Pub. 11 2016-2017 Issue 5

January/February 2017 Extraordinary Service for Extraordinary Members. experience access BKD National Financial Services Group On site = insight. When you work with BKD National Financial Services Group, expect attention from partners and managers you’ll see and hear from regularly. BKD’s partner- to-staff ratio is lower than the average found in other national firms. We take a genuine interest in your financial institution, and we express it by being available, reliable, engaged and proactive. Experience how our insights can help take your organization to the next level. PARTNER TO STAFF 1:5 Lincoln // 402.473.7600 Omaha // 402.392.1040 bkd.com about the importance of financial literacy or invite students to spend a day at your institution. Engage employees at all levels of your organization to make these types of presenta- tions and to facilitate discussions about the industry. Ask yourself, who on my team has the highest probability of establishing a connection with these young people? Today’s employees communicate and interact in unique- ly different ways than previous generations. Placing a help wanted notice in the newspaper may not generate the suc- cess you are seeking. Ask existing employees about how best to promote your organization as a place to work. When posting a job opening, use multiple social media channels. It should go without saying that your business Facebook and LinkedIn sites should have a professional feel and convey your company culture in a modern and attractive layout. Also, don’t overlook untraditional candidates in your local region. One bank president confided in me recently that his staff seeks out potential employees who are currently working at local restaurants and retail establishments who have exceptional customer service skills. Look for talent in unusual places and talk to these individuals about op- portunities within the banking industry. Finally, don’t neglect the opportunity to train and grow your existing staff. The knowledge, skills, and personal characteristics that define a successful employee often may be learned. The NBA offers a wide variety of educational and training programs to foster the professional growth of bankers, including the Young Bankers of Nebraska (YBON) Conference, the NBA Leadership Program, and numerous other conferences, workshops, and webinars. We also work closely with the KBA/NBA Schools of Banking as well as the Graduate Schools of Banking at both Colorado and Wis- consin. The NBA currently has scholarship opportunities available for these programs. It is never too late to increase the knowledgebase of your future leaders! As the NBA works through our strategic planning pro- cess, we will continue to evaluate ways in which the Ne- braska Bankers Association can support and improve your efforts to attract and retain the next generation workforce.  ■ President’s Message — continued from page 7 Richard J. Baier is president and CEO of the Nebraska Bankers Association (NBA). Founded in 1890, the NBA is the voice of Nebraska’s $75 billion banking industry, which is composed of small, regional, and large banks that together employ nearly 15,000 people, safeguard more than $57 billion in deposits, and extend nearly $56 billion in loans, all within the state of Nebraska. For more information, contact Richard at (402) 474-1555 or richard.baier@nebankers.org .