Legislative Preview Meetings Held Around the State

Over 15 days, bankers and legislators from across Iowa discussed current issues expected to be debated by the Legislature including the current mortgage environment, financial education, consumer  fraud, Iowa’s property tax system, transportation and Iowa’s business climate.  The IBA hosted nine IBA Legislative Preview Meetings held across the state between November 5 and November 20. The meetings are an annual opportunity for bankers and elected leaders to talk priorities before the legislature begins.  The 82nd Iowa General Assembly convenes January 14, 2008.
          
IBA Government Affairs has 13 legislative priorities. To be most effective, bankers must be informed on the issues and talk with their elected officials about industry priorities.  For a list and explanation of IBA legislative priorities go to www.iowabankers.com/pdf_files/govt_relations/leg_issues_preview_08.pdf. Or, contact Sharon Presnall at 800.532.1432.

Senator Dennis Black (D-Grinell), left, talks with Gary Kahn, president of First Newton National Bank in Newton (right) at the Legislative Preview meeting held November 5 in Johnston.

IBIS Receives Safety Group Dividend

By mid-December, more than 240 Iowa banks will receive a dividend of 27 cents for every premium dollar spent with IBIS in 2006 for the Mid America Financial Institution Safety Group.  Since the inception of the safety group in 1990, the average experience dividend returned to participating banks has been 13.40 percent, or about $.14 of every dollar of safety group premium.  Over the past five years the average return has been 20.5 percent.

Chubb Insurance Group vice president Rick Mauk presents IBIS president Merritt Krause with a check for $1.338 million.  The two are pictured with IBIS senior vice president Larry Gille (left) and Jarrett Wright (right) of Chubb Insurance.

The return to bankers in the program comes from low loss experience over the 2006 policy year. 

“More bankers should participate because it’s a win-win-win,” said Merritt Krause.  “IBIS offers better policy coverage, competitive pricing and an opportunity for an excellent experience dividend,” he added.

Bankers interested in learning more about the Mid America Financial Institution Safety Group should call Larry Gille at 800.532.1423.