This letter is my first as the newly elected President of MIBA. It is an honor to serve you and all community banks in Missouri. Following Jack Hopkins as President is daunting, and I will continually strive to meet the expectations he set through his example.
After September’s very enlightening and informative convention, I’d like to take the opportunity to highlight two critical topics: Elections and Bank Advocacy.
Elections
Elections are a fundamental part of our democracy. To be heard, participation in our democracy is necessary. As Thomas Jefferson said, “We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” I often speak with people who bitterly complain about the government, but when asked if they voted, they answer no. The government and its ever-changing policies are constantly targeting community banks. The only shot is to have the right players representing us. If we do not vote, then we certainly will not have representation. We must educate ourselves on the issues and candidates’ beliefs regarding community banks and small businesses. Their agendas are often surprising. The elections next month will go a long way in deciding the future of banking. We must turn up at the polls and vote.
Advocacy
Beyond voting, we must make our voices heard. I know many people who are frustrated with what they see as a corrupt system not worth the effort to fight. This view could not be further from the truth — our voices matter. They are listening in the Halls of Congress and the offices in Jefferson City. They are listening to those who make the most noise. As the saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Credit unions, consumer groups, and other organizations are making a lot of noise. We need bank advocates who are willing to step up. I challenge all community banks in Missouri to find at least one person in their institution to be an advocate. Have them reach out to the MIBA offices and ask what they can do.
Beyond visiting Jefferson City and Washington, letters, phone calls, and meetings are beneficial. Have your bank advocates utilize the tools provided by MIBA and ICBA. If they need any guidance, feel free to have them reach out to me as well. I draft many letters, use social media (Twitter is an excellent resource for staying informed of what is going on in Congress), and constantly touch base with staffers. There are many tools we can use. Just remember, to be heard, we must make enough noise!
Connect with Tyler at @tmbender
