Pub. 11 2014 Issue 3

O V E R A C E N T U R Y : B U I L D I N G B E T T E R B A N K S - H E L P I N G N E W M E X I C O R E A L I Z E D R E A M S 4 “ We look forward to the energy and options that the amazing setting of Las Vegas can provide our convention. Debbie and the convention committee are planning a first rate program and will have much more information to share in the near future. ” PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE KEN CLAYTON NMBA PRESIDENT Western Bank, Artesia I am here to tell you something you already know. The New Mexico Bankers Association is in good hands with John Anderson at the helm. I have now officially survived three months of trying to keep up with a man that works every day for the betterment of we the bankers of New Mexico, our State of New Mexico and most of all our customers. In July, John and I attended the ABA Sum- mer Leadership meeting in Denver and were able to participate in planning the ABA agenda for the ABA Government Relations Summit to be held in Washington, DC in March, 2015. The Government Relations Summit is a tremendous opportunity for us to carry our legislative con- cerns directly to our elected officials on Capi- tol Hill. I have been fortunate enough to have made our DC trip the past three years and in- vite you to join us this coming year. There was a consensus among our delegation last year that we made progress and I would love to have you join us in continuing to build on our positive momentum. The past few months have seen the NMBA host luncheons with special guests Senator Tom Udall and Congresswoman Michelle Lu- jan Grisham. The opportunity to discuss the many banking issues we are facing today in an informal one-on-one session is priceless and we thank Senator Udall and Congresswoman Lujan Grisham for their time and effort. The NMBA legislative road trip has been scheduled to coincide with the conclusion of the November general election and thus will begin on November 18th in Clovis and conclude on December 4th in Albuquerque. I truly look for- ward to traveling our state and visiting with each of you in your home area. Finally, I would like to announce that the New Mexico Bankers Association 2015 Convention will be held on June 7th through June 10th at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. We look forward to the energy and options that the amazing setting of Las Vegas can provide our convention. Debbie Schaefer and the convention committee are planning a first rate program and will have much more information to share in the near future. I hope you will mark your calendars and join your fellow bankers for this special event. I appreciate your support and all that each of you do for banking in New Mexico. I am very much enjoying my term as President and look forward to seeing each of you in November and December! n