Pub. 2 2013 Issue 2

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 2013 BLOK CLASS BANK LEADERS OF KANSAS T HE 2013 BLOK CLASS CONVENED FOR THEIR FIRST session at the KBA offices on Tuesday, February 12. Doug Wareham, KBA’s SVP-Government Relations, provided a program introduction and overview. They also engaged in some ice-breaker activities along with a session on KBA history and structure before receiving a book assignment. “This is the largest class to date for KBA’s Bank Leaders of Kansas program and we couldn’t be more pleased with the diversity and caliber of the 16 Kansas bankers that have made a commitment to become stronger advocates for the Kansas banking industry,” states Wareham. On day two, the class assembled at the Topeka Country Club for a session on the state legislative process prior to the start of the Harold A. Stones Public Affairs Conference and Legislative Reception. The group had the pleasure of joining the 2012 graduating Bank Leaders of Kansas Class along with over 100 other bankers for the Public Affairs Conference, which traveled to the Statehouse this year. Once the 16-member class returned to the Topeka Country Club they enjoyed a presentation and overview from Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt followed immediately by the legislative reception and more networking with elected officials. The third day started early with a panel discussion titled “Understanding the Role of the KBAVolunteer Leader” from former KBA President Jim Maag; Dale Bradley, former KBA board presi- dent; and LarryWilliams, former KBAboard president. Immediately following the panel discussion, the BLOK class joined the KBA Board of Directors for the first segment of their February meeting. With a short trip to the Office of the State Bank Commissioner the group got an inside look at the processes and work of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner prior to visiting the State Treasurer’s office. Wrapping up the first session with a visit to the Secretary of State’s office, Kris Kobach welcomed them personally. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach (center) welcomed members of the 2013 BLOK Class to his office in Topeka. Pictured with Kobach are (l to r) Brian Eilert, First National Bank, Beloit; Patrick Harbert, Equity Bank, Wichita and Miki Bowman, Farmers & Drovers Bank, Council Grove. Thank you to BLOK Sponsors Bankers’ Bank of Kansas FHLBank Topeka Kansas Bankers Surety Company KBA Insurance, Inc. Kennedy & Coe, LLC Professional Bank Consultants, LLC Promontory Interfinancial Network UMB Bank, NA