6 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 One dictionary definition of “eventful” is “full of or rich in events.” By that standard, the past couple of months at the Indiana Bankers Association have been eventful in the best of ways. In July, we hosted the IBA Annual Washington Trip, which Chairman Zahn covers in his column on the facing page. We appreciate all of the participants who made this grassroots advocacy event a success. In August, we held the IBA Annual Convention in beautiful French Lick. It was a joyous homecoming to have more than 450 member bankers and associate members come together in this beloved Indiana setting. Kudos to IBA’s Chris Bennett, vice president-meetings & events, and Susan Clark, events & products/services assistant, for skillfully executing this momentous event. Thank you as well to the rest of the IBA team, with everyone pitching in to make Convention run like clockwork. I’d like to offer special thanks to Paul Freeman, IBA executive vice president, who is retiring at the end of September. The Association simply would not be what it is without Paul’s 34 years of dedicated service. A heart-warming moment at Convention was when Paul was recognized at the Chairman’s Banquet, and the audience erupted into thunderous applause. Paul’s retirement information appears in the Taking It Easy section, page 31, of this issue of Hoosier Banker. More information is to come in the November/December issue, as his contributions to the IBA are too great to contain to a single announcement. Also forthcoming VANTAGE VIEWPOINT Don’t Miss Out! is a reception in Paul’s honor scheduled in October at the Mega Conference. Another highlight of the Annual Convention was the opportunity to induct exceptional members of the Indiana banking community as IBA Leaders in Banking Excellence, the Association’s highest honor. After last year’s hiatus from this in-person ceremony, it was a pleasure to present awards to the combined classes of 2020 and 2021. Thank you to U.S. Sen. Mike Braun and Director Tom Fite of the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions for joining us to offer words of wisdom. Also, congratulations to our 17 honorees. The cover story of this Hoosier Banker is dedicated to you. As we move on to yet more IBA offerings – conferences, seminars, classes, forums, etc. – the looming question is whether COVID-19 conditions will continue to allow us to meet in person. While the specifics are elusive, this we know for certain: The IBA will always provide the best of educational and convening opportunities for our members, regardless of circumstances. Whether in-person, virtual or hybrid, you can rest assured that the IBA prioritizes the safety and comfort of our guests at in-person events, and remains committed to unwavering quality for all offerings. In these eventful times, we look forward to continued “rich in events” service to you. HB Amber R. Van Til President and CEO Indiana Bankers Association avantil@indiana.bank @grbanker Cybersecurity Conference Sept. 29-30 Learn from industry experts to heighten awareness of cyber issues and trends. Mega Conference Oct. 11-13 Mega is the largest, most comprehensive state banking event in the nation. Banking on Women Conference Nov. 3-4 Women in banking gather to unlock potential and own the future. For event updates, visit: indiana.bank/calendar Paul Freeman was recognized at the IBA Annual Convention in August for his 34 years of service.
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