Payment system called key concern for bankers

Northwestern Financial Review, Nov 8, 1997

Thomas Boyer, president of Farmers State Bank in Fairmont, is set to become president of the Nebraska Independent Bankers Association at the organization's annual convention in Lincoln, Nov. 13-14.

Q. What are your top NIBA priorities for the coming year?

A. The Board of Directors and I will represent the interests of the majority of our voting members through effective government relations. At this time, a lot of activity and emphasis has shifted to the national scene and we need to make sure that the wishes of our membership are communicated to the national organization and our lawmakers in Washington.

Q.What are the most presing concerns for bankers in Nebraska?

A. Two of the most pressing concerns are the ability to maintain liquidity in the face of a shrinking deposit base and the preservation of the current payment system. Due to the changing demographics and the expanding market place, we are going to need to find new sources of funds to meet future loan demands because demand is out-pacing supply in many areas around the state. The payment system we have is the safest in the world, and community banks need to lead the way in maintaining this system and its integrity.

Q. What main strength do you bring to tha NIBA presidency

A. My main strength is my commitment. I am the type of person who will not agree to do a job unless I am willing to give my best effort. I have been a community banker for more than 25 years and understand how important commitment is to our communities, our customers, our shareholders, our employees and our trade associations.

Q. If you could have an an ordknce with any living person, who would it be and what would you talk about?

A. Monty Roberts, author of "The Man Who Listens To Horses." His story is that of a "real life horse whisperer." He overcame a violent and brutal father to learn the ancient language of horses so that he could communicate with them by reading their body language. He did not just set out to change the way we communicate with animals, but how humans communicate with each other.

Q. What are your hobbies and interests?

A. My hobbies are golf (better known as "hacking" for anyone who has seen me play), doing yard work, and reading. I also enjoy working around the family farm near York, Neb.

Q. Please tell as a lime about your background?

A. I was born and raised in York in a very loving home, where both of my parents were school teachers. I came to the bank in 1971, following military service. I have two grown sons. My wife Margaret and I were married in 1976 and we have a 15-yearold daughter, Candice, who keeps us very busy. My college education was interrupted by military service, and I completed my degree as an adult through the Lincoln Campus of Doane College in Crete, Neb.

Our oldest son and his wife made us grandparents this year, having twins (a boy and a girl).