Speaker & Hotel Recommendations - Iowa Bankers Association

The IBA education department has compiled a number of resources for bankers. Contact Darcy Burnett for more information regarding speakers or additional resources.

Midwest Area Speakers

The IBA would recommend a number of speakers located in the Midwest for your next event. These speakers have fees that range from $1,500-$4,000.

Brenda Clark-Hamilton
Brenda is a fun, dynamic keynote speaker and workplace trainer who provides fresh perspectives in leadership, communication skills, customer service, creating a positive work environment, and offering one’s best self to life, relationships, and career. A skilled and respected educator, Brenda’s career experiences include coordinating professional development for 1200 teachers, serving on the Iowa Department of Education’s Professional Development Stakeholders Group, and managing multiple projects as Professional Development Consultant for an Iowa education agency.
Travels from Algona, IA

Kent Stock
A teacher, coach, middle school principal, banker, author and powerful speaker, Kent Stock is also the man who coached the Norway baseball team during their now-famous final season. As depicted in the 2007 film, The Final Season, the nationally recognized Norway baseball team came together under then first-year head baseball coach Stock to defy the odds and win Norway’s 20th state title in what would become the team’s final season before merging with a bigger, neighboring school district.
Travels from Marion, IA

Terry Rich
Terry Rich is the President and CEO of the Iowa Lottery. Prior to that, he was CEO of the Blank Park Zoo; President and CEO of Rich Heritage Inc., a national marketing and television production company which produced shows for HBO, ESPN and Comcast, among others; and Vice President of Marketing for Heritage Communications Inc.
Travels from Des Moines, IA

Laurie Guest
Laurie Guest, CSP is a highly sought after humorous speaker who meeting planners call upon to deliver top notch content filled programs with a good dose of motivational laughter. She is well known for her imaginative ideas and entertaining style. This Chicago area native motivates and invigorates audiences in the Midwest and beyond with lively, empowering messages.
Travels from DeKalb, IL

Kevin Kush
Kevin Kush, M.A., has been a teacher and coach for more than twenty-five years and is widely recognized as an outstanding motivational speaker. In 2005, he was honored as ABC News “Person of the Week” for leading his Boys Town High School football team of at-risk youth to an undefeated regular season. Coach Kush presents to many different types of organizations including medical, educational, and corporate agencies. Kevin is the author of three books. Coach Kush’s knowledge and keys to motivation are delivered with captivating energy, passion, and spirit!
Travels from LaVista, NE

Juli Burney
An award winning teacher, entertainer and author, Juli makes an amazing connection with her audiences. She is able to entertain with the ability of a headlining comedian while either motivating or instructing with the ease of a topnotch motivational speaker. Juli has been recognized by her state as Artist of the Year, because of her ability to help improve people’s lives through humor and effective use of communication tools. She has worked in all 48 continental United States and Canada, and has been commissioned by a variety of associations from the National Endowment of the Arts to Fortune 500 companies to develop training programs that stick. She has filmed for Showtime and HBO, along with making several guest appearances on radio and television programs. Her humor is delightful, universal, and enlightening with whatever topic she presents.
Travels from Lincoln, NE

Rob Bell
Rob Bell began teaching his Customer Service and Communication Techniques early in his tenure as Personnel Development/Education & Training Director for Dick’s Supermarkets, Inc. Drawing on 25 years of experience in Leadership Roles, Customer Service, and Training, Rob makes it simple, clear and FUN to improve Customer Service and gain Leadership Skills.
Travels from Lancaster, WI

Chip Lutz
A Retired Naval Officer, Chip has had two command tours and also served as the Director of Security for Naval District Washington, DC during September 11th – where he was responsible for the safety and security of 25,000 people on 9 different Naval Installations in the National Capital Region during one of our nation’s most trying times. Through it all, he was able to stay focused and maintain his sense of humor. That is something he prides himself on – keeping it “light” while getting the job done.
Travels from Sturtevant, WI

