Community Bankers and Washington
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Chris Williston, Austin; Gary Blankenship, Grapevine; Cindy Blankenship, Grapevine; Cong. Pete Sessions and Tom Yenne, Dallas
The Texas community banking industry has faced significant challenges in 2008 and 2009. This May 13th, in an event organized by The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT), over 120 Texas bankers ascended on Washington D.C. to tell the community banking story and deliver a message to the Texas Congressional delegation. These bankers walked the halls of Congress and visited with over 80% of the Texas Congressional delegation, including both Senators Hutchison and Cornyn.
Doyle Cooper, Executive VP at Texas Leadership Bank in Royse City, summed it up for many present when he said that “the number of bankers there really sent a strong message to our legislators that community bankers in Texas are informed and expect our voice to be heard.” Jeffery Fulgham, Jr., Assistant Vice President of First State Bank Brownsboro, added to that sentiment in saying “Washington now knows that the community banks of Texas won’t give in and roll over.”
Perhaps even more significantly, our bankers met personally with FDIC staff to discuss the pending deposit insurance assessment and alternatives to mitigate the impact on bank earnings this year. The FDIC board is scheduled to meet on Friday, May 22nd, to issue a final rule. Stay tuned Friday afternoon for an IBAT email update on that decision. We will issue a special alert as soon as action is taken.
Alan Renfroe, President of First National Bank of Bells/Savoy, felt that “Our discussions with both the congressmen and Senators reflected their understanding and support. We must continue giving our legislators all the facts that support the community bank as well as our communities.”
Jimmy Rasmussen, President of Hometown Bank in Galveston, said “the privilege of leading a discussion on current banking issues with our congressmen and fellow IBAT members was an unforgettable experience.” His thoughts were echoed by Mike Rhodes, President of Lamar National Bank in Paris, who went on to acknowledge that “never before has it been more critical for community bankers to unite and represent our great industry at the very place decisions are being made.”
The 120 bankers in attendance were an all time high, exceeding 2008’s 100 member trip, and possibly the largest contingent of bankers from Texas ever to walk the halls of Congress simultaneously. Brad Tidwell, President of Citizens National Bank in Henderson, stressed the importance of this because “House and Senate members respond best when they see well represented organizations willing to come and personally advocate for their positions.”
“The Washington trip was a tremendous experience and it was so gratifying being a part of the Texas delegation,” reported Norm Ormiston, President of Grapeland State Bank. He then asked “How long until next year’s trip?”
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