Pub. 10 2021 Issue 5

22 2021 YBOK Annual Conference Recap S ept. 8-10 marked the KBA Young Bank Officers of Kansas (YBOK) Annual Conference, held live for the first time since 2019. The conference was held at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview in Wichita, Kansas, where over 100 bankers and associate members attended from across the state. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has decimated in-person events and gatherings for over a year, the KBA staff was excited to welcome attendees to fun and educational networking events and activities. Wednesday, Sept. 8, kicked off with the Corporate Citizenship Effort Event, where the YBOK Board visited INTRUST Bank in Wichita to welcome the Jobs for America’s Graduates- Kansas (JAG-K) students. JAG-K is a nonprofit that partners with public schools to offer an elective class to provide academic and other positive supports, ensuring students earn their diplomas by exploring career opportunities and practicing soft skills. As a result, students are prepared to transition to post-secondary education, military service, or the workforce following their graduation. The students listened to YBOK President Derek Bailey (Great Western Bank, Shawnee) and YBOK Vice President Grant Paitz (INTRUST Bank, Wichita) talk about their experiences working in the industry and why students should look for careers in banking. The students also had the opportunity to hear from INTRUST Bank President Jay Smith and Chief Human Resources Officer Jeff Morris discuss necessary qualities for prospective employees. They also shared stories on how they arrived where they are today. The YBOK Welcome Reception started Wednesday evening at the new Riverfront Stadium to watch the Wichita Wind Surge take on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals in the Emprise Bank Pavilion. YBOK President Derek Bailey opened the conference Thursday, Sept. 9, with welcoming comments and introductions. Next, he invited KBA Board Chairman Mike Ewy, CEO of Community State Bank in Coffeyville, to say a few words about his upcoming term as Chairman. Chairman Ewy thanked all for attending and shared what an important role the Young Bank Officers of Kansas group plays in the future of the Kansas banking industry. The opening keynote speaker was Kristen O’Shea, who presented “Increasing Your Self Awareness.” Kristen increases the performance of 2021 YBOK President Derek Bailey from Great Western Bank in Shawnee (center) and Alex Orel, KBA SVP of Government Relations (left), present a $1,500 check from YBOK’s Corporate Citizenship Effort to Chuck Knapp, President & CEO of JAG-K. 2022 YBOK President Grant Paitz, Investment Strategist at INTRUST Bank, NA, enjoyed feeding the giraffes at Tanganyika Wildlife Park after the conference. Dinner and event were sponsored by Security 1st Title.