Mary Kelly
With over twenty years of leadership experience and a diverse background in the U.S. and abroad, Dr. Kelly provides a wealth of offerings in her portfolio. She has extensive experience in the areas of Leadership, Productivity, Business Growth, Human Resources, Organizational Management, and Economic Development. Mary has a track record for success as an organizational change agent.
Travels from Denver, CO

Mitch Holthus
Mitch Holthus has been the “Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs” since 1994. He is the longest tenured play-by-play “voice” in franchise history. In addition to his play-by-play duties, Holthus also hosts the “Minute With Mitch” television series that is seen and heard in five states. Holthus also hosts the “Chiefs Insider” television show. Following the NFL season, Holthus is a television play-by-play talent for selected college basketball games.
Travels from Basehor, KS

Candy Whirley
From the Hawaiian Islands to London, England, Candy Whirley is famous for her high energy enthusiasm, innovative training activities, and contagious sense of humor. She is a dynamic speaker dedicated to sharing over 20 years of her expertise to help professionals improve their job performance and achieve their personal goals. Candy is most known for her interactive keynotes and breakout sessions, whether the request is team building, relationships or leadership skills, her clients know the audiences will be interactive, energized and entertained!
Travels from Kansas City, MO

Kay Frances
Humorist, Stress Management Specialist and Author Kay Frances has shared her message to “lighten up, stress less and take care of ourselves” in 38 states and Canada for over 25 years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, a degree in Physical Education and a 4th degree black belt in karate. She was also a family caregiver for 7 years. Kay believes that people who manage their stress are happier, healthier and more productive.
Travels from Wilmington, OH

Kit Welchlin
A born public speaker and trainer, Kit Welchlin began public speaking at the age of 9 in 4-H. By 16, he was organizing and facilitating presentations on leadership, citizenship, community service and motivation for the 4-H and Future Farmers of America. Kit has personally delivered over 600 presentations on communication to associations as well as public and private organizations, helping employees to increase productivity, customer service, and engage with emotional intelligence.
Travels from Edina, MN

VJ Smith
V.J. has been a professional speaker for almost two decades. He has spoken to audiences throughout the United States and Canada. V.J. is also a published author. Drawing on teachable moments encountered while working at a Fortune 100 company and a mid-size university, he peppers his speeches with anecdotes and stories to keep audiences fully engaged and motivated. He is genuine, sincere and relates to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Travels from South Dakota

Bill Withers
Bill Withers is a professor at Wartburg College, teaching in the area of Organizational & Public Relations, as well as serving as a leadership fellow in the college’s Institute for Leadership Education. He speaks in the areas of public relations, quality customer service, organizational change, and leadership. His signature presentations are “The Relationship Era” on customer service, “Our Permanent Work World” about dealing with organizational change and “The Servant Leader” about how that philosophy can impact an organization.
Travels from Waverly, IA

Economists

IBA can provide recommendations for an economist if you are looking for a speaker for a community event or an update for your bank.

The Federal Reserve, the Federal Home Loan Bank and correspondent banks can provide economic updates. Your trust department may also work with an investment firm who has an economist on staff. This is often a great resource.

Chicago Federal Reserve

Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines

Dr. Ernie Goss
Creighton University, Omaha, NE

Dr. Sean Snaith
University of Central Florida – Institute for Economic Competitiveness

Dr. Edmond Siefried
Siefried & Brew

Mary Kelly
contact Midwest Speakers Bureau to book

Marci Rossell
contact Midwest Speakers Bureau to book

Productivity/Time Management

Randy Dean
Randall Dean, MBA, is the author of the recent Amazon.com #1 e-mail Bestseller, Taming the E-mail Beast, as well as the producer and creator of several highly-rated video-based self-study courses. He has nearly 30 years of experience using and teaching an advanced time management personal organization system. Randy offers a wide variety of online learning videos, webinars, and more.