IBA hosts annual Bank Management Conference in Des Moines

Northwestern Financial Review, Feb 20, 1999 by Cronin, Robert

The Iowa Bankers Association conducted its annual Bank Management Conference February 3-4 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Des Moines. Nearly 150 of Iowa's top lenders attended the two-day conference titled, "Leading Through Turbulent Times."

This year's Bank Management Committee Chair is Jim Plagge, president and CEO of Northwestern State Bank in Orange City. "As we approach a new era, it is important to prepare for a new business culture and to find new strategies that will enable us to emerge more profitable and stronger," Plagge said. "Our industry faces many uncertainties in the future, and we as leaders need to develop the skills to lead our organizations through any turbulent times."

A common theme throughout the conference was "change." Titles of sessions included: "Maximizing Your Effectiveness in Times of Change," "Leading Employees and Yourself Through Change," and breakout sessions focusing on portfolio diversification, community bank strategies and the world economy, to name a few. Customer retention and business growth were themes that formed the foundation for the entire conference.

IBA / IBIS Annual Meeting Held Prior to the start of the conference, bankers gathered for a briefing on association activities and financial reports from IBA subsidiaries, including Iowa Bankers Insurance & Services Inc. and Iowa Bankers Mortgage Corp. Providing the leadership for the meeting was IBA President John Sorensen who noted the steady progress of the association. "We are very pleased with the participation of our members and believe that the association's success translates into our members' success."

A highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of the new IBA media campaign. For the past number of years, the IBA slogan has been, Iowa Banks The Smart Choice. According the IBA's Daryl Lewis, the new slogan, developed through strategy sessions and the help of advertising professionals, will be: Your Future. Our Focus. Iowa Banks. The IBA logo will remain unchanged. (Lewis, who has been in charge of the association's communications for the last 10 years, left the IBA on Feb. 19 to pursue other interests.)

Steve Wilson, president and CEO, Hartford-Carlisle Savings Bank, has announced his candidacy for IBA Chairman-elect. If elected, Wilson will begin his role at the IBA convention in September and assume the chair position in September 2000.

Time For Change

Kicking off the general session was Rick Olson from Dallas, Wis. Olson, a former minister and youth pastor, brought his unique perspective on change. "Your attitude has more to do with success than anything," he said. "You can't leave banking and get away from change."

Olson used the acronym, C.A.L.M. to lay out his plan: C for Change, it's inevitable; A for Accept what can't be changed; L for Let it go! "Anger only hurts the one who carries it"; and M for Manage your lifestyle.

Other sessions included discussions on "Strategic Portfolio Diversification;" "Controlling Your Own Destiny - Strategies for a Community Bank;" and "The World Economy."

An early morning session included "Generation X-What You Need To Know To Attract and Retrain Them." And finally, a humorous, audienceparticipation session entitled "Leading Employees and Yourself Through Change" had everyone laughing and thinking about change.

Bankers were encouraged to attend a special session regarding the Federal Reserve System's "Know Your Customer" proposed regulation. Bankers had a chance to ask questions of Rick Small, representing the Federal Reserve System.

Legislative Briefing

Bankers were promised "up-tothe-minute" information about legislative affairs at the state and federal level during the annual IBA legislative briefing. A panel discussion conducted in a town-hall format, provided bankers the opportunity to ask questions of IBA staff and legal council.

The issue over whether BancOne can legally place ATMs in Sears department stores led off discussion. It was explained that the situation has led to a number of filings, counter filings and involvement of the Iowa Superintendent of Banking. As it stands, the case should be decided this spring and is currently being reviewed in district court.

On the minds of almost every Iowa banker are livestock prices. Hog farmers have been enduring Depression-era prices on their products, which translates into lending and repayment issues for bankers. A number of state-initiated plans are being floated including loan deficiency programs and interest-rate buy-downs. According to Sharon Presnall of the IBA, most help for these producers will come from the federal level.

The IBA supports a bill the Iowa Legislature is considering to limit the liability of bankers regarding Y2K problems. It is intended to protect Iowa banks, both state and federal, credit unions and thrifts. "We have a good shot at getting this bill passed and are hopeful to make a good argument," noted Presnall.