Pub. 2 2013 Issue 2

February/March 2013 7 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 much is given, much is expected.” People in leadership are expected to make decisions that make a difference and the Governor appears to be aware of his responsibility. Following the forumin theHouse chamber, KBAmember bankerswere recognized in the Senate Gallery by Senate President Wagle following the vote of multiple bills including two driven by the KBA government relations team. Subsequent tomeetings with individual State Legislators, the groupmet with Jeff Russell, Director of Legislative Services andBarry Greis, StatehouseArchitect to learn about the renovation project nearing completion and the new visitor’s center that is still under construction. The traditional cocktail reception at The Topeka Country Club concluded the evening with a well-attended venue. KBA Chairman Frank Carson served as the Master of Ceremonies for the 2013 Harold A. Stones Public Affairs Conference attended by more than 125 bankers from across Kansas. House Speaker Ray Merrick (R-Stillwater) welcomes KBA to the Kansas Statehouse and shares his goal of wrapping up legislative work this year in 80 days or less. KBA’s SVP-Government Relations Doug Wareham highlights the restored mu- rals in the House chambers that were restored as part of a 10+ year overhaul of the Kansas statehouse. Senate President Susan Wagle (R-Wichita), the first woman in Kansas history elected to the President’s post, outlines the many challenges facing state lawmakers in Topeka. Kansas Governor Sam Brownback describes what he believes is needed to balance the state budget while positioning Kansas to be the best place in the nation to start and/or grow business. Displaying their graduation awards are members of the 2012 BLOK Class. Kyle Russell, (right) President of Versus Bank at Derby discusses banking issues with State Representative Pete DeGraaf (R-Mulvane) who serves as Chairman of the House Financial Institutions Committee. KBA Past Chairman John Lehman, First National Bank of Girard welcomes State Representative Julie Menghini (D-Pittsburg) to KBA’s legislative reception held at Topeka Country Club. Bob Wiley, (right) President of Bank of the Prairie pauses for a photograph with State Senator Rob Olson (R-Olathe). Olson serves on the Board of Directors for Bank of the Prairie and is also Chairman of the Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. ABA’s Chief Economist Jim Chessen provides an update on the slow economic recovery and financial challenges facing members of Congress. Todd English, Western State Bank at Dodge City (right) discusses KBA’s state legislative agenda with State Senator Garrett Love (R-Montezuma) during KBA’s legislative reception.