Emerging Leaders Update

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. 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. Focusing on Banking Issues in Washington

ELS PRESIDENT KEVIN THOMPSON Vice President - Lending Centennial Bank Fayetteville

ABA EMERGING LEADERS SECTION COUNCIL KEVIN THOMPSON | PRESIDENT Centennial Bank, Fayetteville BLAKE FLETCHER | VICE PRESIDENT Stone Bank, Little Rock

JOHN ANDERSON | SEC./TREAS. Relyance Bank, Pine Bluff

EDUARDO ABRIL | GROUP 4 First State Bank of DeQueen, DeQueen JOHN BOLLINGER | GROUP 3 The Bank of Fayetteville, Fayetteville JACOB BOX | GROUP 5 Simmons Bank, Dumas TYLER DAVIS | GROUP 4 Diamond Bank, Ashdown BRANDON GENTRY | GROUP 1 Cross County Bank, Wynne

ROBERT HARGIS | GROUP 5 Parkway Bank, Monticello BURT HICKS | GROUP 5 Simmons Bank, Pine Bluff ANDY HORTON | GROUP 1 Fidelity National Bank, Marion BLAKE JOHNSON | GROUP 1 Evolve Bank, Jonesboro MATT LAFORCE | GROUP 2 First Security Bank, Searcy

GREG MCCARROLL | GROUP 2 Centennial Bank, Little Rock HUNTER NORTON | GROUP 3 First Security Bank, Fayetteville GEORGE PURVIS | GROUP 3 Cornerstone Bank, Eureka Springs BEN RIDINGS | GROUP 2 Bank of the Oarks, Little Rock HUNTER WINDLE | GROUP 4 The Malvern National Bank, Malvern