Over the past few weeks, I have read numerous articles about the growing mental health crisis in America to try and better understand its root causes and learn strategies to help lessen the seemingly pervasive anxiety. COVID-19-related isolation clearly acted as a catalyst for many of our current challenges. The divisive political environment and aggressive social discourse in our country are also contributing factors. Two fundamental coping strategies noted by experts are to reconnect with people in person and to celebrate accomplishments. So, rather than droning on about the tsunami of regulation consuming our industry, let’s find reasons to connect and celebrate!
Triumph #1: The NBA Board of Directors recently approved the creation of the Alice Dittman Trailblazer Award for Women in Banking, named in honor of the first female NBA board chair who passed away in 2023. This annual award will recognize and honor a young female banker who has made substantial contributions to her bank, community, the banking industry and the NBA. Plans call for accepting nominations in July 2024, with the inaugural award presented at the NBA Women in Banking Conference on Oct. 22, 2024. Thanks to strong philanthropic support from the banking sector, the award will be presented every year for the next 20 years.
For those who knew Alice, it is fitting that this award will honor and celebrate her legacy. She began her career at Cornhusker Bank in Lincoln in 1948, where she held numerous roles, from maintenance director to president, CEO and chair of the board. She loved to see the bank’s customers succeed and its employees thrive. In addition to her work with the NBA, Alice also served as the first female chair of both the Lincoln and Nebraska Chambers of Commerce. She was inducted into the Nebraska Business Fall of Fame in 1996 and was the Lincoln Journal Star Inspire Woman of the Year in 2019. Her service extended beyond organizational leadership to include mentoring young women in business. Watch upcoming NBA publications to learn more about the award nomination process.
Triumph #2: On a completely different note, we should also celebrate the fact that 73 Nebraskans were willing to place their names on the May primary ballot for a chance to serve in the Nebraska Legislature. These individuals are vying for races across 25 districts. The NBA Government Relations team has gotten to know many of these candidates personally, and we are extremely impressed by their knowledge, skills, commitment and enthusiasm!
Triumph #3: The NBA is cheering for long-time NBA General Counsel and lobbyist Bob Hallstrom who has placed his name on the ballot in pursuit of the District 1 seat in the Nebraska Legislature. Bob has advocated on banking and business issues for more than four decades. His background and experience would bring substantial value to the Unicameral. The NBA fully supports Bob’s candidacy and will do what we can to support his campaign, knowing that he will no longer be able to lobby on behalf of the NBA and the banking industry if he is elected. Thanks, Bob, for your willingness to further serve our fellow Nebraskans as an elected official!
Triumph #4: On May 8-10, the NBA hosted the 2024 NBA Annual Convention at the Embassy Suites in La Vista. The event provided an opportunity for our industry to gather in person, reconnect with old friends, celebrate success and gain new knowledge from world-class speakers.
Until next time, let’s take time for ourselves, support our family, friends and coworkers and celebrate successes, large and small.
