As I reflect on my career at the KBA, I have to chuckle knowing that many who will be reading this weren’t even a glimmer in their parents’ eyes when I started working at the KBA in September 1988! My second week into this journey, I was introduced to the KBA’s fall conferences: a whirlwind tour of the state over two weeks. (Three towns in three days, twice!) I had no idea what to expect, as I had barely moved into my office, but I was pleasantly surprised when Harold Stones informed me that staff would each have their own motel room. Wow — I had arrived!
That was just the first of many adventures with Kansas bankers and my KBA family. We have fought many battles together along the way, from losing investment subsidiaries but gaining a privilege tax reduction, to attacking credit unions’ field of membership expansion and eliminating the mortgage registration tax. But every battle was well worth it because it made your lives as bankers better, which in turn made your communities better. It is a fact that every bank is systemically important to the communities it serves. I encourage you all to be ready for the challenges that lie ahead! Please continue to stay heavily involved in the KBA, as it is your association, and your team stands ready to fight for you every day!
I don’t have to tell Kansas bankers that the KBA is in great hands. The team that I will no longer have the privilege of working beside consists of highly productive, professional and loyal individuals. Great things lie ahead for the industry because of the hard work and dedication they put forth. And it starts at the top with the KBA President & CEO, Doug Wareham. I will always believe that the day I approached Doug in the Capitol and asked if he would consider leaving his current association to work for the KBA was one of the best dang days I have ever had! I am confident you all agree.
In addition to the successes on the battlefield, it is the friendships with bankers and their families that helped make my KBA journey so rewarding and enjoyable. You are what made my work not feel like work. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to fight for you and alongside you over the decades. I will forever be proud to say that I represented the Kansas banking industry for nearly 40 years. It’s been a career that this farm girl from Mahaska could never, ever have dreamed possible. Thank you and God bless!
Taylor-Made
A home-made garment, sewn with care,
definitely finds no match.
Not even ready-made can compare,
to the good old hand-made batch.
Like a seamstress who must be conscientious,
to put every stitch in place.
Mom and Dad also pulled and tugged,
to ease three girls into the human race.
My parents worked to make, three times,
a product that will not fade.
Pam, Di, and I are fortunate,
like a garment, we’ve been ‘Taylor-Made’.
And as with care this garment is formed,
so that it will endure.
“A stitch at a time” did save us nine,
and made our stepping sure.
A lot of pressing, pulling, and praying,
goes into that article that’s sewn.
Plenty of each is in us, too,
and has helped as we’ve grown.
Although here and there the garment is pieced,
or stretched to make ends meet.
Having a family, full of love,
made those times easy to beat.
Just like that well-made garment,
we were carefully patterned and shaped.
To fit the body of life,
and fill the holes that gaped.
To Mom and Dad – I can only say,
there is only one issue you can’t evade.
You’ve done the job of parenthood well!
Thanks from three who are ‘Taylor-made’.
By Kathy Taylor
