Pub. 11 2016-2017 Issue 6

March/April 2017 9 Extraordinary Service for Extraordinary Members. 1125 South 103rd Street Omaha, NE 68124 koleyjessen .com COMMERCIAL LOANS - TIF/BOND FINANCING DIP FINANCING - BANKRUPTCY/CREDITORS’ RIGHTS BANK ACQUISITIONS/DIVESTITURES REGULATORY COMPLIANCE - GENERAL CORPORATE Email Rob Nichols at nichols@aba.com . ©American Bankers Association. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. women who serve on the House Financial Services Com- mittee—one of Congress’ largest committees and the one that sets the agenda and oversight of laws governing bank- ing—only five have banking experience. That’s absurd. Now here’s the good news. Bankers are already in the business of serving their communities, not just through their bank, but also on the boards of the local nonprofit, hospital, and school system. Arguably serving in public office is nothing more than a logical next step rather than a giant leap. The even better news is that ABA has a way to help you take that next step. This September we are piloting our first ever ABA Can- didate School to help bankers—Democrat, Republican, or Independent—run for state or federal public office. The nonpartisan school, set for Sept. 13-15 in Washington, D.C., will provide all the information you need on how to file necessary paperwork, manage paid and earned media, fundraise, research and target, and get out the vote. It will demystify the process. As you may have heard me say when describing ABA’s Power Up initiative, aimed at building our industry’s politi- cal capacity, if the past decade has taught us anything, it’s that more bankers need to be involved in the public policy debates surrounding our industry. And those casting votes on banking policy must fully understand and appreciate the impact their decisions will have on a community and its residents. So, if you have ever considered running for office, or if you have been a vocal advocate on state or federal policy issues and are ready to take your political engagement to the next level, I strongly encourage you to apply to this school. Download an application (due June 1) and learn all the details at aba.com/RunforOffice. Washington has long been in banking’s business. Now it’s time to put more bankers in the business of Washington. Because when it comes to setting banking and economic policy, nothing beats your real-world experience. 