Pub. 3 2015 Issue 2

4 The Community Banker www.mibonline.org UPCOMINGMIB EVENTS President’s Address I am honored to lead the MIB as President for this coming year. Over 40 years ago, my grandfather and other likemind- ed community bankers saw the need and importance of an organization focused on grow- ing stronger community banks. While our industry has changed drastically since then, and will continue to change long after the next generation takes over, the need and the importance of our organization remains key to the success of our banks and our communities. Although sometimes frus- trating, the constant change that has become a part of our industry motivates me to find new and innovative ways to remain independent and suc- cessful without sacrificing the principles and community focus we have held for more than 40 years and now our third gener- ation. My experience will allow me to effectively lead the MIB as we confront new challenges by finding new and innovative solutions. As was the vision 40 years ago, a strong organization such as this will help community banks not only survive the chal- lenges ahead, but also prosper in the years to come! There is more change on the horizon for community banks as several of us heard while attending the 2015 ICBA Washington Policy Summit in April. Our state ICBA Delegation had productive meetings with Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines as well as with Congress- man Ryan Zinke. The banking focus of all three legislators is the passage of the CLEAR Act or a similar bill targeting regulatory relief for community banks. I am surprised and impressed by the level of access to elected offi - cials we are afforded as Montan- ans’ as well as their willingness to listen to our concerns and take action. With my grandfather and father both lifelong bankers, community banking is certain- ly in my blood. Although my official banking career didn’t begin until I was a teller and customer service representa- tive during college, my bank- ing education began just as I started my formal education in school: I would attend the board meetings with my father and grandfather before school! I must have thought they were a lot of fun as this was the only industry I ever considered for a career. After earning my MBA fromWillamette University in Salem OR, I went to work for the Federal Reserve Bank in Seattle, WA. This experience gave me an appreciation for the impor- tance of the banking system to the country’s economic success as well as an understanding of the system’s complexity that appeared so simple to its customers. My experience with the Federal Reserve Bank only strengthened my desire to re- turn to community banking and was the foundation for me to return to the family bank, First Security Bank of Helena, in 2005 as a vice president. Since then, I have held various positions at the Bank including head cashier, compliance officer, board director, and most recently Chief Financial Officer. When I’m not at the bank I enjoy traveling with my husband and daughter, skiing, and playing golf. I hope you all had the oppor- tunity to attend the MIB annual convention at Big Sky Resort in July. It always provides excel- lent opportunities to hear some great speakers and network with other bankers and vendors, while enjoying Montana sum- mer at its finest. Be sure to mark your calendars for the 2016 convention, set for July 21-23 in Kalispell! Amy Quarles, MIB President 2015-2016 The need and the importance of our organization remains key to the success of our banks and our communities. September 9, 2015 CBC Live Regulatory Seminar Holiday Inn, Bozeman, MT October 1-2, 2015 MIB Fall Board Meeting Flathead Lake Lodge Bigfork, MT