Meet the new MIB president

Northwestern Financial Review, Aug 5, 2000

Mund Will Work For Ag, Surcharge-Free ATMs

What do you hope to accomplish as president of ICBND?

I hope to maintain an open line of communication with all independent bankers in North Dakota and be responsive to their needs. I would like to see ICBND continue to provide value to its members through its services.

What are the most pressing concerns facing North Dakota bankers?

The decline of agriculture and resulting struggles of our rural communities will have a major impact on our banks. Main street businesses of our small towns are struggling to survive. Improving farm incomes will be needed to save many farms and keep the economic ball rolling in North Dakota.

What main strength will you bring to your new position?

I have served seven years on the board and thus have a good feeling for the internal workings of the association. That experience will allow me to "hit the road running" in leading our association this coming year.

What ICBND projects planned for this year should have an impact?

We are taking a very close look at the possibility of establishing a surcharge-- free ATM network throughout the state for community banks. This would allow our customers to travel the state and use their ATM card just as if they were at their hometown bank.

What are the Important issues this year on the state and national levels?

Super priority of ag suppliers' liens in North Dakota will likely be a topic of major interest to banks at the upcoming legislative session. Bankers in North Dakota can tell of many instances where ag suppliers' liens have superceded banks' liens and thus added additional risk when lending to farmers. Elimination of the estate tax at the federal level will also be a key issue.

Who are your heroes? Why are heroes important?

Abraham Lincoln. He had a tough situation to deal with during the years of slavery, stood up in the face of adversity, and did what was right - not what was popular. His honesty and integrity are values I have lived my life bv.

If you could have an audience with any living person, who would it be?

I would love to visit with Phil Jackson (Los Angeles Lakers basketball coach). His ability to mold individualistic players into winning teams amazes me. I think his secrets could be used in banking to build successful team players.

What are your hobbies and other interests?

I love to ride my motorcycle. The freedom and individuality this experience provides is hard to describe. Over the past 10 years, I have ridden a Honda Gold Wing through 26 states covering nearly 40,000 miles. Three years ago, I made a 5,300-mile round trip to Key West, Fla., with my 17-year-old son. I also like to golf, garden and participate in community activities.