6 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 For this final Hoosier Banker of 2021, I’d like to thank Gov. Michelle W. Bowman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for being our cover story feature. We asked Gov. Bowman to share her insights with our readers, because she is the first to serve on the Board in a specific role, created by Congress, to be filled by a community banker. She has a community banker background, and we are grateful for her service. I’d also like to thank you, the members of the Indiana Bankers Association, for enthusiastically embracing recent opportunities to gather again in person. More than 700 attendees came to our Mega Conference in October for two packed days of education, inspiration and joyful networking. Given the circumstances, that was outstanding. Thank you to all attendees, sponsors and speakers for making it possible. Also thanks to those who interacted so kindly with a young volunteer at the registration desk. That was my son, Preston, on fall break from high school, who gained a wonderful learning experience by being with you. A perennial Mega highlight is the chance to recognize Five Star Members and Diamond Associate Members, plus banks that were nominated for the 2020 C2C Awards (Commitment to Community). VANTAGE VIEWPOINT Don’t Miss Out! We appreciate all of our members and are grateful to the banks that submitted C2C nominations, each of which tells the winning story of bank community service. This year at Mega, an extra special highlight was the presentation of the Distinguished Hoosier Award to our own Paul Freeman, who recently retired from the IBA. For 34 years, Paul served as a pillar of strength for the IBA, doing whatever it took to deliver top service to members. An article about Paul appears on pages 20-21, detailing some of his many accomplishments. There also are personal comments from Paul in the Closing Note section, page 58. When you read Paul’s words, you’ll understand why he is so highly regarded and now deeply missed. Paul leaves an enduring legacy to the IBA and the full Indiana banking community. As we close out 2021, much is being done to continue to deliver quality opportunities to you, some of which are highlighted on this page. The Indiana Economic Outlook Luncheon, for example, gives you the chance to show appreciation to your business clients by inviting them. We also are working with IBA directors to roll out a new strategic plan in 2022. Additionally, to celebrate IBA’s 125-year anniversary in 2022, we invite member banks to upload histories and photos at indiana.bank/history. Thank you all for another fruitful year, and we look forward to working with you in 2022. HB Amber R. Van Til President and CEO Indiana Bankers Association avantil@indiana.bank @grbanker Security and Risk Management Conference Nov. 16-17 Stay on top of effective ways to protect your customers and your bank. Midwest Agricultural Banking School Nov. 29-Dec. 2 Learn the latest about ag credit and finance at Purdue University. Indiana Economic Outlook Luncheon Dec. 3 Listen and learn about what to expect in the economic landscape for 2022. For event updates, visit: indiana.bank/calendar A skilled craftsman, Paul Freeman carefully hung each panel of the IBA Wall of Excellence.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==