Pub. 10 2015-2016 Issue 5

January/February 2016 7 Extraordinary Service for Extraordinary Members. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dreams Come True Inside Nebraska Banks 233 South 13th Street, Suite 700 Lincoln, NE 68508 Phone: (402) 474-1555 • Fax: (402) 474-2946 NBA Board of Directors NBA Editorial Staff Richard J. Baier Joni Sundquist NBA President & CEO Senior Vice President of Communications richard.baier@nebankers.org joni.sundquist@nebankers.org  President’s Message — continued on page 11 Richard J. Baier, President & CEO, Nebraska Bankers Association Michael Pate NBA Chairman (402) 916-1401 United Republic Bank Omaha Jerry A. Catlett NBA Chairman-Elect (402) 353-2555 Bruning State Bank Bruning Robert A. Balfany (402) 434-1035 U.S. Bank, N.A. Lincoln Nicholas W. Baxter (402) 602-1839 First National Bank of Omaha Omaha Cory A. Bergt (402) 434-4122 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Lincoln Alan L. Fosler (402) 323-1272 Union Bank & Trust Co. Lincoln Karl W. Gramann (402) 988-2255 Adams State Bank Adams Kristie K. Holoch (402) 363-7431 Cornerstone Bank York Michael J. Homa (402) 351-4248 Mutual of Omaha Bank Omaha Chris Hove (402) 420-8344 Nebraska Bank of Commerce Lincoln Dale L. Johnson (308) 452-3225 Town & Country Bank Ravenna Susan K. Koranda (402) 256-3247 Security Bank Laurel John F. Kotouc (402) 399-5088 American National Bank Omaha Kevin J. Larson (402) 372-5147 CharterWest Bank West Point Brian D. Lierman (308) 217-1382 Great Western Bank Lexington Larry E. McPhillips (402) 367-4334 Bank of the Valley Bellwood Donald E. Moore (308) 345-4994 First Central Bank McCook McCook Debbie R. Newkirk (402) 449-0902 Security National Bank of Omaha Omaha Ken H. Niedan (308) 368-5555 Hershey State Bank Hershey Anthony Rappa (402) 918-5442 Bank of the West Omaha Kimberly A. Schroll (308) 534-2861 NebraskaLand National Bank North Platte Jason R. Smith (402) 372-5331 F&M Bank West Point John C. Wilkins (402) 759-8126 Heartland Bank Geneva Lydell L. Woodbury (402) 439-2168 First Nebraska Bank Stanton Craig G. Brewster NBA Past Chairman (402) 775-2271 Butte State Bank Butte A S OUR NBA-MEMBER BANKS KNOW ALL TOO WELL, THE banking industry experienced a tidal wave of negative press throughout the economic downturn associated with the “Great Recession.” Unfortunately, as our NBA members also know all too well, Nebraska financial in - stitutions were not responsible for the many economic calami- ties that led up to, or followed, the housing crisis and related bankruptcies and corporate bailouts. However, these negative perceptions, coupled with the subsequent increase in govern- ment regulation of the industry, have led to a sizable number of bankers confiding in me that “banking is not nearly as fun as it used to be.” That said, as we look to 2016 and beyond, I encourage the bankers of Nebraska to step back and refocus on the positive impacts Nebraska banks have on the lives of our fellow Nebraskans. One of my favorite duties as president of the NBA is meet- ing with you, our members, at your respective institutions to discuss current happenings, bank challenges, community developments, and ideas for improving the NBA. During my banks stops in November and December, I made it a personal mission to pay special attention to the interactions I witnessed between local bankers and their customers. InOmaha, I watched as a teenager and her parents finalized loan documents for the purchase of the teen’s first car. The pride and excitement were evident in this young Nebraskan’s eyes as she walked out of the bank. During a stop in central Nebraska, the local bank president gaveme a tour of the bank’s newly remodeled facility, which included a new community meeting room. It was evident this NBA-member bank took great pride in making a significant financial investment in the community. In northeast Nebraska, I watched a local banker coach a young farmer and his wife through what I assumed to be their annual financial review. As the young Nebraska couple left the loan officer’s office, I overheard them talking about their posi - tive interaction and the relief they felt knowing this Nebraska bank was going to support them through some difficult times. A stop in northwest Nebraska included a local farmer hugging his loan officer on the way out the door, accompanied by wishes for a happy and prosperous 2016. As Christmas approached, I was in awe of the many banks I visited that were coordinating community fundraisers and collecting toys and coats for local charities. I also watched a Nebraska bank make an overwhelming number of small consumer loans to help local customers purchase Christmas gifts for family and friends. The bank president explained that