Pub. 12 2015 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 6 Ever changing rules and regulations have created road blocks and interrupted banks’ ability to provide the services that drive our state’s economy. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE PAUL DIPAOLA NMBA PRESIDENT U.S. Bank, Albuquerque I t is that time again when John Anderson reaches out to the “new” New Mexico Bankers Association President, coordinates calendars, reviews ABA conventions, and the travel begins around New Mexico and beyond. All of this is done with the goals of discussing issues, asking questions, continuing the pursuit of improving the banking environment in our state, and enhancing our ability to service our customers. New Mexico’s economic recovery continues to be slow compared to our neighboring states. Today’s banking industry is experiencing change as never before. Ever changing rules and regula- tions have created road blocks and interrupted banks’ ability to provide the services that drive our state’s economy. This year, the New Mexico Bankers Associ- ation and staff are prepared to weigh in on the economic needs of our state and will be asking its Board of Directors and members to assist in the process of advocating and impacting positive change. The October 2015 NMBA board meet- ing and agenda included Speaker of the House Don Tripp, Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle, and House Judiciary Chairman Zack Cook. It started a new round of discussions regarding the upcoming 2016 Legislature, New Mexico’s eco- nomic condition, and 2016 elections. The engagement of local bankers with the New Mexico Bankers Association and coinciding fi- nancial support of Bank PAC (which enables our industry to be legislatively effective) is as important now as it has ever been. The NMBA, John Anderson and staff continue their commit- ment to push for the betterment of bankers in New Mexico and, most importantly, our ability to service our customers. Finally, I want to thank our member banks and their directors, officers and employees who con- tributed to NMBA Bank PAC. This was a record year for contributions. Our ability to provide fi- nancial support for legislators that support our industry is vital. This will be important in up- coming legislative sessions as the NMBA will put forth a series of proposals intended to enhance the state’s economic engine. Our economic en- vironment is not all that strong these days, so one can expect to hear a number of provocative comments. One economist recently forecast that we’re beginning to see light at the end of the gang-plank. Another has expressed the fear that 2016 is going to use 2008 as a role model. It has become fashionable these days to knock our state. Enough! In my view, we will witness a surge of confidence and a dramatic economic renaissance. As in so many aspects of economic reform, time is an important but often neglected factor. The longer we wait to move decisively, the more obstacles will be in place and the more difficult it will be to remove them. The best time to move is now. That is our plan.  As They Say in Auto Racing, “Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.”