Realizing the vision of Texas bankers
Chris Furlow and I have discussed the expectation of excellence and team work in all that TBA does.”
I thought our 2023 TBA convention in San Antonio was great. I appreciate all that our TBA staff does to make this event both successful and impactful to all Texas bankers. It was also an important time to congratulate Ford Sasser on a very successful term as our now Past Chairman. I have been so fortunate to form a personal friendship with Ford and his wife, Abbie, over the past couple of years and my respect for them runs deep. Ford, on behalf of all Texas bankers, thank you for your dedication and service to TBA.
Uncertainty is looming
Today we find ourselves in very challenging times. Rising interest rates, several bank failures, a pending recession and just overall uncertainty in the banking world. We must stay focused as these changing and challenging times surround all Texas bankers. We must remind ourselves that Texas banks are strong, well-capitalized, profitable and are still supporting our local communities like we always have done. I can assure you that both your TBA Board of Directors and TBA staff will be working hard to support all Texas banks as we move through the next 12 months.
We had our first board meeting of the 2023-2024 fiscal year on June 1 in Austin and there are many items that we are focused on as we continue our work to support the needs of Texas banks and Texas bankers.
2023 Texas Tour
As you read this article, we have either completed our Texas tour or we are near the end of it. I feel a special privilege to tour the great state of Texas with Chris Furlow, Celeste Embrey, Michele Carfello and others. We updated bankers on the 88th Texas Legislative Session, as well as continuing issues we face in Washington, D.C., such as FDIC Insurance and Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act being finalized by the CFPB.
Our Texas Tour this year had 16 stops across the state and by now I will have seen so many of you in person. So what a great time to just say thank you for your service to customers all over our state and for supporting our bank employees. As you heard me say at the recent TBA Convention, I am so proud to be a Texas banker and so proud of each one of you.
We are now celebrating the 138th year of Texas Bankers Association and today I believe we are more relevant than ever. Our world and banking industry are changing at speeds that we have never experienced before in our lifetimes.
New TBA building
What a better way to move into the future of Texas banking than to celebrate the opening of our new building in Austin. On April 4, Gov. Abbott helped us cut the ribbon and officially open our new home. The building celebrates our history, strength and optimism about the future. Please never forget that this is your building as Texas bankers. I hope you all get to visit it very soon. In June we held our first committee and board meetings in the facility and you can be very proud of it.
Our TBA staff is full of excitement and morale is high as they are now working together on the 5th floor. TBA is strong and our future is bright. Finally, many of you made our new building a reality and we thank you so much for your efforts and leadership. Your vision and hard work made this new building a reality in 2023.
Future strategies
Chris Furlow and I have discussed the expectation of excellence and team work in all that TBA does. We should all strive for excellence in both our banks and TBA. This will continue to be our focus going forward. Lastly, our future strategies will include (but not be limited to):
- Develop and execute plans to enhance TBA’s political muscularity.
- Attract and develop industry talent.
- Increase banker engagement at all levels of member banks.
- Offer products and services to help community banks address regulatory and cyber risks.
- Operate and adapt TBA as an innovative, 21st century association.
- Provide effective oversight of TBA’s new building.
- Amplify the positive role banks and bankers play in their communities.
So we all have plenty of work to do together as we move forward in 2023 and into 2024. Have a great summer and enjoy your family. Remember, we stand for “Strong Banks. Stronger Communities.”