Hoosier Banker 7 $400,000 goal for the 2023 IBA BANKPAC campaign. The goal in 2022 had been $350K, so I knew it was a tall order, but I pledged an additional $10,000 (or 20% of the proposed increase) on behalf of Springs Valley Bank to close the gap and as an indication that all the points I made beforehand go much deeper than simply words. Our 2022 donation total came within a few hundred dollars of $410,000, so together I know we can break $400,000 again this year. While our IBA Washington Trip attendance has been good, our numbers the last couple of years have been down about 30% from our historic highs of around 100 bankers. Those who attend regularly, I appeal to you to reach out to two bankers you know and invite them to participate. Let’s get back to 100 or more Indiana bankers planting our flag on Capitol Hill! I appreciate the vote of confidence you gave to advance me into Gary Kleer’s big shoes as your 2023 IBA chairman. I look forward to working together with Amber and her dedicated team of professionals. Striving for excellence is evident and appreciated by our community bank membership. Please join me on the next leg of the IBA journey in search of hyper-relevancy in our 126th year of existence in 2023! HB Back in September at the Indiana Bankers Association Annual Convention, we began strategizing for 2023. We knew some of the challenges ahead would be tied directly to the polarizing political environment in which we find our country. As bankers, we want the freedom to serve customers based on the merits of the relationship, not the politics of the day. That said, we cannot ignore the state and federal legislative landscape. That’s why engagement with our legislators and regulators remains paramount in stopping bad legislation or regulations (defense), while promoting those bills and laws that produce a favorable banking climate (offense). We cannot rely on our friendly neighborhood bankers down the street. It’s up to each one of us within our institutions to promote Indiana BANKPAC, to engage one-on-one with state and federal legislators/regulators (both in our home districts and when we travel to DC for the annual IBA Washington Trip), and to respond throughout the year when the IBA, Independent Community Bankers of America or American Bankers Association puts out a “call to action” asking for comment letters, emails or other grassroots activity on pending legislation. Yes, I know our day job is banking, but if we don’t advocate well and make it a real priority, our “day job” will become much more difficult, and our long-term viability may be challenged. Successful and enduring organizations take inventory and reinvent themselves to remain relevant and impactful. A paraphrase from Michael S. Hyatt’s book “Your Best Year Ever,” says it this way: If we want to win, we need to get beyond our natural urge to play it safe ... jump outside our comfort zones and set some challenging goals. In the fall of 2021, IBA leaders met to revise our strategic plan to do just that: step out of our comfort zone and set some challenging goals. Within the confines of five strategic pillars (Next Level Government Relations, Next Level Banking Talent, Next Level Operational Effectiveness, New Ventures for Indiana Banks and Position IBA for Future Opportunities), we plan to take the IBA to new heights in terms of impactfulness to you, our members. Each pillar has several defined initiatives to complete over the next couple of years. I encourage you to look at the plan summary, available at indiana.bank/strategic-plan, and share any thoughts you have with IBA leadership. One of IBA’s consistently noted fortes is our lobbying efforts locally and nationally. It matters because, as Amber Van Til and Dax Denton remind me frequently, “If we don’t have a seat at the table, we might be on the menu!” Being successful lobbyists requires building trust and respect with key legislators and financially supporting their campaigns in a meaningful way. At IBA’s Annual Convention, I challenged all of you to help us hit a Jamie R. Shinabarger Chairman Indiana Bankers Association President, CEO and Director Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company, Jasper CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Hoosier Heartland State Bank • @myHHSB • Nov 29 HHSB was proud to make a donation to Grace & Mercy Ministries to help stock their food pantry this holiday season. Grace & Mercy has helped feed over 7,343 households in our community this year! Want to help? We’re hosting a food drive thru Dec. 9 – stop by with a donation! STAR Bank • @STARFinancial • Nov 21 STAR believes our communities become more vibrant and unique through amazing art. We are thrilled to support Mental Health America of Northeastern Indiana through their Art of Hope event. Such inspiring art supports the important work done for this community in need. Merchants Bank of Indiana • @MerchantsBankIN Nov 7 In collaboration with @kibiorg, we were privileged to provide amenities and attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for a new playground & renovated green space at Constitution Gardens Apartments. We’re proud to have provided the community with a space for families to enjoy! First Savings Bank • @fsbindiana • Oct 29 Charlestown Branch Manager, Lesli Croxton, presented a check to the Police Department in support of ‘Shop With a Cop.’ #community #giveback #whereyourealwaysfirst Home Bank • @HomeBank_1890 • Sep 28 Martinsville Youth Development Center exists to “provide a place where all young people can realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.” We are honored to support MYDC with a $15,000 gift! #MakingLivesBetter Follow IBA Twitter @indianabankers NOTABLE QUOTES Bank Community Service on Twitter
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