Pub. 16 2021-22 Issue 3

NEBANKERS.ORG 8 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Richard Baier, President and CEO, Nebraska Bankers Association A S I SAT DOWN TO BEGIN PL ANNING THIS MAGAZINE column, my mind instantly gravitated to the many Congressional hurdles, regulatory proposals and operational issues facing the banking industry in Nebraska; the list feels almost endless: potential new IRS reporting requirements, new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reporting rules on small business lending, workforce limitations, etc. However, I know you don’t need to be reminded. So, I decided to change course and reflect upon the important ways our members back Nebraska customers and their communities. We are all keenly aware of the leading role Nebraska banks played in administering the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) during the initial phases of the COVID pandemic. While eating lunch recently at a long-time Nebraska restaurant, the owner of the restaurant (also a long-time friend) shared with me that without PPP support, his business would have been forced to close. Instead, they were able to keep their doors open, retain and pay their staff, finish several much-needed improvements and plan for the future. Clearly banks back Nebraska small businesses! During a recent member bank visit, I was finishing up my discussions when a young family with two young children exited one of the front offices near the bank entrance. This young family was all smiles, and the little boy was happy to be out and about. Our member banker noted that this family was returning to their hometown and buying their first home. As the family headed to the door, I overheard the rambunctious young man tell his parents that he and his sister could not wait to “have new swings and a slide” at the new house. Wow, banks back Nebraska families! Through a family connection, recently I watched intently as a first-generation Nebraskan and his business partner were able to secure permanent financing for a small vehicle repair shop. This property, while not considered grade A by Banks Back Nebraska