Congratulations Iowa Graduates of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado!
The Graduate School of Banking at Colorado (GSBC) is pleased to announce the graduation of eight Iowa bankers as part of the Class of 2007! The graduates include (pictured left to right, front to back): Dorothy Moulds (Farmers State Bank-Marion); Scott Brooke (Community Bank-Muscatine); Duane Frick (Dubuque Bank & Trust-Dubuque); LuAnn Bowman (Dubuque Bank & Trust-Dubuque); Keith Deitering (Bank Midwest-Okoboji); Kurt Jensen (First National Bank-Ames); Paul Fuller (Audubon State Bank-Audubon); and William Bowles (West Bank-West Des Moines). A total of 24 Iowa bankers attended the 57th Annual School Session this year, including 16 first and second year students. 150 total graduates from across the nation were recognized for their accomplishments in a ceremony on Thursday, July 26. Bowles, third year class representative, graduated with honors from the School and also addressed his classmates with an inspirational farewell speech at graduation.
GSBC is an intensive 23-month banking school targeting community bankers who are preparing to move into senior management positions. Each student has been recognized by their bank CEOs, presidents and supervisors as rising stars within the organization and this is a huge accomplishment! Over the course of the School, each student completes six intersession research projects, on-campus coursework two weeks each summer, exams, and a bank management simulation.
We are pleased this year that students were able to enjoy brand new state-of-the-art housing and classroom facilities. GSBC will hold the 58th Annual School Session July 13-25, 2008 on the beautiful University of Colorado campus in Boulder, Colorado. For any further information about the School, please visit www.gsbcolorado.com or call 800-272-5138.
A New Tool for Banks Who Sell Insurance
At the ABA Summer Meeting, ABA’s Ken Clayton gave a brief overview of the American Bankers Insurance Association (ABIA), a subsidiary of the ABA that assists banks engaged in the sale of insurance.
Clayton found that many banks are seeking practical “how to’s” on diversifying their fee income and making the insurance business work. Questions were raised about integrating their banking and insurance lines, measuring employee productivity, or identifying the best way to enter the insurance business or grow an existing one.
ABIA is the trade association for banks selling insurance. Its 280+ members include banks in the business as well as insurance companies, insurance product providers, third party marketers, consultants and other vendors that help make the business work.
ABIA offers a variety of services including:
• Access to the marketplace.
• Practical guidance
• Peer-to-Peer Exchange
•Compliance assistance
• Information
• GR Representation
To join the association, dues for a typical community bank are minimal, varying from $550 to $1250 depending on asset size. Take immediate advantage of the Best Practices Panels, Compliance Handbooks, and peer-to-peer exchange opportunities and plan now to attend the annual conference.
Contact Ken Clayton, Managing Director for the American Bankers Insurance Association for more information or to join the ABIA. Ken can be reached at kclayton@aba.com.
IBMC and Member Banks Weather Turmoil
According to most media accounts, it is absolutely amazing the speed at which the mortgage industry has appeared to unravel. What seemed like calculated and acceptable risks not that long ago have turned into insurmountable or show-stopping obstacles for some players in the industry. While these misfortunes have certainly caused some turmoil, it has also caused many to incorrectly lump lenders like Iowa Bankers Mortgage Corporation (and even the banks it represents) into being part of the problem, when in fact they may be the very solution, the calming waters sought during the storm.
Not accepting unnecessary risks, diversifying products and programs, and aligning with proven and reputable investors have allowed IBMC to buffer itself from the serious problems prevalent in the industry today. Much like the banking membership they serve, IBMC has preserved its image and stands ready to provide deserving members of Iowa communities’ access to affordable housing. In this capacity, IBMC helps banks fulfill their role as community and economic leaders, keenly needed in times of uncertainty.
As the industry struggles through this difficult time IBMC continues to offer its members reliable solutions to their real estate needs, whether residential, agricultural, or subprime. IBMC stands ready to serve the banks and their customers in a manner consistent with its long-standing tradition of excellent customer service.
IBA Announces Mid-Winter Management Conference
The 2008 Mid-Winter Management Conference will be held at the Stonebridge Inn located in Snowmass Village, Colorado. The conference runs January 20-22, 2008.
The event will not only feature dynamic speakers but will offer attendees the opportunity to experience a Colorado winter.
Starting off the agenda will be skier Chris Davenport of Aspen, Colorado, who is considered one of the world’s most accomplished big mountain skiers. In addition to his competitive prowess, Chris is a contributor to several ski publications, and has been featured in over a dozen feature ski films. Chris is also a TV reporter and color commentator for ESPN and ABC Sports.
Other speakers include Scott Anderson, senior economist for Wells Fargo Bank and Dominic Langteau, Midwest Regional Manager for Brintech.
Spouses and children are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact the IBA’s Molly Lydon at 800.532.1423 or email mlydon@iowabankers.com. Additional information is available on the IBA website, www.iowabankers.com, click on 2008 Mid Winter Conference. Come join your peers for educational meetings and the beautiful sites.
IBA Sponsors Iowa Venture Capital Conference
Again this year, the IBA is proud to be one of the few business sponsors of the 2007 Iowa Venture Capital and Entrepreneur Conference presented by the Iowa Department of Economic Development.
The conference will be October 10 at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines. This event is an excellent opportunity for networking and information gathering with a wide array of speakers and sessions, all sponsored by the Iowa Bankers Association.
The event will feature keynote speaker, Bruce Rastetter, CEO of Hawkeye Renewables and a luncheon keynote presentation by Roger Underwood, Chairman of the Board, Becker Underwood.
Exhibits will be on display featuring conference sponsors and Iowa’s up and coming businesses.
Presentations feature marketing strategies, developing a successful business plan, investment strategies and much more. Speakers have a wide range of experiences to help educate and grow small businesses and entrepreneurship around the state.
Awards for the Iowa Business Plan Competition will be presented and many of Iowa’s up and coming businesses will be featured.
Join us for the Iowa Venture Capital and Entrepreneur Conference on October 10! For additional information or to register, visit www.iowalifechanging.com/venture.
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