Pub. 9 2014-2015 Issue 4

November | December 2014 9 Extraordinary Service for Extraordinary Members. percent (49 graduates) have remained in the state following completion of their degree. Finally, a total of 34NBA-member banks have hosted interns at their institutions. By any measure, the Ag Banking & Finance internship programhas been a success, but it is just one effort to support talent recruitment. To build the bench strength necessary to move our industry forward, I encourage you to think both creatively and proactively about how you engage, encourage, and support the next generation of bank employees. Consider getting your young staff members involved in programs like the NBA’s Leadership Program, the Young Bankers of Ne- braska (YBON), or a local Young Professionals Group. One aggressive bank president recently told me that he plans to personally bring a young member on his staff to every educa- tional and social NBA event that he attends next year instead of a senior bank leader as he has done in the past. Together we can ensure that Nebraska banks have the talented players required to compete in our increasingly competitive world. Until next month, let’s keep financing the dreams of our fellow Nebraskans.  Reach Richard Baier at (402) 474-1555 or richard.baier@nebankers.org .  President’s Message — continued from page 7 Koley Jessen PC, LLO 1125 South 103rd Street Omaha, NE 68124 koleyjessen .com COMMERCIAL LOANS - TIF/BOND FINANCING DIP FINANCING - BANKRUPTCY/CREDITORS’ RIGHTS REGULATORY COMPLIANCE - GENERAL CORPORATE Marlon Lofgren & Matt Speiker Call us for a quick response, competitive rates and flexible underwriting. Contact Gene Uher in Sioux Falls at 605.201.1864 or guher@bellbanks.com Member FDIC 7772 Compete with the “big guys!” • Participation loans (commercial, agricultural, construction, operating lines and term loans) • Bank stock & ownership loans • Bank building financing • Business & personal loans for bankers • Multi-family permanent financing Call about your participation & bank stock loans from $100,000 to $10 million.