Pub. 3 2014 Issue 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 8 involves the proper alignment of “cause” of cash shortfall with “repayment source.” The second break-out session was a presentation by Ancin Cooley, Synergy Bank Consulting. Ancin explained how to identify and implement process improvement strategies amidst a changing regulatory environment through the “5 Bad Habits of Good Bankers.” Mr. Cooley pointed out that, like everyone, even the best bankers can have bad habits. By breaking these habits, banks and their employees can be more successful. Mr. Cooley’s “bad habit” list included managing from exam to exam; ignoring the middle management; operating under a constant fire drill because of a lack of planning; ignoring the “elephant in the room”; and avoiding succession planning. He concluded by providing a sixth bad habit that is often ignored by bankers: not having project management skills. This year’s closing speaker, Jay Lehr, Ph.D., Science Director at the Heartland Institute in Chicago, reported to the group that he has studied every aspect of the U.S. economy for the past year and has concluded that we are assured of a healthy upward climb for at least a decade. He expects the driver of this improvement to be our tremendous advantage in the cost and availability of energy, which he believes will bring millions of jobs back to the U.S. and will result in major foreign investment. After spending time in China he says they have more problems than we can imagine, some as a result of their long time one child per family policy, which is creating an aged population. Their current birth rate of .7 is well below the rate of 2.1 which it takes to replace population. China’s labor force is expected to decline by 67 million in the next 15 years. The U.S. has already become the world’s largest producer of combined oil and natural gas and new fields continue to be discovered. U.S. manufacturing is on the rise because of decreasing energy costs. This increase in “onshore” manufacturing could result in a gain of 5 million jobs. Lehr offered a refreshingly optimistic outlook and ended the 30th annual CEO Forum on a very positive note. Next year’s event will be held August 16 at the Broadmoor Hotel. Newly elected KBA Chairman Kelly Mason, First National Bank in Pratt, greets attendees. Earl McVicker, Central National Bank and Trust Co., Hutchinson and Matt List, BKD, Wichita, smile for the camera as they drive to the first hole for the golf tournament. Dave Briggs, First National Bank & Trust Co. of Larned and Mike Pritchett, First National Bank of Hutchinson get ready for a day on the golf course. Continued from page 7