Pub. 13 2016 Issue 1

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 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE PAUL DIPAOLA NMBA PRESIDENT U.S. Bank, Albuquerque T his may be my last opportunity to address you as President of the New Mexico Bankers Association. Again, I would like to express how honored I am to have had the opportunity to serve our New Mexico banking community in this capacity. Over the past year, I have worked closely with John Anderson and the NMBA staff. I have gained a great appreciation for our highly effective and efficient NMBA business model. As a result, the NMBA is able to serve and execute its mission at a high level for its members with a small but very capable staff. We focused more on sharing actual local examples of how increased regulation and compliance requirements are impacting our ability to service our customers. In March, we attended the annual ABA Gov- ernment Relations Summit in Washington D.C. and had the opportunity to visit with our Congressional delegation and staff in col- laboration with the American Banker Associ- ation. I have made the trip in the past, but this time it was different. Our delegation was much more engaged and willing to participate with our bankers. All of our representatives without exception attended our set meetings and based on questions, answers and other dialogue, we all felt that the visits were truly worthwhile. My observation is that our com- munication skills have improved. We focused more on sharing actual local examples of how increased regulation and compliance require- ments are impacting our ability to service our customers. It seems to me this is a much bet- ter approach than discussing the complex de- tails of proposed regulatory relief initiatives and legislation. I was reminded that too often we are tempted to make the message too com- plicated and lengthy. Winston Churchill said it best, “Don’t build me a watch—just tell me the time”. I want to personally invite you to attend the 105th NMBA Annual Meeting and Convention on June 9-10 at Sandia Resort in Albuquer- que. We have a wonderful program planned, including a meet and greet with former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion and local favorite, Holly Holm. Holly will sign auto- graphs and give a blow by blow recounting of her career. This year’s speakers include Steve Maestas, CEO, Maestas Development Group and Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank Board of Kansas City; Jenny Menna, Cyberse- curity Partnership Executive U.S. Bank; Steve McKee, McKee Wallwork & Company; Brit- tany Kleinpaste, ABA Director of Economic Development ad Policy Research; and Martin Hickey M.D., CEO, New Mexico Health Con- nections. There is no lack of entertainment at Sandia Resort either, including golf, spas, shows, gaming and wonderful restaurants. So please join us. In closing and to continue on this year’s theme of “Jobs and the Economy”, we must continue to express our concern for the future of New Mexico’s economy to local and nation- al leaders. To retain our millennials and edu- cated youth, they must have jobs. Again, thank you for the honor of serving as President of the New Mexico Bankers Associ- ation.  anks for the Opportunity to Serve