Government Relations

AmBA Government Relations Summit

The American Bankers Association Government Relations Summit was held March 14-16. As you can see from our photos, we hit the ground running and were ready to work this Washington trip. The all-star lineup of speakers at the American Bankers conference included bank industry champions such as Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) and politicos such as Charlie Cook from the Cook Report. During the AmBA meetings, we received a letter co-written by Reps. Scott Tipton (R-CO) and David Scott (D-GA), which urged federal banking agencies to tailor regulations so they do not utilize a one-size fits all approach. A sign-by date of March 24 was implemented, and we took this letter with us to each Congressman to present during our meetings. We are pleased to report that 133 Representatives signed this letter, including members of our own delegation. While this may have been “only a letter” and not a bill, it is important that we had such a quick and positive reaction from our Representatives. Each victory needs acknowledgment, and continued efforts such as this will only add to the pressure for relief. Your next opportunity to represent Arkansas bankers in our nation’s capitol will be in September, during the ABA’s Annual Washington Visit. Watch for a save the date to drop into your mailbox and inbox. Bankers listen to Senator Shelby during the GR Summit program.

Senator Tom Cotton discusses the status of Senate bills that impact the banking industry.

Congressman French Hill asks bankers for input, he specifically asked for examples of customer experiences with federal banking laws.

VP / DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AVA FRANKS

The Arkansas Banker | April 2016 Arkansas bankers with Congressman Bruce Westerman during the 2016 American Bankers Association Government Relations Summit. Pictured, from left, are Bill Holmes, Ava Franks, Casey Washam, Frank Scott, Blake Fletcher, Chris Gosnell, Jim Taylor, Jeff Lynch, Barry Jackson, Congressman Bruce Westerman, Robert Taylor, Arkansas State Bank Commissioner Candace Franks, Jim Cargill, Sean Williams, Don Walker, and Bruce Maloch.

Arkansas bankers and Arkansas State Bank Commissioner Candace Franks during the 2016 AmBA Government Relations Summit. Pictured, from left, are Jim Cargill, Chris Gosnell, Bruce Maloch, Jeff Lynch, Frank Scott, Sean Williams, Casey Washam, Robert Taylor, Jim Taylor, Bill Holmes, Commissioner Candace Franks, Barry Jackson, Don Walker, and Blake Fletcher.

Sean Williams asks Congressman Rick Crawford to sign on a letter to Federal Regulators regarding federal regulatory relief for banks during the 2016 AmBA Government Relations Summit.

Jim Taylor presents a federal regulatory relief letter to Congressman Steve Womack and asks for his support and his signature while Bill Holmes, Womack’s Chief of Staff, Beau Walker, and Barry Jackson look on.