Pub. 7 2012-2013 Issue 4

www.nebankers.org 18 Extraordinary Service for Extraordinary Members. Which issues are most critical varies by each member’s situation, says Williams. “If your bank is struggling on the low side of the capital bar right now, then Basel III and Dodd-Frank’s higher capital requirements are absolutely critical.” For all banks, the piling on of additional rules and regulations under Dodd-Frank is vitally important. The focus on those challenges, as well as the effort to rebuild relation- ships with regulators, will continue as ABA priorities during Williams’ term. The fact that ABA covers all this and much more was a key reason why Williams got involved with the association. “Matt was convinced ABA was the way to take care of banking; they had the power inWashington,” observes Duane Oliver. SaysWilliams: “I just felt that ABAmakes a difference, and I wanted to be a part of that.” The Promise of Financial Education Beyond the issues described above, Williams has a passion for financial education and already has been working with ABA’s executive staff on several initiatives. “I think it’s a critical issue for the country,” he says. “As a banker, I have experienced situations where a lack of financial knowledge has damaged peoples’ lives. As an industry, it would be great if we could step up and assume a leadership role with financial education. Every bank, regardless of size, can get involved.” As George Beattie observed about Williams, “He doesn’t ask you to do anything he wouldn’t do himself.” So, Gothen- burg State Bank has made a significant commitment of time and dollars to bring a financial education curriculum to local schools, among other steps. Williams believes increased support of financial educa- tion by banks could help reestablish a concept that has been lost by policymakers: that banking is critical to the economic survival of the country. “I believe we can change how banking and bankers are viewed.” What Needs to Be Done Given the range, number, and complexity of issues the ABA wrestleswith, isWilliams daunted by the challenge? “Daunted” is not in his lexicon. With the right people, he believes, you can tackle anything. “It’s not the size of the problem, it’s the size of the minds and hearts of the people who are trying to solve it that make the difference,” says Williams. Q Leadership Ride — continued We protect your reputation by successfully collecting debts in an ethical and professional manner. O nk \^kmbÛ^] Z`^g\r ikhob]^l internet access to your accounts and we record all calls. 310 North Walnut · P.O. Box 1423 Grand Island, NE 68802 Phone: 308.381.1423 Email: generalco@hamilton.net www.generalcollection.com www.1fsb.com 877.303.9737 Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender Valued Leadership Congratulations to Matt Williams, President/CEO of Gothenburg State Bank, from the employees at First State Bank Nebraska. Your election as Chairman of the American Bankers Association recognizes your commitment to leadership, community banking, the customers you serve and the State of Nebraska. We share those values and wish you great success in 2013. SM Q Leadership Ride — continued on page 20