Hello, my friends,
Every once in a while, we get the opportunity to step outside of our normal routine and be part of something that gives us a different perspective. Something that challenges us just a little, connects us with great people and reminds us why we do what we do. Those kinds of experiences do not happen by accident. They happen when we choose to show up.
As I have been thinking about this upcoming year and my final convention as president of the MIB, I keep coming back to that idea. This role, this organization and the relationships I have built through it have been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life. It has been an adventure in the best sense of the word — one that has pushed me, taught me and connected me with an incredible group of people across our state.
That is exactly what the 2026 Montana Independent Bankers Convention in Butte represents. I want to strongly encourage every one of you to attend. Whether you are a seasoned executive, a newer employee, a director or one of our valued associate members, this convention is built for you. There is something to gain for everyone, regardless of your role or how long you have been in community banking.
The convention gives us the opportunity to come together as Montana community bankers and partners who all share a common purpose. It is where we learn from each other, challenge ourselves to think differently and strengthen the relationships that make our banks and our communities better.
Butte is a perfect place for that. It is a city with deep roots, strong character and a history built on hard work and connection. There is a lot to experience, whether that is taking in the historic charm of the city, exploring the area or simply enjoying time with friends and colleagues in a unique setting.
As always, we will have a great lineup of educational sessions and speakers covering topics that matter to all of us. These sessions are designed to provide real value that you can take back to your bank and put into practice. At the same time, the time spent outside of those sessions is just as important. The conversations over meals, between meetings and during events are often where some of the best ideas and strongest relationships are formed.
There will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy your time in Butte. For those who enjoy getting out on the course, golf will be available. For those who want to explore, Butte offers a unique look into Montana’s history and character. And, of course, we will have the great meals, social events and time together that make this convention something people look forward to every year.
Michelle and I are also excited to bring back the shotgun shooting event as an additional option this year. In past years, when rafting was not part of the convention, it has been a great way to give people another opportunity to get outside and try something different. For those of you who have never shot a shotgun before, do not let that stop you. We are more than happy to teach you the basics and help you feel comfortable. For those with some experience, we are glad to help you improve, and for our seasoned shooters, we will have a traditional trap competition ready to go. More than anything, it is just another way to spend time together, have some fun and build connections that carry well beyond the convention itself.
This year’s convention will also mark a transition for the MIB. My term as president will come to an end, and we will welcome Amber Brown as the next president of the Montana Independent Bankers. Amber serves as president and CEO of People’s Bank of Deer Lodge, and she has been an engaged and thoughtful leader within the MIB. I have had the opportunity to work alongside her and see firsthand her commitment to community banking and to this organization. I am confident she will do a fantastic job leading the MIB over the next two years, and I look forward to supporting her as she steps into that role.
Serving as president of the MIB has been an incredible experience for me. I have had the opportunity to work with so many great people across our member banks and associate members. I have learned from all of you, and I have a deep appreciation for the work you do every day to serve your customers and your communities. What makes this organization special is not any one person or event. It is the people who show up, participate and invest in each other. It is easy to stay focused on the day-to-day responsibilities at your own bank. We all have plenty to do. But taking the time to step away, connect with others and gain a different perspective is one of the best investments you can make. Not just for yourself, but for your team and your bank as well.
As we head into this convention, I would encourage each of you to make the decision to show up. Bring a colleague. Invite someone who has never attended before. Take part in the sessions, the events and the conversations. You will get out of it what you put into it, and I can say from experience that it is well worth it. Some of the best experiences in life come from stepping into something new and trusting the process, even when you are not exactly sure what it will look like on the other side. When you do, you often come away with a better perspective, stronger relationships and a greater appreciation for the people around you.
Thank you all for the opportunity to serve as your president. It has been an honor and an experience I will always treasure. I look forward to seeing many of you in Butte and continuing to be part of this great organization moving forward.
Flying ahead with my fellow community bankers,
Loren
