District 37 covering the city of Fishers and a portion of Hamilton County. In March 2020, he was sworn in as speaker of the House. Prior to serving in the Indiana General Assembly, Huston served on the Hamilton Southeastern School Board, the State Board of Education and the Fishers Advisory Plan Commission, and he was chief of staff for former schools Superintendent Tony Bennett. Currently, Huston is senior vice president at The College Board, a not-for-profit that oversees the SAT, AP and other academic exams. He is a graduate of Indiana University. Huston and his wife, Denise, have two children. What are your responsibilities as speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives? “The speaker of the House is voted on by navigate the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on our economy and state budget. Serving on Ways and Means allows a member to be engaged in so many issues that impact Hoosiers across our state. “I am the chair of the Legislative Council for the 2020 interim. One of the main responsibilities of the Legislative Council is to assign study topics to interim study committees, and in some circumstances create new interim committees, such as the Legislative Continuity Committee. The issues studied during the interim often become topics of legislation that get introduced during the legislative session.” You are on the senior leadership team of The College Board, have served in statewide education endeavors and on district school boards, and your wife is an educator. How does your background in education complement your work as a state representative? Speaker Todd Huston listens intently during House discussions.
Hoosier Banker 17 “Education is so important to our family, as we believe it provides every individual an opportunity for success. As a state representative, I have focused on improving our K-12 education system, to provide every child with a great educational experience, and helping adults find the training programs they need for success.” In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, banks have helped by processing Paycheck Protection Program loans to assist small businesses. What more can the Indiana banking community do to support economic growth? “First of all, let me say that our state’s banking community has been a very helpful partner in helping with the coordination and distribution of the various CARES Act federal assistance programs. Whether it was funds from the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, or the many provisions you’ve had to sort through relating to credit reporting or debt restructuring, Indiana banks have been instrumental in getting these critical funds to Hoosier businesses and families. Thank you! “Going forward, your support will remain every bit as critical. Although it’s anyone’s guess as to whether it comes before or after the upcoming election, there may be another federal pandemic relief bill, the funds from which will be passing through your institutions. “Looking further down the road, I’m concerned there could be many Hoosiers in the months ahead that will be reaching out to you, Indiana’s banking community, seeking payment arrangements on their mortgages or business loans. I’m pleased to see that many financial institutions are proactively working with their customers to establish payment plans to your mutual benefit. “My preference would be to simply encourage these voluntary arrangements, but there could be a need for the state to provide additional assistance. Should that become necessary, we will look to partner with you to develop solutions on how best to mitigate the impact on Hoosiers.” As the 2021 legislative session approaches, what are some of the top issues? “Public health conditions permitting, we are focused on doing all we can to support getting Hoosier businesses open and thriving again. This means: working on a COVID-related liability shield for businesses, as well as healthcare workers and facilities; supporting schools so that they’re able to safely remain open; enacting a fiscally responsible budget in which we live within our means and maintain our strong fiscal position and AAA credit rating; and continuing to invest in key priorities and efficiently deliver essential government services. “The budget, in particular, will be especially difficult. However, our long history of As speaker of the House, Rep. Todd Huston is frequently interviewed about legislative matters. Todd and Denise Huston enjoy family time with their children, Jake and Elizabeth.
18 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 fiscal responsibility and substantial reserves have prepared us for these unprecedented times, and will certainly mean we will have an easier go of it than many other states that are operating in the red. To achieve this, we will need to make a number of tough decisions and revisit familiar but as-yet unrealized government modernization and streamlining efforts at both the state and local levels. “For all the difficulty that has come with the pandemic, it has helped us understand what we can live with and what we can do without. Just like Hoosier families and businesses, the government had to endure a number of significant adjustments to the way we do things. Many hearings, meetings and transactions ordinarily conducted in-person suddenly had to be done remotely or through some other means. “Through it all, we have become more flexible and have found innovative ways to keep the wheels of government turning and working for those whom we have the pleasure to serve. Some of these innovations will be worth keeping permanently. “Early in the pandemic, the minority and majority caucus leaders in both the House and Senate, myself included, instructed state government agencies to report back to us on what their experience has been, and whether we can make permanent the temporary flexibility measures they’ve instituted. Our chairpersons are already engaging many of the agencies working through these convenience and efficiency measures. “The old adage, ‘never let a good crisis go to waste,’ is applicable here. I’m hopeful that we will act on a number of these lessons learned, turning them into silver linings, and ultimately delivering better, more efficient service as well as saving precious resources. “I expect we will also consider proposals to continue our efforts to reduce health care costs, improve upon our criminal justice system and address our state’s energy policies, among other important topics.” The pandemic has created significant challenges to business and government. What priorities are you focused on in order to position Indiana to address these challenges in the long term? “While we mourn those we’ve lost or have been separated from, we are also learning important lessons from these times and will emerge a stronger, more resilient state. To ensure Indiana continues to grow and prosper, we need to: improve our education system; ensure our children have the skills necessary to compete in the 21st century economy; equip our communities with the tools necessary to maintain a strong quality of life where people want to live, work and raise their families, as well as start and grow businesses; focus on improving the earning potential of our workforce; and make sure the promise of economic and social mobility is available to every Hoosier. “Achieving some of these objectives may only require continuing down the path we were on before the pandemic, while many others are going to require new approaches, new thinking and difficult decisions. My colleagues and I are up to the task, and believe that for as many challenges as we’re up against, there are necessarily as many opportunities. To quote a recent governor of ours, ‘we have the outcome in our power,’ and we will embrace the change we need to achieve these priorities.” Do you see the 2021 General Assembly changing how it operates if the spread of COVID-19 is still a concern? If so, how? “Like all other Hoosier families and businesses, the General Assembly is having to adjust to the logistical and operational challenges of the pandemic. If you’ve ever been to the House chamber and watched a legislative session or walked around in the crowded hallways just outside, you would know that our state’s forefathers didn’t design the Statehouse with social distancing in mind. While I remain hopeful that conditions will improve and that public health risks will subside, we are planning alternative arrangements. “Together with the other caucus leaders, we established a Legislative Continuity Committee and tasked them with looking into this and developing recommendations for any eventuality. This committee has met three times so far, and is working on a number of proposals. “The 2021 legislative session might still be conducted in the House and Senate chambers, but with frequent cleaning and hand sanitizer. However, if needed, the state government center has the facilities and space to allow us to spread out and socially distance while conducting business. But, again, we’re hoping that won’t be necessary. “As we get closer to the start of session, we’ll evaluate the health circumstances and will have ready a plan we are able to execute. Long ago, the House Republican caucus, which I now have the pleasure of leading, insisted on greater transparency of legislative proceedings. We’ve been livestreaming legislative committees and sessions since before it was cool, and we are committed to ensuring it remains a transparent operation, accessible to the public wherever it takes place.” For bankers interested in increasing their advocacy engagement, what advice would you offer? “Make sure you reach out to your local state representatives and senators, and share Rep. Todd Huston confers with other lawmakers in considering legislation.
