Pub. 6 2017 Issue 6

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 12 KBA’S 33RD ANNUAL CEO FORUM AND CONFERENCE T he sprawling and beautiful Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs played host to the KBA’s 33rd annual CEO Forum and Conference August 3 through August 5. Two-hundred and twenty-five bankers, and their guests enjoyed the cool and crisp early morning mountain air and sunshine- filled afternoons. The event kicked off on Thursday afternoon with a welcome and opening remarks by KBA Chairman Jim Hoskins. Dr. Ernie Goss of the Goss Institute gave his presentation entitled, “Trump, Trade & the Regional Economy.” Dr. Goss noted that the challenges we face in 2017 include possible higher inflation, possible higher interest rates, potential higher value of the US dollar, export headwinds, and repatriation of earnings abroad. He stated that it “looks like interest rates will be rising. The question is how much.” Dr. Goss also noted that infrastructure spending invites a rate hike from Janet Yellen. A piece of good news noted by Dr. Goss is the recovery, however slow, of the ag economy. ABA Chairman-elect Ken Burgess addressed the collective with his Washington Update, stating that the November 2016 election gave us some new opportunities by creating a different landscape in Washington. As bankers, we must increase our industry response. If Washington doesn’t hear from us on the issues we face, they think nothing is wrong. Mr. Burgess encouraged attendees to participate in ABA’s Power Up program by being a Power Player in 2017. This involves engagement and donating to BankPAC. Currently, BankPAC is up by 36% nationwide, grassroots engagement is up 50%, and the fund for economic growth is up by 239%. For the final program of the day on Thursday, attendees were treated to, “A Lesson in Crisis Leadership,” presented by Lt. Col. Robert Darling. This program took us through a minute-by-minute and hour-by-hour overview of the events of September 11, 2001. Lt. Col. Darling was a firsthand witness and participant in the situation room as decisions were made by our national leaders that would ultimately affect the United States’ response to the crisis. His personal account of that day kept bankers glued to their seats as details emerged unknown to most Americans. Thursday was rounded out by an opening reception on the Mountain View Terrace, which provided spectacular views of the mountain range that overlooks the Broadmoor property. Friday morning dawned bright and early for the 123 participants in the JimMaag Golf Scramble. While the golfers enjoyed the scenery and a little friendly competition on the West Course, a record number of participants attended the Banker/Spouse/ Guest breakfast & program and were captivated with Survivor Nicaragua Finalist Holly Hoffman’s program entitled, “Never Give Up – The Survivor Way.” Ms. Hoffman recounted her experiences leading up to her selection as a participant on CBS’ Survivor Nicaragua, as well as, her 38 days on the show. While sharing her highs and lows, she reminded people to “never let the odds keep you from doing something you want to do,” as well as, “never let fear decide your fate.” As she closed out her motivational speech to a standing ovation, she reminded us that setbacks are merely set ups for a comeback and while change is hard, comfort can be a trap. If you missed this session, Holly will be back for KBA’s Annual Conference for Lenders on September 27-28 in Manhattan. At the conclusion of the tournament, Forum registrants enjoyed a buffet luncheon in the golf club, followed by two bonus breakout sessions. Geri Forehand of Forehand Strategy Group spoke on the topic of, “Managing Human Capital,” while Kevin Streff of SBS CyberSecurity spoke on the timely topic of the, “Future of Banking & Consumer Technology.” Dr. Streff spoke at length on the benefits of IoT (the Internet of Things), and how it applies to not only banking but our personal lives. He noted that the largest banks are trying to drive customers to the technology, thereby bringing the bank to the customer versus community banks who are still trying to drive customers to branches. Technology is changing the way a bank acts and the role it plays with money. Bankers need to decide what role banks will play. Geri Forehand spoke to the group about succession planning, including metrics for productivity. Issues to consider are the aging of our banker population, the difficulties we face in attracting and retaining quality staff that will be ready to move up into leadership roles, the emphasis of culture within our banks, and how Universal Banker roles are changing the landscape along with how interactive teller machines will impact staffing. Friday afternoon’s program concluded with the, “Seven Surprises to Anticipate in the Future of Banking” presented by Bob Treadway. He cautioned participants to forecast the future, rather than try to predict it. The best way to achieve this is to prepare, create teams to help you see ahead more broadly and inclusively, and to be open-minded to new evidence, new information and be willing to change direction. The seven surprises included: 1) Rise of the Robots; 2) Skillset Paradox; 3) Video Spike; 4) Autonomous Uproar; 5) Regulation Relaxation; 6) Deconstructing Millennials; and 7) Revolving Retired. Bankers and guests had a brief respite in the action to prepare for the evening’s festivities at the Rocky Mountain Ballroom. The KBA Leadership Reception was held in the foyer and outside on the terrace, and was followed by a dinner buffet. Entertaining into the evening was Craig Kargas, Extraordinist, Mentalist,