discuss what we’ve already been talking about: a plan to grow their business. We know they’ve survived another year and made a little money. Watching the interaction where they’re both on the same page and they know their plans for the next two or three years — because they’ve not only talked about it, but we’ve talked about it with them — is fulfilling. I am blessed to have an outstanding staff to work with. We don’t micromanage, instead, our culture is to mentor and coach. Building self-confidence is fun to watch. Three of our values they hear me talk about are: You can’t manage what you don’t measure, trust but verify and have faith in all you do. Beyond that, I am a Ronald Reagan fan. I do my best to follow his advice: “Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority and don’t interfere as long as the policy you’ve decided upon is being carried out.” What does the future of community banking look like? The future of community banking is bright. Community banking is a relationship and partnership that holds a special place in our communities’ ecosystems. Community banks support many critical parts of these communities: food stores, gas stations, pharmacies, insurance, producers of goods and services, housing, healthcare and so much more. Our employees are invested in our communities with time and bank resources. We call it skin in the game effort. What are your thoughts on being KBA chairman and do you have any goals? I agreed to be the chair of the KBA in large part because the association is so well-managed, with talented staff that are committed to helping the banks in the communities and the banking needs of everyone we serve. I hope to build upon the excellent job that is already being done. The current environment we are in, with bank and business associations suing the regulators and the lack of communication, is unsettling. My goal would be that we get back to the point where we all sit down, talk and come up with good legislation and solid regulations that make sense. Community bankers know that our job is to safeguard the banking future. It’s going to take all of us to understand and communicate with the people who are making change. What we accomplish in this arena today is going to help our grandchildren and even great-grandchildren — because we are able to stand up and keep something alive today, they’ll be able to enjoy it tomorrow. That is so important to me. 8
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