Pub. 12 2017-2018 Issue 4

NEBRASKA BANKERS ASSOCIATION 7 President’s Message — continued on page 11 Richard J. Baier, President & CEO, Nebraska Bankers Association PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE D URINGTHENBA’SRECENTLYCOMPLETEDSTRATEGICPLANNING process, one issue that came to the forefront during almost every focus group, planning discussion, and personal interview was the need to more proactively market Nebraska’s banking industry and the positive impact Nebraska banks have on Nebraska communities, families, and individuals. It also became evident that addressing this task was going to require some nontraditional strategies, especially in reaching out and connecting with the “NExt Generation” of Nebraskans. With the approval and support of the NBA Board of Di- rectors, your association will publicly launch the Bank On Nebraska Challenge for Nebraska’s high school students on January 15, 2018. This statewide competition will challenge today’s young people to submit short videos recognizing and highlighting the important role Nebraska banks play in their communities, schools, and families. Students will be encouraged to upload their videos between February 19 and March 25. Members of the NBA’s Young Bankers of Nebraska Commit- tee will be tasked with reviewing and scoring the videos. The finalists’ videos will be announced on April 6. Subsequently, the public will be asked to vote for their favorite video online through a customized website, much like they might vote for the ENGAGING OUR STATE IN THE BANK ON NEBRASKA CHALLENGE