Pub. 8 2013-2014 Issue 2

www.nebankers.org 8 Extraordinary Service for Extraordinary Members.  President’s Message — continued The second purpose for the trip is to introduce future bank leaders to our delegation, various regulators, and the ABA. Trying to take in the deluge of information as we go from briefing to briefing is a little like trying to drink from a fire hose. Think again about process versus event. We all have to start somewhere and, for many of the NBA Leadership Class members, this is their first trip to Washington, D.C. As dem- onstrated by past graduates of our programwho now serve in various NBA leadership roles, the expectation is that many of these future leaders will guide the NBA in the years to come. I for one see tremendous value in developing an under- standing of government and its institutions. Learning how to accomplish your goals within the system is the only way we can affect change on behalf of the industry. Providing bank- ers with the opportunity to tell their stories about how things really work in their communities and banks is a powerful tool for changing this nation’s attitude toward banking. I have seen what our small army of volunteers can do. I can only imagine what we could accomplish with the participation of all of Nebraska’s 14,272 bank employees. Join me in the NBA’s grassroots legislative efforts and make a difference in our industry today.  Reach George Beattie at george.beattie@nebankers.org.