President’s Message From the president
Megan Olson, President & CEO of ICBSD
Finding Focus in 2021 Whether flipping through television, reading the paper or scrolling through social media
“Through our email communications and updates, complementary conference calls on breaking industry information, networking and ongoing webinars, we are always on the lookout for ways in which we can help you navigate the challenges of today’s landscape.”
getting caught up in global and national events is easy to do. A considerable amount of time can be spent worrying about circumstances that are far beyond our control, and yet we become consumed by stress, anxiety and emotions. Combined, all of this can have a negative impact on our physical and mental well-being including: loss of focus, productivity, personal growth and even opportunities. As we close out the first quarter of 2021, we are still tussling with the same challenges 2020 presented with little certainty of what will happen next. Rather than getting caught up in this “noise,” I am reminded our precious time and energy is best spent concentrating on our center of focus so we can continue to grow personally and professionally. As the President and CEO of the Independent Bankers of South Dakota my center of focus for 2021 will remain executing the mission of the association and our commitment to community banking which is to “provide exclusive advocacy, education and resources for our family of South Dakota independent community banks.” With a new administration in Washington D.C., and new legislators in Pierre, I remain committed to leading the fight for level playing fields, advocating for regulatory flexibility within the PPP, and promoting the many advantages of banking locally. My colleague John McNair recently made a statement which resonated with me, and I’d like to share it with you all. He said, “Throughout history you will find good leaders, bad leaders, civil challenges, pandemics, economic crises, and sometimes international conflicts. At the center of it all is the individual. I believe it is important during times of strife to identify those values and belief systems that make up our individual center and focus precious time on enhancing those values which you identify.” For all of you reading this, as community bankers, your center of focus is your unwavering commitment to serving your communities. Whether by assisting a customer through the Paycheck Protection Program after business hours, or allocating your personal time to volunteer at a local non-profit organization, your center of focus has been guiding you all along. As you continue to carry out your center of focus, please be reminded the ICBSD will be by your side every step of the way. Through our email communications and updates, complementary conference calls on breaking industry information, networking and ongoing webinars, we are always on the lookout for ways in which we can help you navigate the challenges of today’s landscape.
megan@icbsd.com
In closing, despite the stress of today’s landscape, I hope you can find strength and stability in your service to your communities. Thank you for all that you do!
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