Pub. 13 2018-2019 Issue 1

NEBRASKA BANKERS ASSOCIATION 7 President’s Message — continued on page 11 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE HONORING GREAT BANKS & BANKERS Richard J. Baier, President & CEO, Nebraska Bankers Association Y OUR NBA ROUTINELY TALKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR organization being “banker driven.” As such, the NBA is truly blessed to have outstanding bank members and great bankers who provide direction, leadership, and support. One of my favorite events during the NBA Annual Convention is the Milestone Awards Luncheon, where we honor bankers who are celebrating 50 years in banking and financial institution members that are celebrating significant bank an- niversaries. This year’s recipients of the 50-year banker awards were honored on May 3 during the 2018 NBA Annual Convention. Awardwinners included: DoreanKastl of First Nebraska Bank in Brainard, Bruce Lauritzen of First National of Nebraska Inc. and Lauritzen Corp. in Omaha, Dale Pohlmann of Town & Country Bank in Ravenna, and Donald Schmaderer of Tri-County Bank in Stuart. Special thanks to each of these individuals for the important role they have played in the banking sector and for serving the financial needs of Nebraska’s businesses, agricultural producers, and consumers. In addition to the 50-year banker awards, the NBA was pleased to honorWest Gate Bank in Lincoln for 50 years in bank- ing while Henderson State Bank was recognized for 75 years of banking in Nebraska. Finally, Adams State Bank of Adams, now in its fifth generation, proudly celebrated 100 years of deliver- ing financial services to their customers. I want to extend my personal congratulations to each of these successful institutions. This year’s 2018 NBA Annual Convention also incorporated the announcement of the finalists and grand prize winner of