A long-standing biannual tradition, the Montana Independent Bankers joined with the Montana Bankers Association to host the Montana Banker’s Days at the Capitol held January 10 – 11 in Helena. The event brought together bankers from all across the Treasure State to discuss federal and state policy matters impacting Montana’s community banking industry.
Attendees heard from Melanie Hall, Commissioner of the Division of Banking, as to the Division’s 2023 Montana legislative session priorities. Commissioner Hall covered the Division’s bill to modernize the Montana Bank Act as well as the Division’s request for additional employees — namely in the area of cybersecurity.
Further, attendees heard from Matt Regier, Speaker of the Montana House of Representatives, and Jason Ellsworth, president of the Montana Senate. Speaker Regier and President Ellsworth both touched on the legislature’s desire to lower taxes, provide sufficient funding for infrastructure projects, and pass a balanced budget.
The two-day event was capped off with the joint MIB/MBA legislative dinner, widely attended by bankers and legislators alike. Montana’s Lt. Governor, Kristen Juras, provided the keynote speech which spoke to Governor Gianforte’s red tape reform initiative, a key piece to the repeal and dissolution of the Montana State Bank Board.
The event closed with MIB hosting a training course for bank directors, taught by Angie Murdo of Pinion.
The joint MIB/MBA banker’s day at the capitol event is held every two years in January — the same years in which the Montana Legislature meets. MIB encourages its members to attend when the event is held again in Helena in January 2025.
