Pub. 14 2019-2020 Issue 6

WWW.NEBANKERS.ORG 8 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Capturing Tomorrow’s Talent Richard J. Baier, President & CEO, Nebraska Bankers Association A S COVERED IN RECENT EDITIONS OF NEBRASKA BANKER Magazine, one of themain challenges confronting almost everyNBAmember institutionregardless of size and loca- tion is the ability to engage, attract and retain the next generation of Nebraska bankers. The NBA’s traditional workforce development strategy fo- cused upon the scholarships and related internships available through the Nebraska Bankers Educational Foundation (NBEF) (state and privately funded colleges and universities) and the Nebraska Bankers University of Nebraska Foundation. We have also hosted a job board on the NBA’s website listing available banking positions across the state. Based upon feedback received fromour member institutions, members of our Young Bankers of Nebraska Committee, recent college graduates and current secondary school students, it became crystal clear that the NBA’s workforce strategy needs a broader, more strategic focus in order to educate and engage students and young people about the many available banking careers. As an example, many of the past NBA scholarship re- cipients were far enough along in their education that they were no longer considering banking as a career option. We deliberately implored our young staff at the NBA to help lead this important review, analysis and strategy development. Some of these suggested action items have evolved over the past few years while others are more recent works in progress. The following is a sample of strategic actions being envisioned: Continue to offer vital scholarships to college students at Nebraska’s state colleges and universities. a. Ensure that preference is given to scholarship re- cipients who graduate fromNebraska high schools. b. Whereas an increasing number of our rural banks are finding key staff at the community college level, the NBA should begin offering scholarships through the Nebraska Community College System. c. Amend existing scholarship applications and scor- ing metrics to benefit students who are actively considering banking careers. d. Set aside at least one NBEF scholarship annually for minority applicants. Actively serve as guest presenters for business and bank- ing classes at the state's higher education institutions. If possible, present at the University of Nebraska’s largest campuses each semester. Develop strong working relationships with the career placement offices at the state’s colleges and universities. 3 2 1