Welcome to our Fall 2023 edition of the Community Banker. This has been one of the most beautiful stretches of fall weather I can recall. There is no substitute for living in Montana at any time of year, but particularly in the late summer and fall.
The obvious being stated, I write this article on the heels of hosting both the MIB Cats and Grizzly tailgate parties. The Griz tailgate was held on a bluebird Montana day and was made even better by the Grizzlies defeating Ferris State in a tight game. The Cats also overwhelmed their opponent, Cal Poly. The Cats look poised to return to the national championship game.
The Griz and Cat tailgate parties are two of MIB’s most appreciated member benefits. The events are getting more popular with each year that passes. Over 60 bankers and their family members attended this year’s Missoula event, which is a record number. The tailgates provide an excellent opportunity for Montana’s banking community to socialize at a non-banking-focused forum. So, thank you to all those who attended, and we hope to see you at one of next year’s games. See if you can spot yourself in one of the tailgate photos by clicking here or going to page 28-29 in our digital flipbook.
Speaking of member benefits, the Association rolled out an exciting new member benefit in September. The program is explained in more detail in Tim Schreiber’s message on page 6. But, in sum, MIB is running a digital marketing campaign that seeks to (1) inform consumers of the benefits of banking at a Montana community bank and (2) drive new and potential customers to our member banks. You can learn more about the program by going to the MIB webpage and clicking on the “Find a Community Bank” link under the “About” tab. The program kicked off on September 15, and since its inception, traffic to the MIB webpage, and particularly to the “Find a Community Bank” function, has exploded. We trust that this new member benefit will be of high value to you and your institution.
Speaking of Association events, the Association reminds you that the dates for next year’s annual state convention are July 17-19, 2024. The state convention will be held in Missoula next year at the Hilton Garden Inn. MIB has not hosted our annual convention in Missoula since 2018. We are excited to be returning to the “Garden City” where MIB experienced its highest-attended convention ever.
MIB makes it our goal for every member and associate member who attends our convention to have the best experience possible. Attending the MIB convention not only affords the opportunity for our attendees to gain new and insightful industry knowledge, but it also affords the unparalleled opportunity to network and socialize with your colleagues in the Montana community banking industry.
Attending our popular convention also provides an opportunity for you to obtain a “takeaway.” That is, the convention programs and events are designed so that you “take away” some information or knowledge that you can use in your career or personal life. This past convention, our featured speakers included Chairman of ICBA Derek Williams and Commissioner of Banking Melanie Hall.
If your bank had someone attend this year’s state convention at Big Sky, please take a few moments to ask them about what they took away from the state convention and ask them how they will apply that knowledge learned to help your customers, employees and bank board members. The Association will be providing more details on the 2024 convention speakers, activities and education programs in the coming months. So, be on the lookout for our 2024 convention announcements and keep in mind the “takeaways” you will garner by attending next year’s MIB convention.
Starting in late December, you will find in your mailbox the MIB’s membership renewal notices. MIB understands that things are tight financially for Montana’s community banks, particularly given the burden placed on your institutions by excessive federal regulation. That is why the Association does its best to ensure that our members receive the maximum value for their dues dollars while also providing extensive support in the regulatory areas that matter. When you receive your renewal notice, we hope our efforts over the last six years to tighten the Association’s belt while expanding member services and programs will be foremost in your mind.
As always, we encourage you to let us know if you have any questions. Further, if there is anything the Association, its Board, its officers or its staff can assist you with, or if there are additional member benefits MIB can add that would be of service to your business, please let us know. The Association’s goal is to help ensure that you have the resources to compete and thrive in today’s challenging business environment.
Thank you for your support of the MIB. And thank you for the service you provide to Montana’s local communities. You and your bank are valued. Have a great holiday season. We look forward to seeing you in the new year.
Jim Brown, MIB Executive Director
