he rebranded Harold A. Stones Government Relations Conference (formerly called Public Affairs Conference) concluded on Wednesday, February 8 at the Topeka Country Club and had record high attendance! More than 150 Kansas bankers convened in Topeka to hear and talk about state and federal legislative and regulatory policy affecting the banking industry. The conference started with a welcome and an update from KBA Board Chairman Shan Hanes, Heartland Tri-State Bank in Elkhart. It was followed by KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham and KBA SVP–Government Relations Alex Orel, who took a deep look at both state and federal issues the industry is working on. Other highlights included the Legislative Leadership Panel, the 2022 Bank Leaders of Kansas (BLOK) Class Graduation, and the introduction of the 2023 BLOK Class. In the afternoon, attendees received a Federal Issues Update from the ABA, plus a Regulatory Update that included the OCC, FDIC, and Federal Reserve. Wichita State Economist Jeremy Hill gave an economic update, and newly elected Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson closed the conference out before the annual legislative reception, where more than 100 Kansas lawmakers and special guests attended to network and hear directly from Kansas bankers. Thank you to all those who made the trip to Topeka, and we look forward to seeing you again next year on Feb. 7, 2024! Harold A. Stones Government Relations Conference T Legislative Leadership Panel Senate President Ty Masterson, Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins, and House Minority Leader Vic Miller participated on a panel moderated by KBA AVP–Government Relations & Staff Attorney Kelly VanZwoll. Legislative leaders talked about state issues impacting the Kansas economy and the banking industry. They covered various topics, including taxes, water, medical marijuana, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). 2022 BLOK Graduation & 2023 BLOK Class Introduction Congratulations to the 2022 BLOK class! These bank leaders completed the four-session BLOK program and now head back to their banks with a better understanding of: 1. The structure and governance of the KBA; 2. The state and federal legislative process; 3. The variety of state and federal agencies that govern the banking sector; and 4. The importance of their role as a volunteer KBA leader. And a big welcome to the 2023 BLOK class. Your journey has just begun! 10
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