Pub. 12 2024 Issue 4

Welcome to our final 2024 edition of the Community Banker. Another year is on its way out, and another Montana Legislative session is on its way in. Given that I am writing this column just a few days short of Halloween, it is appropriate to label that last fact as “spooky” for, as Gideon Tucker famously wrote, “No man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session.”

I believe in making an impact in almost everything I set out to do. I have a feeling that I am not alone in that personal goal when I am surrounded by community bankers and the folks that support us. All of us seem to share a lot of values and beliefs when it comes to how we take care of people and the way we interact with others. I have been focused on trying to make a positive difference for all Montana community banks since I joined the Montana Independent Bankers Board of Directors. Now, in my role as president, I want to do even more to help all of you and your banks. All of the board members are here to help make community banks stronger and more vibrant not only in Montana, but throughout the country.