Pub. 1 2012 Issue 7

8 l e a d i n g a d v o c a t e f o r t h e b a n k i n g i n d u s t r y i n k a n s a s B RYCE PORTER WAS GEARED UP WHEN HE KICKED off the 2012 YBOK Fall Conference at the Prairie Band Resort in Mayetta, Kansas on September 6th. He introduced the current board members and enthusiastically reported that YBOK is over 220 members strong and growing. Relevant educational content as well as unsurpassed networking opportunities keep young bankers coming back for more. Technology and leadership was the theme that speakers presented through the day. Eric Cook was first up and presented a strong case for the momentum of social networking including the evolution and penetration it has in every industry in his talk titled “The Wonderful World of Social Networking.” Eighty-five percent of financial service professionals under 50 are using social media such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Eric argues that it is a valuable tool because it is a free and far-reaching approach to getting the word out. The good news about Facebook is that opinions are linked to a name which helps to clean up content. It is an open, transparent and honest way to promote what you do. So many companies use key words to help bring their name up in a Google search for example. Eric pointed out that a social presence is the #1 way to bring your name to the top of a search because of the layering priorities in a search engine. He also gave pointers for quality content, as well as design tips to consider. Back by popular demand was the CEO panel discussion featuring Steve Handke, Union State Bank in Everest; Ron Johnson, Community National Bank in Seneca; and Mark Schifferdecker, Girard National Bank in Girard. There were many questions from the group regarding Basel III and other new regulatory requirements under consideration. The panel was very generous with their time and insight for how to figure capital needs, and more. In a talk titled “This Stuff Doesn’t Work,” Trent Fleming explained how technology can be such an amazing asset and allow us to manage many things in life such as security, entertainment and communication. He quickly demonstrated that many attempts at using new technology YBOK CONFERENCE FALL 2012 Eric Cook introduces the YBOK attendees to the “Wonderful World of Social Networking” The Bank CEO Panel consisting of Steve Handke (Union State Bank, Everest), Mark Schifferdecker (Girard National Bank, Girard) and Ron Johnson (Community National Bank, Seneca) led a very informative session. 2012 YBOK officers left to right: Jarrod Rowland, Vice President (Alden State Bank, Sterling), Bryce Porter, President (Citizens State Bank, Waterville), Frank Carson IV, Past President (Carson Bank, Derby) and Lucas Sawyer, Secretary/Treasurer (Farmers National Bank, Inman)