The first speaker of the day was Eric Papp, author and keynote motivational speaker, with his presentation, “Managing Multiple Priorities,” which taught the seven secrets of top performers that would help propel attendees from procrastination to execution. Up next was Lee Smith, SVP of Economic Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, with the Economic Update. Smith talked about how stubbornly high inflation has led to a swift tightening in monetary policy and how it has come down recently but remains too high. He also talked about how the labor market has shown surprising resilience in the face of higher interest rates and that reaching and sustaining 2% inflation will likely require further easing labor market tightness. Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson provided an update on his office’s efforts and his vision as the banker for the state! Treasurer Johnson gave an overview of his 2024 legislative agenda, fiscal services offered by his office, and the state of cash reserves for Kansas. Johnson also talked about his efforts in coordination with the KBA on how best to invest public funds directly back into Kansas and the longterm economic impact that makes. This year’s YBOK Corporate Citizenship Effort recipient was Harbor House! YBOK President Cameron Cooper, Patriots Bank in Garnett, and KBA’s SVP — Government Relations Alex Orel presented Keri McGregor and Brittany Loomis with Harbor House with a $1,500 donation. Thank you to 2023 YBOK President Cameron Cooper, Patriots Bank in Garnett, for your dedication and service to the division. We are excited to announce Nick Wolfe, United Bank & Trust in Marysville, as the 2024 YBOK President! This year’s YBOK Corporate Citizenship Effort recipient is Harbor House! YBOK President Cameron Cooper, Patriots Bank in Garnett, and KBA’s SVP — Government Relations Alex Orel presented Keri McGregor and Brittany Loomis with Harbor House with a $1,500 donation. KBA Government Relations Team member Alex Orel, SVP — Government Relations, gave an update on state and federal government issues and legislative priorities for 2024. This year’s CEO panel is (L-R) Julie Hower, Farmers & Drovers Bank in Council Grove; Eric Kurtz, Union State Bank in Arkansas City; Aaron Bastian, Fidelity Bank in Wichita and moderator Tyler Walden with Allen Gibbs & Houlik, LC in Wichita. The panel conversation focused on industry trends, workforce development initiatives and their experiences in running their respective institutions. Thank you to Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson for providing an update on his office’s efforts and his vision as the banker for the state! Harbor House at Catholic Charities is more than a safe shelter for survivors of severe violence. Harbor House uses outreach advocacy services to guide survivors of abuse through the judicial, medical and DCF systems. Harbor House provides a variety of services each year to hundreds trying to leave abusive relationships but who never step foot in the shelter. All services are provided with the goal of breaking the cycle of violence against women and their children. This year’s CEO panel was Julie Hower, Farmers & Drovers Bank in Council Grove; Eric Kurtz, Union State Bank in Arkansas City; Aaron Bastian, Fidelity Bank in Wichita and moderator Tyler Walden with Allen Gibbs & Houlik LC in Wichita. The panel conversation focused on industry trends, workforce development initiatives and their experiences in running their respective institutions. KBA Government Relations Team Alex Orel and Kelly VanZwoll gave an update on state and federal government issues and legislative priorities for 2024. They talked about the need for the younger generation to get involved in the political process and how essential that is for success. Alex and Kelly walked through the efforts to pass a comprehensive tax plan at the state level. They asked the attendees to take action in the KBA Mobile App to answer the call to action to 16
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