August 23, 2022

The Montana Independent Bankers Association is pleased to announce its participation with FedFis and other state community banking associations nationwide to offer MIB’s membership access to the “Bankers Helping Bankers” peer interaction platform.

Up with People, which readers of a certain age may remember, was an organization that had a run of popularity in the 1970s and ‘80s by promoting wholesome values and positive thinking. Its delivery channel was through song and dance performances, often in large arenas and stadiums. Up with People provided the halftime entertainment for five Super
Bowls between 1971 and 1986, though in recent decades, it has been relegated to the dustbin of a bygone era. Today’s attitudes toward pop culture, it seems, have little room for this squeaky-clean message; The Simpsons had several episodes featuring a snarky knockoff, “Hooray for Everything.”

As we kick off this year’s lending issue, I want to pause for a moment to reflect on just how much lending has changed. Remember not that long ago when a loan card was handwritten on a one-page form? You would just rip off the top sheet, fill out the terms and provide a description of the collateral. From
there, the loan assistant would key it in and produce loan documents. That was it. That was the process.

Connor Cassidy has been employed with Farmers State Bank since April of 2013. He has held numerous positions within the bank, starting as a part-time teller
and working his way up to his current position as a Vice President-Senior Compliance Officer overseeing the Bank’s compliance department. Connor has been an important part of the Farmers State Bank team since he started. Connor is very well-respected
among his co-workers and the community in which he lives and works. He is an avid long-distance runner and frequently helps with local school activities, as well as volunteering to help with local fundraisers and other events. Mr. Cassidy is a solid example of what community banking is all about. I have no doubt that he will continue to be a strong leader in both his community and at Farmers State Bank.

To recognize upcoming leaders in Montana’s banking community, MIB honors an exceptional young banker
each year. This award is based on the community banking values of good citizenship, community service, and sound banking skills. This award recognizes the impact the candidate has on his or her business each day and the difference he or she makes by investing in their community. Eligible candidates are under 35 years of age and work for a MIB member bank. The winner receives free convention registration and three nights of lodging at the 2022 MIB Annual Convention, $100 in travel expenses, an honor plaque to display in his or her office, and a prominent mention in the MIB magazine and website.

As a community banker, you’re either going through a crisis or you’re preparing for one. Back in the late ’90s
and early 2000s, our bank faced a significant challenge around loan quality. It stemmed from two major factors: getting too lax in our underwriting and making too many
concessions to build business.

Welcome to the post-annual MIB
convention edition of our magazine. Many of the attendees said the 2022 convention was the best yet. The Whitefish Lake Lodge was a great and beautiful venue for the annual conference, and attendance almost reached an all-time high.

As the newly elected President of MIB, I want to focus my first communication on introducing myself, talking a little bit about my background, and then discussing what I would like to see the newest MIB officers, directors, and
members spend time focusing on in
the next couple of years.