Management Conference Features Iowa Legislators

The Iowa Bankers Association hosted the 2008 Bank Management Conference Feb. 6-7 at Embassy Suites in Des Moines. Despite snowy weather conditions, more than 160 bankers from across the state participated in educational sessions and discussed a variety of bank management topics, including key state and federal banking legislation.

At the Legislative Luncheon on Feb. 6, conference attendees had the opportunity to hear from a panel of Iowa’s state legislative leaders consisting of Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal (D-Council Bluffs), Senate Minority Leader Ron Wieck (R-Sioux City), House Speaker Pat Murphy (D-Dubuque) and House Minority Leader Christopher Rants (R-Sioux City).

The panel debated a variety of banking, tax and economic development issues during the hour-long discussion moderated by the IBA’s senior vice president and lobbyist Sharon Presnall. Sen. Gronstal concluded the discussion by commending Iowa bankers.

“We’re probably looking at the single biggest economic development group in the state of Iowa,” Sen. Gronstal said. “We want to thank you for your investment, not just of your money but of your time and effort invested in your communities.”

Presnall and IBA legal counsel Bob Hartwig also provided a legislative update on current issues being closely monitored by the IBA. IBA Chair-elect Tom Stanberry gave an update on the BUILD campaign, which raised $164,200 in 2007. On behalf of the IBA Executive Committee, Stanberry thanked conference attendees for their participation in the BUILD campaign and said he is excited to keep the momentum going in 2008. The goal this year is to raise $170,000 for state and federal campaigns.

Conference attendees had the opportunity to connect with Iowa legislators at a reception on February 6. Pictured (from left) are Matthew Morris, president and CEO of Fort Madison Bank & Trust in Fort Madison, State Rep. Tom Sands (R-Columbus Junction) and IBA Board member Steve Olson, president and CEO of West Chester Savings Bank in Washington.

Claypool Announces Candidacy for IBA Chair

Current IBA Treasurer Roger E. Claypool has announced his candidacy for the IBA Chairmanship. Claypool is president, CEO and chairman of Shelby County State Bank in Harlan and began his term as IBA Treasurer in Sept. 2007. He is a past board member of the IBA and Iowa Bankers Insurance Services and has served as secretary and chairman of the IBA’s Group 5. Details about the upcoming election will be provided in future issues of Exchange.