Pub. 14 2019-2020 Issue 2

NEBRASKA BANKERS ASSOCIATION 9 encouraged to run by many of my peers and this board seat has been held by a Nebraska banker for 30 years.” – Greg Hohl “It is important to community banks to be heard as it relates to issues affecting our ability to serve our customers and provide credit in the markets we serve. Community banks are often the “hub” of rural communities and it is critical that our voices are heard.” – Tom Gdowski “I volunteered to serve because it’s valuable to learn how the process works, to meet other bankers and to learn from different perspectives. It is so beneficial to hear about banking challenges fromother parts of the country, and to learn about areas outside of ag-relatedbusiness. Those learning opportunities have allowedme to provide additional value toCornerstoneBank.” – KristieHoloch What benefit or perspective have you gained from serving? “There was a steep learning curve when joining the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Topeka board of directors, but I believe that the past few years have allowed me to be a strong contributor. By serving on theBoard, I have beenable to sharpenmy skills andgain a greater perspective on the needs of member institutions and the general operations of the FHLB System.” – Mike Jacobson “Serving on the CDIAC has been a privilege, in that I have the opportunity to provide meaningful economic, regulatory and industry feedback to theBoardof Governors froma grassroots per- spective that they donot otherwise receive. Likewise, the emerging economic, regulatory and industry issues presented by the Board of Governors and fellow industry bankers has been extremely valu- able in pro-actively managing our organization.” – Brad Koehn Whatarethehot topics, issuesorcurrentgoalsof the committee that is important for Nebraska bankers? “Of significant interest to Nebraska bankers is the role that the Federal Reserve systemwill play in the development and execution of a faster, real time payment system. Input has been helpful from community banks and will be used to help determine a course of action. The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and its branch banks in Omaha, Denver and Oklahoma City are constantly evaluating how theymay assist and provide services that will sup- port the economic strength and stability of the 10th District and ultimately provide opportunities for all Americans.” – GregHohl “Faster payments and what the landscape for oversight will look like is one area of focus. Discussion also surrounds credit quality, continued depressed commodity prices, and liquidity concerns with rising rates. Nebraska bankers should know that much consideration is given to the operating environment for banks. The CDIAC tries to do the “right” thing and consider all issues and perspectives for the best outcome.” – Tom Gdowski “The Board is watching closely the developments of any GSE reform legislation. The FHLB is supervised by the FHFA (Federal Housing Finance Administration). This is the same regulator that supervises FannieMae andGinnieMae. Our primary focuswill be to make certain that any reform efforts do not limit our existing authority and continue to allow for smaller institutions to have equal access to mortgage lending products.” – Mike Jacobson “The CDIAC was established in 2010 by the Federal Reserve BoardofGovernorstoprovideinputtotheBoardoneconomictrends, lendingconditions,andotherissuesofinteresttocommunitydeposi- tory institutions. Twelvemembers are selected fromrepresentatives ofbanks,thriftinstitutions,andcreditunionstoserveoneachofFed- eral Reserve Bank districts throughout the country.” – Brad Koehn What is your bank’s philosophy on volunteerism and industry involvement? “At Wahoo State Bank, we encourage involvement of all our employees in community related organizations. We understand and recognize that we can positively shape our community and industry by serving and giving back.” – Greg Hohl “We encourage our staff to be actively involved. All people and organizations seem to have periods of times when it is more manageable to volunteer. We encourage our staff to look for ways to be engaged.” – Tom Gdowski “We believe that community banks provide the leadership in the communities we serve. Volunteerismis essential to the growth of our communities and to the growth of our industry. Getting involved is critical to effective leadership.” – Mike Jacobson “Cornerstone Bank has always encouraged involvement at local, state and national levels. Even though it takes some time away from your job, it is important to add and contribute to the process.” – Kristie Holoch What advice would you give a new banker that has not yet served outside of their organization? “Serving on a board or committee is a great way tomove the industry forward by bringing another perspective to the discussion. Not only doestheindustrybenefitfromyourinvolvement,butyoucangrowyour ownknowledgebaseaswell.Itisalsoagreatwaytonetworkwithother industry professionals who may be experiencing similar challenges. Throughmy 39 years in the banking industry, I have never regretted getting involved. I am very grateful to everyone in the industry who has assistedme inmy growth and development.” – Mike Jacobson “It is best to learn fromothers that have experience in areas you or your bankmay lack. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line andbeing involvedand engaged can support a bank’s efforts to make good and informed decisions.” – Tom Gdowski “Banking is a relationship business and the more relation- ships we can nurture and develop, the more opportunities we will have in our careers and for our banks. At the end of the day, it’s about how we treat people and to the degree we leave our bank, community or organization in a better place.” – GregHohl The NBA would like to thank each and every banker that has committed to supporting their communities as well as the greater banking industry. Whether it is a financial literacy presentation at your local school, participation with your community founda- tion, volunteering for an NBA committee or a role on a regional council, Nebraska bankers are leading the way.  If you’d like to learn more about opportunities to get involved, contact the NBA office at (402) 474-1555.