Pub. 5 2010-2011 Issue 5

www.nebankers.org 4 Extraordinary Service for Extraordinary Members. 5 NBA Education Calendar 7 Fighting the Good Fight Don’t underestimate the power of your voice. The NBA will be counting on member participation this year as we attempt to mitigate the impact of burdensome regulations. By George Beattie, President & CEO, Nebraska Bankers Association 8 Washington Update – A League of Extraordinary People With greater participation and more resources, you and your bank can help the industry move forward and get our economy going again. By Edward L. Yingling, President & CEO, American Bankers Association 10 Security Officer’s By-Word – Fight Forged Check Losses With Positive Pay Discover measures your bank can take to prevent forged and altered check losses. By Charles M. Towle, Senior Vice President, Kansas Bankers Surety Co. 13 Bert Ely’s Farm Credit Watch – Some Wine Will Sour Before its Time Read about the latest Farm Credit System lending fiasco and what the FCS tax exemption is likely to cost taxpayers over the next decade. By Bert Ely, Alexandria, Va. 15 Counselor’s Corner – The 112th Congress: What Should Nebraska Bankers Expect? Find out what the historic 2010 electoral changes mean for your financial institution. By Kyle J. Gilster, Husch Blackwell LLP 18 Recovery Act Stimulated Rural Nebraska Learn how Recovery Act funds through USDA Rural Development assisted several Nebraska communities. By Maxine Moul, Nebraska State Director, USDA Rural Development 20 Credit Union Watch – Commission Advances Discussion of Credit Union Tax Exemption Although the path to federal fiscal sustainability will not be easy, the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform provided a valuable service through its report. By Keith Leggett, Senior Vice President & Senior Economist, American Bankers Association 21 I Am NOT a Sheep! The Challenges of Fitting in with the Family Business Learn why it’s important for bank owners to consider their children’s passion for the business. By Dave Specht 24 New Job Training Program Offers Solution to Housing Crunch Would you like to grow the supply of new affordable housing in your community? You might find the solution through Prairie Gold Homes, a non-profit that puts inmates to work while helping them build their future. 26 Nebraska Bankers Association Webinars 8 10 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011