Pub 1 2012 Issue 1

I have such fond memories of going through the chairs at the KBA. Of the several initiatives we wanted to pursue was trying to re-emphasize the importance of visiting each bank in the great state of Kansas. At the start of my term in 2002, I believe that num - ber was 369. After visiting only four to five banks our first day out in the standard issue KBA Buick driven by my mentor, Jim Maag, he agreed to taking the standard issue Suburban from the bank fleet and he could map while I drove. That morning, we launched like a rocket ship and put in about 300 miles, both paved and unpaved and reached a dozen banks. He saw numbers on the speedometer of the Suburban he didn’t know existed. Fortunately for me, our trip was not interrupted by any of our state’s fine officers in uniform. When we finally reached Salina, before our evening meeting and dinner with several area bankers, James very calmly turned to me and said, “Meader, at this pace we’ll both be on blood pressure medicine before it’s through.” Af- ter a chuckle and an agreed upon compromise, we set off on a multi- ple day excursion that allowed me to meet some of the finest people I have ever or will ever know. The privilege to serve the KBA is an experience that no one should ever pass up if given the opportu- nity. I hope in some small measure I left it the better, as I know I’m the better for the experience. During my term, we moved into the only building the KBA has ever owned. Previously the KBA had always leased space, and the Board felt it was time we controlled our own facilities. At the dedication we had more past Presidents together than ever before. That dedication was a high- light of my termbecause on Sep- tember 11, 2001 the Twin Towers went down and our banking lives changed forever. The first responders and our military have been at the forefront of our minds since that day. I was extremely proud of the Kansas bankers and how they stepped up to do what was right during a time of turmoil in our fi - nancial system. Customers were served and communities were enhanced through the efforts of Kansas bankers during uncer- tain times. It is what we have come to expect from Kansas bankers. The KBA staff provided tremendous help and resources to see that bankers inKansas had the tools they needed tomeet the new demands put on banks. As a young banker in western Kansas in the ‘70s, my annual highlight was the KBA regional meetings. Harold’s knowledge, energy and enthusiasm were con- tagious. His comments always left me inspired to become a better banker. Harold was very instru- mental in my involvement with the KBA and the ABA. Later, Jim encouraged me to become more active with the KBA, including committees and eventually as an officer. He was also the person that encouraged me and provided the opportunity to become active with the ABA as a director and officer. Jim always treated each banker as his equal, and as equal to every other banker. Chuck’s knowledge of the leg- islative process in Kansas and in Washington has been invaluable to the KBA. Chuck has successfully lead the KBA and our industry through our recent challenging times, while retaining a strong commitment by our membership. I have directly observed the excellent reputation that the KBA enjoys with our state and fed- eral legislators, with the ABA, and among our peer state asso- ciations. Because of Harold, Jim, and Chuck, and the many, many banker volunteers, the KBA is known to be an association with high standards, and one of the most admired state associations in the country. Happy 125th Birthday to the KBA . Michael L. Gibson First Security Bank, Paola KBA Chairman 2001- 02 Craig Meader First National Bank of Kansas, Waverly KBA Chairman 2002- 03 Earl McVicker Central Bank & Trust, Hutchinson KBA Chairman 2000- 01