Pub. 13 2016 Issue 4

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 Issue 4 • 2016/2017 7 efforts to provide a vibrant economy. We should encourage the expansion of military installations, Departments of Ener- gy, Interior, Homeland Security and other government agen- cies because we have a proven record of success and a great working relationship with all government entities. I am reminded that with the diversity our great state pos- sesses how important it is to find common ground to work together personally, professionally and politically. We have challenges in front of us but New Mexico and its people have found ways to get through tough times. History tells us that we should work on relationships to maximize the best solutions. Senator Sharer from Farmington gave us great advice: “I want to see personal letters and not form letters if you are affected by issues.” Regarding this, I encourage my colleagues to get involved and speak up. Martin Luther King said, “In the end, we will all remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” I was reminded during our road trip luncheons and din- ners that financial institutions represent the heartbeat of their communities in New Mexico and across the country. We had many bankers and legislators who commented on the importance of our industry. Having great turnouts of bankers and legislators reminded me how important we re- ally are to moving our state forward. During our Santa Fe luncheon, Senate Leader Peter Wirth and House Speaker Brian Egoff, stressed the importance of our industry. We are all New Mexicans who want to create jobs and provide a better place for New Mexicans to excel. I encourage every- one to take time to contact your legislator and be involved in the upcoming session and beyond. It is a pleasure to serve as your NMBA President and I thank you for your trust and confidence and look forward to seeing you soon. n