EMERGING LEADERS UPDATE Focusing on Banking Issues in Washington
You mean there is more going on in Washington, D.C., than just banking issues? Most definitely — but our ABA sure tries to elevate those banking items and create the needed attention. Each fall, the ABA hosts its Annual Washington Visit, with a full agenda of meetings with regulators and legislators to discuss current banking topics and what’s on the horizon. On the first morning, the stage is set with an American Bankers Association briefing, discussing current legislation on the Hill and providing the group with the needed information to present our concerns accordingly. During the trip, we had the opportunity to visit with Senator Tom Cotton, Senator John Boozman, Representative Rick Crawford, Representative Steve Womack, Representative Bruce Westerman and Representative French Hill. We are fortunate in Arkansas that our legislators see the benefit of community banks, and are all strong advocates for the banking industry. One of the highlights of this year’s trip was the opportunity to visit President Lincoln’s Cottage for a guided tour of the home where he stayed during the summer months, and where the Emancipation Proclamation was drafted. After the tour, we had dinner on the cottage lawn and visited with statewide colleagues, Arkansas
State Bank Commissioner Candace Franks, and legislative staff members. As a young banker, it is an honor to be involved in shaping issues that affect the banking industry. We meet face to face with regulators and have candid conversations about how the rules and regulations they are writing affect us as community bankers, and the people of our state. We need to remember the “staffers,” as many of them are listening to us and of similar age, so they can relate to us and carry our message.
ELS PRESIDENT KEVIN THOMPSON
Vice President - Lending Centennial Bank Fayetteville
I can’t thank the ABA and their staff enough for their hard work, and allowing the Emerging Leaders Section to be a part of the Annual Washington Visit, and the scholarships they provide for ELS members to attend. This was my second time to attend the Annual Washington Visit, and I have to admit the first trip was a little overwhelming and fast paced. I would recommend all ELS members take the trip at least once, in order to get an understanding of the legislative process and become acquainted with the legislators. They truly do want to hear about our banking experiences, so we need to inform them to allow them to make better decisions that will affect their constituents (our customers) and ultimately our state economy.
ABA EMERGING LEADERS SECTION COUNCIL KEVIN THOMPSON | PRESIDENT Centennial Bank, Fayetteville
Stone Bank, Little Rock
BLAKE FLETCHER | VICE PRESIDENT
Relyance Bank, Pine Bluff
JOHN ANDERSON | SEC./TREAS.
EDUARDO ABRIL | GROUP 4 First State Bank of DeQueen, DeQueen
ROBERT HARGIS | GROUP 5 Parkway Bank, Monticello
GREG MCCARROLL | GROUP 2 Centennial Bank, Little Rock
JOHN BOLLINGER | GROUP 3 The Bank of Fayetteville, Fayetteville
BURT HICKS | GROUP 5 Simmons Bank, Pine Bluff
HUNTER NORTON | GROUP 3 First Security Bank, Fayetteville
JACOB BOX | GROUP 5 Simmons Bank, Dumas
ANDY HORTON | GROUP 1 Fidelity National Bank, Marion
GEORGE PURVIS | GROUP 3 Cornerstone Bank, Eureka Springs
TYLER DAVIS | GROUP 4 Diamond Bank, Ashdown
BLAKE JOHNSON | GROUP 1 Evolve Bank, Jonesboro
BEN RIDINGS | GROUP 2 Bank of the Oarks, Little Rock
BRANDON GENTRY | GROUP 1 Cross County Bank, Wynne
MATT LAFORCE | GROUP 2 First Security Bank, Searcy
HUNTER WINDLE | GROUP 4 The Malvern National Bank, Malvern
WHAT IS THE EMERGING LEADERS SECTION? The Emerging Leaders Section (ELS) was organized by the Arkansas Bankers Association Board of Directors to provide information concerning educational opportunities available for its members. The ELS was established to provide leadership training for young bankers, to enhance banking careers, offer its members the opportunity to learn, network, and be productive members of the banking profession. 6
The Arkansas Banker | October 2015 2015
