Hoosier Banker 7 As my year as chairman of the Association draws to a close, I am reminded of the collaborative nature of the role and how it really does take exceptional coordination, communication and collective effort to fulfill the IBA’s mission statement: The Indiana Bankers Association strives to grow stronger banks and stronger communities. This statement came out of our most recent Strategic Planning session along with our rebranding and fresh logo that we rolled out at the beginning of this year. An appropriate quote sums it up nicely at this juncture: “You can’t do today’s job with yesterday’s methods and be in business tomorrow.” The IBA is in the race for the long haul, and that means evolving as the world around us changes. Just this year at the Statehouse, our government relations team successfully lobbied to codify positive REIT tax treatment, garnered a specific exclusion from an ESG bill and got an exclusion for banks governed by the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to not be subject to a new state law imposing customer data collection obligations on community banks. While the IBA chairman can certainly influence the direction and priorities of the Association, it is President/CEO Amber Van Til, the IBA’s officers and professional staff who are the consummate professionals speaking the message of community banking loud and clear. They bring their A-game to the office every single day, building a deep and long-standing tradition of trust throughout the state legislature that can’t be overstated. The community banking industry is respected across the state and is unequivocally the engine that drives commerce. Based upon the budget surpluses the state of Indiana generated consistently for over a decade, there is strong evidence that community banking is alive and well in the Hoosier State. A special mention to past president/CEO Joe DeHaven for hiring Amber and many of the key people around her, as well as plugging into the New Markets Tax Credit opportunity early on, establishing a foundation of financial health and stability for the Association. Joe set the table and Amber has carried on the tradition of excellence by optimally and strategically deploying the IBA’s resources. I wish Ben Bochnowski all the best as he takes the reins Jan. 1, 2024. Gary Kleer set the tone for me, and I hope I have demonstrated a sincere commitment to community banking throughout the state of Indiana and on the national front through my association with Friends of Traditional Banking. Being a part of FOTB leadership the past few years has broadened my acquaintances and knowledge across community banking nationwide and I have a renewed admiration for the leadership in our industry. I highly encourage you to engage with the IBA, Independent Community Bankers of America, American Bankers Association, Jamie R. Shinabarger Chairman Indiana Bankers Association CEO and Director Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company, Jasper CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Citizens State Bank • @CSB_Indiana • Sep 5 Our Fishers office is collecting broken, unused and unwanted crayons to be re-purposed for the benefit of those in need. If you know of a business or organization that would like a collection box, let us know! Learn more - hubs.ly/Q0216qqG0 STAR Bank • @STARFinancial • Aug 29 STAR team members recently volunteered for United Way of Allen County’s Day of Caring. For 2 consecutive years, employees have worked at the Veterans National Memorial Shrine & Museum. Find out more information about this hidden gem here: bit.ly/47QlI0w #Volunteer Merchants Bank of Indiana • @MerchantsBankIN Aug 17 Our team in Richmond made a huge impact recently by partnering with @BGCWC! The funds we donated were used to buy school supplies for students to start the school year. Employees packed & distributed 140 backpacks to families in the community at the Back to School Bash event! Centier Bank • @CentierBank • Aug 15 Centier Bank recently made a $1,500 community donation to A Rosie Place for Children, a South Bend-based nonprofit hospital. Read more about our wonderful partnership here: tinyurl.com/4v4kp3fz #CentierGives #commUNITYbanking Crossroads Bank • @CrossroadsBank • Jul 31 Running on Good Vibes! We had a great experience volunteering at the 5K run over the weekend with Manchester Junior Achievement. #CommunityFirst Follow IBA Twitter @indianabankers NOTABLE QUOTES Bank Community Service on Twitter FOTB and any other reputable banking voices. Advocacy is too important to simply leave it to the next banker or make it our lowest daily priority. It’s critical if we want to come out on top in the highly competitive financial services industry where freeloading credit unions are hungry to buy tax-paying banks, Farm Credit wants to lure away blue-chip established farmers with subsidized interest rates, and fintechs want to eat our lunch with sexy mobile apps and splashy offers. I also send along my congratulations to Lucas White, incoming 2024 ICBA Chairman. I have high expectations that he will excel in taking the message of community bank values to Washington, D.C., and represent all of us here in the Hoosier State admirably. I’m dating myself but Bob Hope said it best: “Thanks for the memories.” HB
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