Chairman’s Letter
“For the times they are a changin’.” Bob Dylan’s lyrics ring true. Yes indeed, change is in the air. In the midst of a most historic presidential election year everyone is talking about change. I see nothing new in this discussion point. Change has been and always will be lurking around the next corner.
Recently Alyson and Tandy Menefee, Sheila and Ken Hammonds, Kathryn and I represented our Association at the Central States Conference in Hershey, Pennsylvania. I can still smell the chocolate! On the heels of that meeting Kathryn and I took some time to tour Gettysburg and Philadelphia before returning home. I must say my spirit was lifted as we walked across the battlefields in Gettysburg and as I cast my eyes upon Independence Hall in Philadelphia, our country’s first seat of government.
Being a banker enthralled with history and walking around Philadelphia I had to stroll in front of the First Bank of the United States as well as the Second Bank of the United States, both situated near Independence Hall. The facades of these two grandiose buildings remind me of ancient temples. A sense of sadness overtook me upon realizing there was no life inside these beautiful structures on the day of our visit. Throughout our walking tour of Philadelphia we passed many large ornate buildings that were once financial institutions. Today these architectural masterpieces house restaurants, retail shops, pharmacies, art galleries, and other nondescript businesses. You are surely getting the picture. Such change can just as easily be found in small towns across America as it can be seen in large cities.
Our business of banking has been changing since its inception. Not only has the architectural style of bank buildings been altered over time, but also change is ever-present in the payments system, delivery channels, regulatory structure, technology advances, competitive environment, and workforce generational differences. I am convinced that the inevitable changes to come can be shaped and molded by those of us in the arena working together to insure a continuing sound, effective, and efficient banking system for all.
If you are already actively engaged with your ABA, I applaud you and thank you. If it has been a while since you have attended one of our annual meetings, an ABA sponsored educational event, or called upon a fellow ABA member for advice or opinion, then I invite you to the upcoming Bank Management Seminar. Our Seminar is scheduled for August 7-9, 2008 at the Hilton Branson Convention Center on Branson Landing in Branson, Missouri. It will be a great opportunity to reconnect with friends, old and new alike, reminisce about things as they were, and talk strategically about the changing landscape. We will not avoid the changes occurring all around us, but collectively we can certainly influence the future direction of our business. I look forward to seeing you in Branson.
Around the state and across the Miles……………there is work to be done, go have some fun!
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