Hoosier Banker 19 your experiences with them. We enjoy talking with our constituents and learning from them, so please share your expertise with us.” What led you to pursue public service, and what do you most enjoy about it? “I love serving people and contributing to my community and state. The thing I enjoy most is when you can see your work impact someone in a positive way. The best day I have is when someone tells me how something I have worked on has helped improve their life.” Please share a bit about home life and pastimes. “I love spending time with my wife, Denise, and our two children, Elizabeth and Jake. We enjoy traveling, sports, church and dinners together. I am an avid reader and enjoy any type of learning that is offered to me.” HB Next-Gen Bankers Video Series Brock Goggins, head of retail banking, German American Bank, Jasper, explains that banking is a people industry that allows professionals to make a difference by helping others improve their lives. To view, click on the video icon in HB Digital, or visit: indiana.bank/next-gen-video-series CINNAIRE.COM It takes more than good intentions to transform communities. It takes capital, development capacity and trusted partnerships. In 25 years, we’ve delivered more than $7.3 billion in community impact. Overcoming challenges. Solving problems. Backed by a commitment to creating healthy communities that has never wavered. The Return on Investment: Safe, Affordable Homes. Healthy Communities. Better Lives. INVESTING IN INDIANA COMMUNITIES FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS. Transforming Communities. Transforming Lives.
20 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT Finding the Leader Within
Hoosier Banker 21 The FLD Leadership Conference was held virtually Aug. 27-28 in an effort to continue to engage today’s emerging leaders in networking, professional development and leadership training. Thanks to the flexibility and adaptability of speakers and attendees alike, the conference was a much-needed success that allowed bankers an opportunity to connect in a virtual environment. Beginning on Aug. 27, the conference kicked off with a warm welcome from FLD Advisory Board President Melodie K. Yarnell of Jackson County Bank, Seymour. Attendees then hit the ground running with an engaging opening presentation by the talented Kendra Ramirez, as she discussed her path to success and what she wishes she knew earlier on that could have helped her in her journey. Following, attendees were able to participate in roundtable discussions with their peers led by members of the FLD Advisory Board for valuable dialogue on what they learned. Next, the group had the opportunity to hear the latest tips and best practices in an area we all have suddenly found ourselves in this year: remote working. J.T. Turner provided an in-depth look at how to manage remotely, how to maintain contact, and suggestions for balancing work life. After another round of small group discussions on the topic of remote working, the conference then proceeded to a longer session of speed roundtables that allowed participants to discuss other concepts related to their careers and further meet their peers. The first day then concluded with a fun group activity called the Go Game. The virtual team-building platform allowed members to compete in trivia, create virtual paintings and more for some spirited competition. Josh Myers Assistant Vice President - Member Engagement Indiana Bankers Association jmyers@indiana.bank @joshmyersIN On Aug. 28, Alex Perry brought energy and enthusiasm to our early morning session with her discussion on leadership presence, its importance to career-building and how to develop it to reach the next level. Her session was followed by another short roundtable discussion session. Next, we were pleased to welcome Susan Sullivan from Independent Community Bankers of America, as she discussed the latest federal banking issues, the effects of COVID-19 on legislation and the importance of grassroots advocacy for emerging leaders. The final session of the conference belonged to the humorous Damian Mason and his unique style. His discussion on reinvention allowed attendees to consider how change is inevitable, and how we choose to react to it determines our future success. With the impact of COVID-19 still ongoing, the message was an especially timely reminder of how bankers should approach the challenges of the day. Thank you to everyone who attended our 2020 FLD Leadership Conference. While we certainly wish that we could have had the opportunity to see you in person, we are very appreciative of your virtual presence and your support of the Future Leadership Division’s mission. HB Thank You, Sponsors! Krieg DeVault LLP – event sponsor Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis IBA Group Insurance Trust Independent Community Bankers of America SmithAmundsen LLC
indiana.bankRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==