Featured Photo Above: The 2023-2024 KBA Officer Team (L-R): Doug Wareham, KBA President & CEO; Vice Chairman Julie Hower, Farmers & Drovers Bank, Council Grove; Chairman Mark Schifferdecker, GNBank, Girard; Chairman-Elect Gene Dikeman, Bank of the Plains, Hutchinson; and Past Chairman Mike Ewy, Community State Bank, Coffeyville.
The 2023 CEO Summit proved to be an exceptional success, characterized by an outstanding lineup of speakers, a robust turnout of over 400 attendees, generous sponsorships and idyllic weather conditions.
The summit commenced with a warm welcome from KBA President and CEO Doug Wareham, setting the stage for the proceedings ahead. In his address, Wareham introduced officers, esteemed guests, dedicated staff members and supportive sponsors.
The pinnacle of the opening day came when Chairman-Elect Mark Schifferdecker stepped forward to present the Flint Factor Award to Dr. Bruce Morgan of Professional Bank Consultants, LLC. This prestigious award recognized Dr. Morgan’s unwavering dedication and substantial contributions to the Kansas banking industry.
Dr. Melissa Furman, representing Career Potential, LLC, took center stage with her enlightening presentation, “Emerging Stronger: Refuel, Refresh, and Recharge.” In her discourse, she shed light on the pervasive issue of burnout in contemporary workplaces, a challenge that transcends industries and affects individuals at all levels.
Next, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), who was warmly received by the audience, shared insights into current banking and agriculture-related matters unfolding on the national stage.
Following Senator Moran’s address, ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols provided an informative overview of federal legislative initiatives and the regulatory challenges that were foremost on the ABA’s agenda.
A highlight of the day was the engaging “Mountainside Chat” featuring Doug Wareham, Senator Moran and Rob Nichols. The trio delved into the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) Act, underscoring its significance for community banks. They emphasized how this legislation would extend the same tax-exempt status on certain earned interest to community banks as enjoyed by farm credit institutions, ultimately offering farm real estate borrowers and rural homeowners access to lower interest rates.
The second day unfolded with activities catering to diverse interests. Golf enthusiasts relished the Jim Maag Golf Scramble under the backdrop of Colorado’s picturesque weather. Meanwhile, those opting not to play golf were treated to the annual banker/spouse/guest breakfast, featuring an empowering presentation by Dima Ghawi titled, “Dare to Thrive.” Ghawi encouraged attendees to embrace courage and take transformative, fear-free actions in both personal and professional spheres.
The afternoon ushered in a choice of two enlightening breakout sessions for bankers. “What Questions Do I Need to Be Asking if Our IT is Running Well for My Bank,” led by Cal Roberson of CalTech/Intregis, explored IT management for banks. Simultaneously, “Growing Revenue in Economic Uncertainty,” facilitated by Mike Holt of Profit Resources, Inc., addressed strategies for revenue growth in challenging economic times.
Kansas State University Athletic Director Gene Taylor graced the stage in the afternoon, reflecting on his inspiring journey to Manhattan and his excitement for the future of all K-State athletic programs.
The final day began with the presentation of golf awards and special acknowledgments. The prestigious Century of Family Banking Award was bestowed upon the Schifferdecker Family of GNBank in Girard. Moreover, the morning celebrated four individuals inducted into the 50 Year Club: Richard Dickason, Jim Richardson, Frank Suellentrop and Ron Wente. One other family and 11 individuals, who were unable to attend, were recognized for achieving these remarkable milestones since the previous year’s CEO Summit. More information on these milestones starts in the “Congratulations To These Century of Family Banking Recipients” article.
The annual business meeting took center stage, culminating in the election of officers. The newly elected KBA officers for 2023-2024 were announced: Chairman Mark Schifferdecker, GNBank, Girard; Chairman-Elect Gene Dikeman, Bank of the Plains, Hutchinson; Vice Chairman Julie Hower, Farmers & Drovers Bank, Council Grove; and Past Chairman Mike Ewy, Community State Bank, Coffeyville.
Next, Kansas native Miki Bowman, who serves as the community bank designee on the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C., shared her insights into the economy, inflation and the evolving landscape of bank regulation. Following her presentation, she engaged in a Q&A session with newly installed KBA Chairman Mark Schifferdecker, focusing on the myriad of regulatory challenges confronting community banks.
The grand finale featured the popular economist Dr. Seifried, who offered a sobering outlook. While the Federal Reserve was cautiously optimistic about slow growth without a looming recession, other indicators, such as the steeply inverted yield curve, suggested a potential recession within the next 12 months.
In conclusion, heartfelt thanks were extended to the dedicated bankers and associate members whose presence and participation contributed to the resounding success of the conference. Attendees were encouraged to mark their calendars for the upcoming CEO Forum on Aug. 8-10, 2024 and advised to secure their accommodations at the Broadmoor in advance due to the anticipated high demand.
The 2023 CEO Summit undoubtedly stands as a testament to the vitality and resilience of the banking industry, offering valuable insights, fostering connections and recognizing outstanding contributions. It was a milestone event, setting a high standard for the years to come.
