Pub. 3 2015 Issue 4

11 Winter 2015 The Community Banker Document (IRD) – ultimately became one of the major ele- ments supporting the national “Check 21” federal legislation passed in 2003, which legalized replacement documents for paper checks in the national payments system. Technology continued to im- pact significant developments in check payments. By the early 2000s, electronification of check processing nationally had drastically reduced paper check volume across the System, lead- ing to a gradual consolidation of check processing services within the Federal Reserve. By 2007, 44 Federal Reserve offic- es, including the Helena Branch, had closed their check process- ing operations, leaving just one office engaged in this operation for the entire System. The Branch continues to provide valued services. Branch Cash Services processes approx- imately one million pieces of currency each day on its high speed processing machines, and sends out and receives on average $10 million a day. Com- munity outreach has become an increasingly important role of the Branch, with dozens of tours, educational events and outreach meetings conduct- ed annually across the state including, among other things, hosting the annual High School Economic Challenge in partner- ship with the Montana Council on Economic Education and other partners, and providing leadership on the Montana Financial Education Coalition. Additionally, the Branch hosts a team of staff who supervise financial institutions in Montana and other areas of the Ninth District to ensure the safety and soundness of the District’s banking industry. The Helena Branch has played a vital role within the financial industry in Montana for nearly a century. Its ability to adapt has enabled it to respond to the needs of its changing market, and to move into the future effectively and efficiently. These characteristics suggest a con- tinuing opportunity for success and contribution as we look ahead. Captivate ■ Inspire ■ Guide ■ Empower. . . We Can Relate. Accounting ■ Board of Directors Training Regulatory Compliance ■ Retirement Plans Risk Management ■ Succession Planning Tax ■ Technology Consulting www. azworld .com Billings ■ Bozeman ■ Butte ■ Great Falls ■ Helena ■ Missoula