Pub. 7 2018 Issue 9

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 T he Lawrence DoubleTree by Hilton was the location for the 2018 Economic & Risk Management Conference on November 7-8. With many CEO’s, CFO’s and investment bankers on hand, the program provided high level and timely information for bank development and planning. KBA Chairman Chris Donnelly, Bank of the Prairie, Olathe, welcomed attendees, thanked conference sponsors and gave special recognitions before introducing the first keynote speaker, David Ruffin, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP. In his talk titled, “Incorporating Risk Management Practices Throughout the Organization,” Ruffin discussed how banking is about managing risk, not eliminating it. Not only should banks have a robust, formalized framework but that framework should be integrated into daily business processes and strategy from the business line to the board. He shared best practices surrounding the integration of successful risk management practices including the first, second and third lines of defense in managing organizational risk. “The National Economy and its Impact on Banks,” was presented by James Chessen, Chief Economist, American Bankers Association. Chessen addressed how transformation with regulatory leadership has made for some much-needed positive change for financial institutions. Job creation has been relatively strong, consumer spending has been driving the economy since the end of the recession, and the housing market continues to recover. Lower productivity growth and wage stagnation in some industries and for lower-skilled workers is a drag on economic growth. “We have got a good economy — it will continue — but there are some limiting factors that we can’t control,” Chessen said. Following the noon luncheon, KBA President and CEO Doug Wareham gave an election update on both the state and national level. Alex Orel, KBA Senior Vice President- Government Relations followed, providing information on the Kansas House breakdown and how the new leadership could affect the banking industry. The conference had three options for breakout sessions that included: . • “Using Flow of Funds Analysis to Understand Your Interest Rate Risk” Ed Krei, First Bankers’Banc Securities • “Preparing for 2019: Investment Portfolio Management Strategies for 2019 and Beyond” Patrick Smith, BOK Financial • “Talent Acquisition and Management” Shan Hanes, Heartland Tri-State Bank, Elkhart; Alan Deines, FHSU-Robbins Institute of Banking; David Weaver, CareerISource When it comes to negotiating and renewing high dollar relationships with core and IT service providers, community bankers are at a disadvantage. In the next session, “Secrets Revealed: 10 Things Your Core Provider Will Not Tell You”, Aaron Silva, Paladin, LLC took the group through 10 critical issues they 2018 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK & RISK MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE KBA Chairman Chris Donnelly (Bank of the Prairie, Olathe) opened the conference with a welcome and introductions. The opening keynote speaker was David Ruffin, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP. James Chessen, ABA Chief Economist, provided insight into major trends that will be driving the 2019 U.S. economy.