Pub. 8 2019 Issue 5

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 YBOK FALL 2019 CONFERENCE T he KBA’s Young Bank Officers of Kansas (YBOK) Division held their second conference of 2019 at the Kansas State University Alumni Center in Manhattan, Kansas on September 12-13. The conference welcomed about 100 attendees from all across the state to participate in networking activities, professional development and education events. The YBOK Board, KBA Board Chairman Kurt Knutson, President & CEO of Freedom Bank in Overland Park and KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham welcomed attendees to an early arrivers’ reception held at the Tallgrass Tap House. YBOK President Brian Whitesell of Landmark National Bank opened the conference with welcoming comments and introductions. He invited Chairman Knutson to say a few words about his upcoming term as Chairman. Chairman Knutson began with describing the challenges facing Kansas bankers and the goals he has during his chairmanship. Chairman Knutson stressed the importance of young bankers to get involved in the legislative initiatives in Topeka and Washington D.C. to promote equal opportunity for credit in Kansas. He also outlined the recent Capital Campaign approved by the KBA Board of Directors and why it is needed to ensure a robust future for the association, our industry and our communities. Chairman Knutson closed his remarks with listing his top five keys to success, which was a great reminder for all attendees of what really is important in life. President Whitesell followed Chairman Knutson by informing the attendees that the YBOK Board voted to pledge $15,000 to the KBA Capital Campaign ($5,000 for each of the next three years). Additionally, President Whitesell thanked all of the sponsors of the YBOK conference. KBA Chairman Kurt Knutson (Freedom Bank, Overland Park) highlights the KBA Strong 2020 Capital Campaign Jim Lewis (Central States Capital Markets) and Andrew Holtgraves (Mortgage Investment Services) catch up during a break. Kaylie Berkley (KCoe Isom), Heather Lamb (Wilson State Bank), Shania Lamm (Central National Bank, Junction City), Tom Sheik (State Bank of Bern), Andrew Leseberg (The Citizens National Bank, Greenleaf), Geneva Myers (Wilson State Bank), Grant Paitz (INTRUST Bank, Wichita), Axtell) participate in an activity with presenter Debbie Peterson.