Pub. 3 2014 Issue 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 6 T HE 2014 YBOK FALL CONFERENCE WAS held at the Oread Hotel in Lawrence. YBOK President Lucas Sawyer, Prairie Bank of Kansas, Inman, opened the Thursday conference of well over 100 attendees, following an early arriver’s reception the evening before, on the 9th floor terrace with a beautiful scenic overview of Lawrence. KU Men’s Basketball Head Coach Bill Self gave a dynamic talk titled “Discipline in Early Leadership.” The program featured off-the-cuff humor and an easy-going style that had listeners relaxed and entertained. Leadership can take place from any position and Coach Self encouraged people to consider that their next big job might be the one they are currently holding. Creating the better you and performing at an optimal level is achievable and rewarded from any job title. He went on to talk about the best players he ever coached and what made them successful. “Rich States, Poor States and the Kansas Uprising” was delivered by economist Jonathan Williams, American Legislative Exchange Council. The non-partisan group ranks state economic competitiveness based on tax policy, employment rates and population trends among others. Williams explained how the economic tax reforms that Kansas has seen over the last two years has increased its economic competitiveness with lower state taxes and the “small business accelerator.” The unemployment rate has fallen below 5% while the state is working to convert the state coffers from income tax based revenue to a consumption based system. Strategic planning and its execution by mid-level leaders was the topic of conversation in the presentation titled “Strategy is Everyone’s Business – Especially the Young Banker’s,” by Jeff Rendel. Examining the need for change and how to handle change, Jeff demonstrated how to lead change from the inside and make a difference when you aren’t in the executive office. He shared examples of companies that remain at the top of their industry by understanding their business and using strategy with purpose to create innovation. By understanding goals and priorities, mid-level leaders can participate in the vision and play an active role in the strategic plan. Not to be confused with the previous speaker, Jeff Rendel, Dave Rendall provided a hilariously entertaining talk titled, “The Freak Factor.” He shared many attributes that many may see as weakness but they in reality are the underpinning of a person’s strengths. The presentation provided guidance on how to pair up strengths and weaknesses to obtain the best results. Networking continued on Friday with the golf scramble, which had a strong showing at the Lawrence Country Club with equally impressive participation in the alternate program that included a tour of Allen Fieldhouse followed by an instructional golf clinic. YOUNG BANK OFFICERS OF KANSAS All seats were filled as the group eagerly awaited a presentation from Coach Self. Dave Rendall showed off his pink shoes as he described how the women in his household have influenced him in his presentation titled “The Freak Factor.” Jonathan Williams, American Legislative Council, gave a presentation describing policies that lead to state economic prosperity.