Pub. 3 2014 Issue 2

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 8 T HE 2014 BANK LEADERS OF KANSAS (BLOK) class gathered for their first session in a modified format on February 23-24 in Topeka. The initial schedule met in conjunction with the 2014 Public Affairs Conference, earlier in the month. A record 13 inch snowfall brought things to a standstill, however, and the cancelled conference left this BLOK session to run with a revised agenda at a later date. The orientation began on Sunday afternoon with introductions and an ice breaker activity. KBA President Chuck Stones provided a session on KBA history and structure and the KBA Division Leaders gave spotlight presentations over various functions within the KBA. The following day opened with Doug Wareham, KBA SVP Govt. Relations, exhibiting the state legislative process with his “I’m just a Bill” activity. A tour of the newly renovated Kansas Statehouse included observation of a House Judiciary Committee hearing and watching state government in action from the viewing gallery in House Chambers while they were in session. The class was able to engage in further understanding of the Kansas legislative process over a lunch gathering with Senator Jeff Longbine, Senator Clark Shultz and Representative Jim Kelly. Kansas State Treasurer Ron Estes welcomed the class for a discussion on the role of the State Treasurer as well as a tour of the vault for unclaimed items. The class visited the Office of the State Banking Commissioner and learned about the regulatory process at the state level through an insightful presentation by Acting Bank Commissioner Judi Stork. BLOK Session 1 was concluded with a State Legislative Issues update, provided by Doug Wareham, prior to the 2014 KBA Legislative Reception at the Topeka Country Club. The class then had the opportunity to engage in discussion with State Senators and Representatives from their districts during the legislative reception. The 2014 BLOK Class pictured from left to right are David King, Eq ity Bank, Wichita; Ry INTRUST Bank, NA., El Dorado; Jamie Smith, Community National Bank, Tonganoxie; Ch Bankers’ Bank of Kansas, Wichita; Chris Bualle, Girard National Bank, Girard; Brenda Un Topeka; Sus n Otterst in, Centera Bank, Dodge City; Alan Campbell, Impact Bank, Well Umscheid, Farmers State Bank, Westmorel nd; Bob i LaViolette, Farmers Bank & Trust Bend; Chris Baker, Bank VI, Salina; Kent Schwerdt, Kaw Valley Bank, Topeka. Please use this photo and caption at the top of the article and place others below and/ or BLOK SESSION The 2014 BLOK Class pictured from left to right are David King, Equity Bank, Wichita; Ryan Liess, INTRUST Bank, NA., El Dorado; Jamie Smith, Community National Bank, Tonganoxie; Chris Gilbert, Bankers’ Bank of Kansas, Wichita; Chris Bualle, Girard National Bank, Girard; Brenda Unruh, KBA, Topeka; Susan Otterstein, Centera Bank, Dodge City; Alan Campbell, Impact Bank, Wellington; Kristy Umscheid, Farmers State Bank, Westmoreland; Bobbi LaViolette, Farmers Bank & Trust, Great Bend; Chris Baker, Bank VI, Salina; Kent Schwerdt, Kaw Valley Bank, Topeka.