Pub. 9 2014-2015 Issue 1

May | June 2014 7 Extraordinary Service for Extraordinary Members. A S I SIT DOWN TO COMPOSE THIS MONTH’S PRESIDENT’S Message, I am just passing my one-month anniver- sary as the successor NBA president and CEO. My first 30 days on the job have been filled with learning opportunities: studying the history of the banking industry in Nebraska, learningmore about the difficult regulatory environ- ment you work in, reconnecting with bankers from across the state, meeting new bankers, and getting acquainted with my association counterparts from around the country. I am honored to have been selected to serve as the next president and CEO of the NBA. This organization has a long history as one of the premier and most effective trade associa- tions in Nebraska. This is a real compliment to the many vol- unteer leaders who have worked so diligently tomake the NBA the leading voice on banking and related issues in Nebraska. My personal thanks to George Beattie, Karen Miller, and the entire NBA staff for their support during my transition. I also want to thank the NBA Board of Directors and the many bank- ing representatives who have welcomed me to the association and have offered words of encouragement. As you know all too well, the banking industry has faced many challenges over the past several years. One valuable les- son learned during this time is the importance of being actively involved in the political process. Clearly, we have witnessed firsthand how changes in law and the regulatory process can suffocate our industry. As we look to the future, I challenge you to be more actively involved in the political process. Banker involvement in the political process begins by elect- ing candidates who are well-educated, thoughtful, and under- stand the role of free enterprise and the importance of personal responsibility in making our country grow and prosper. The NBA runs a very successful federal and state political action committee (PAC). The goal of the NBA BankPAC is to offer financial support to political candidates who best represent the interests of banking and free enterprise in their respective political bodies. I have already writtenmy personal PAC check and would challenge you to do the same. In addition, I encour- age you to consider running an internal campaign to engage every bank officer, director, and employee in the process. The NBA has been successful at running its own internal campaign, with 100 percent staff participation for the past several years. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Commit to the Political Process 233 South 13th Street, Suite 700 Lincoln, NE 68508 Phone: (402) 474-1555 • Fax: (402) 474-2946 NBA Board of Directors NBA Editorial Staff George Beattie NBA President & CEO george.beattie@nebankers.org Joni Sundquist Vice President of Communications joni.sundquist@nebankers.org  President’s Message — continued on page 9 Richard Baier, Successor President & CEO, Nebraska Bankers Association Craig G. Brewster NBA Chairman (402) 775-2271 Butte State Bank, Butte Michael Pate NBA Chairman-Elect (402) 916-1401 United Republic Bank, Omaha Steven L. Anderson (402) 845-6565 Bank of Doniphan, Doniphan Kelley Ayres (308) 832-2030 First Bank & Trust Co., Minden Robert A. Balfany (402) 434-1035 U.S. Bank, N.A., Lincoln Nicholas W. Baxter (402) 602-1839 First National Bank of Omaha, Omaha Cory A. Bergt (402) 434-4122 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Lincoln John E. Bothof (402) 334-0300 Northwest Bank, Omaha Jerry A. Catlett (402) 353-2555 Bruning State Bank, Bruning Alan L. Fosler (402) 323-1272 Union Bank & Trust Co., Lincoln Mark W. Hansen (402) 434-3462 West Gate Bank, Lincoln Kristie K. Holoch (402) 363-7431 Cornerstone Bank, York Michael J. Homa (402) 351-4248 Mutual of Omaha Bank, Omaha Chris Hove (402) 420-8344 Nebraska Bank of Commerce, Lincoln Dale L. Johnson (308) 452-3225 Town & Country Bank, Ravenna Douglas G. Johnson (402) 329-6221 Midwest Bank, Pierce Susan K. Koranda (402) 256-3247 Security Bank, Laurel John F. Kotouc (402) 399-5088 American National Bank, Omaha Kevin J. Larson (402) 372-5147 CharterWest National Bank, West Point Garold G. Leggott (402) 363-6688 York State Bank, York Brian D. Lierman (308) 324-5691 Great Western Bank, Lexington Larry E. McPhillips (402) 367-4334 Bank of the Valley, David City Donald E. Moore (308) 345-4994 First Central Bank McCook, McCook Dudley C. Oltmans (308) 532-5936 Adams Bank & Trust, North Platte Anthony Rappa (402) 918-5442 Bank of the West, Omaha Kimberly A. Schroll (308) 534-2861 NebraskaLand National Bank, North Platte Clark D. Lehr NBA Past Chairman (402) 563-3656 First Nebraska Bank, Columbus John P. Stinner NBA Past Chairman (308) 436-2300 Valley Bank & Trust Co., Gering