Pub. 15 2018 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 Issue 1 • 2018 11 The Advisors’ Trust Company ® Zia Trust, Inc. 505.881.3338 www.ziatrust.com 6301 Indian School Rd. NE Suite 800, Albuquerque, NM 87110 We work alongside your customers’ investment advisor • Collectible vehicles • Ranch land • Closely Held Businesses • Oil, Gas, and Mineral Interests We manage unique assets • Launching a voter education effort ― the ABA Voter Education Fund — to grow our political profile by engaging in issue and candidate advocacy, polling, research and “get out the vote” efforts • Establishing criteria for candidate support and outlining standards for engagement • Expanding our grassroots infra - structure and preparing to mobilize as we near key milestones legislative - ly and politically • Strategizing with our partners in the ABA-StateAssociationAlliance,utilizing theirbootsonthegroundforlocalefforts These are all opportunities for ABA members to be involved and we invite you to be a part. Of course, it all starts with your state bankers association. All politics start locally and no one understands that ― or is a better local resource for you — than your state bankers association. Engaging in these efforts is not about checking a box for each activity. It’s about finding strategic opportunities to use your resources and your voice to expand the banking industry’s political profile. BankPac, the Voter Education Fund and grassroots are important pieces of increas - ing our political presence and all allow opportunity for bankers to get involved. But we recognize that these components are not one-size-fits all. Each bank and each banker have different attributes that may allow them to interact with these opportunities differently. There is a place for every banker and every bank in these political engage - ment efforts. So, how can you be a part? Reach out to ABA and your state bankers associ - ation to see how you are best placed to participate. For some, it may be joining BankPac; for others supporting voter education efforts; and for more still, it’s being a grassroots ambassador ― not just cultivating your own relationships with lawmakers, but educating your peers and employees about what’s happening in Washington, so that they get involved. Political engagement is more than a contribution in an election year or contacting your lawmaker during an important vote. Political engagement is developing and maintaining a con - stant presence in front of lawmakers and the public that shows bankers are here, we’re paying attention to what’s happening in the halls of government, and we’re actively involved in creating a civic environment that is helpful to the American economy. The banking industry represents two million employees and millions more customers. It’s time our political will and engagement match that. That’s what we’re doing at ABA and we invite you to be a part of it. Join us at aba.com/ engage. n E-mail Rob Engstrom at rengstro@aba.com.