Over the past two months, I have had the opportunity to travel across the state, meeting with many of our NBA members — from South Sioux City to the Panhandle, with stops in both rural and urban communities along the way. These in-person visits are a vital part of the NBA’s effort to gather valuable member feedback and identify trends and challenges facing our industry. 

As expected, discussions during these bank visits almost always include pressing issues such as the recent regulatory tsunami, financial headwinds in agriculture, consumer fraud, staffing challenges and partisan politics. 

For me, one of the benefits of these visits is witnessing the positive impacts Nebraska banks have on their communities. In today’s chaotic world, it is easy to overlook the great work happening around us. Banks should not shy away from this important work but rather we should embrace our collective community impact!  

The following are several examples of the events and activities I witnessed during my recent travels: 

1. Banks expanding, renovating and developing their physical locations, which often sparks additional construction growth throughout the community.
2. Support for philanthropic efforts, including the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, the Team Jack Gala and other valuable, charitable initiatives.
3. Banks providing volunteers, leadership and financial support to strengthen local chambers of commerce and economic development programs.
4. Efforts to address Nebraska’s childcare shortages through matching grant funds, facility financing and coordination of new community services.
5. Affordable and workforce housing development made possible by banks providing matching funds and direct investments.
6. Students developing financial skills at the more than 71 in-school savings banks operating in Nebraska elementary schools with local bank support.
7. Development of the next generation of bankers as high school and college students gain practical experience working in local banks.
8. Bankers dedicating their personal time to provide financial education and experiential learning opportunities in Nebraska schools.
9. Banks adapting to serve an increasingly diverse customer base, offering services in several different languages.
10. Account options created for the traditionally unbanked and underbanked. Some banks are also working with the Department of Corrections to provide financial products and services to previously incarcerated individuals.

This list is just a snapshot of the great work being done by NBA members. It serves as a reminder of the important leadership role Nebraska banks play in strengthening communities. In times of divisions and uncertainty, I encourage you to pause, reflect and celebrate the important role Nebraska banks play in our state’s growth and success.