The rebranded Harold A. Stones Government Relations Conference (formerly called Public Affairs Conference) concluded on Wednesday, February 8 at the Topeka Country Club and had record high attendance! More than 150 Kansas bankers convened in Topeka to hear and talk about state and federal legislative and regulatory policy affecting the banking industry.
The conference started with a welcome and an update from KBA Board Chairman Shan Hanes, Heartland Tri-State Bank in Elkhart. It was followed by KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham and KBA SVP–Government Relations Alex Orel, who took a deep look at both state and federal issues the industry is working on. Other highlights included the Legislative Leadership Panel, the 2022 Bank Leaders of Kansas (BLOK) Class Graduation, and the introduction of the 2023 BLOK Class. In the afternoon, attendees received a Federal Issues Update from the ABA, plus a Regulatory Update that included the OCC, FDIC, and Federal Reserve. Wichita State Economist Jeremy Hill gave an economic update, and newly elected Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson closed the conference out before the annual legislative reception, where more than 100 Kansas lawmakers and special guests attended to network and hear directly from Kansas bankers. Thank you to all those who made the trip to Topeka, and we look forward to seeing you again next year on Feb. 7, 2024!
Legislative Leadership Panel
Senate President Ty Masterson, Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins, and House Minority Leader Vic Miller participated on a panel moderated by KBA AVP–Government Relations & Staff Attorney Kelly VanZwoll. Legislative leaders talked about state issues impacting the Kansas economy and the banking industry. They covered various topics, including taxes, water, medical marijuana, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).
Federal Legislative Update
Ed Elfmann, SVP of Agriculture and Rural Banking Policy at American Bankers Association, participated on a panel with KBA Board Chairman Shan Hanes, Heartland Tri-State Bank in Elkhart, with KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham to discuss hot topics in Washington D.C., including Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) that will lower interest rates for farmers and ranchers on agricultural real estate and rural housing loans!
State Treasurer’s Report
Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson closed out the Harold A. Stones Government Relations Conference. He gave an update on his office’s priorities, the status of KPERs, and potential Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) legislation impacting the banking industry.
2022 BLOK Graduation & 2023 BLOK Class Introduction
Congratulations to the 2022 BLOK class! These bank leaders completed the four-session BLOK program and now head back to their banks with a better understanding of:
- The structure and governance of the KBA;
- The state and federal legislative process;
- The variety of state and federal agencies that govern the banking sector; and
- The importance of their role as a volunteer
KBA leader.
And a big welcome to the 2023 BLOK class. Your journey has just begun!
Regulatory Update
Kathy Taylor, KBA EVP–General Counsel, and Kent Buer, President & CEO of First Bank Kansas, led a regulatory panel with representatives from the OCC, FDIC and Federal Reserve. They answered questions about inflationary pressures, fair lending, climate risk, and crypto-asset risk for bankers.
Government Relations Conference and Legislative Reception Photos
