CBN (additional
information about CBN below)
CAREER BANKER NETWORK DAY AT THE CAPITOL
Referendum C, appropriations, the pink kiss of death,
and so much more! What does it all mean? Did you know the
chandeliers in the house and senate chambers each weigh 1,500
pounds? Do you know how many state legislators there are?
(100) Where are the executive offices located at the Capitol?
(1st Floor) What is the annual salary of a legislator? ($30,000)
Learning the legislative process can be a daunting task and our Capitol
Day attendees were up to the challenge. The Career Banker Network
(CBN) and IBC Education Foundation held its 6th Annual Day at the
Capitol on Monday, February 26h. More than 20 bankers ascended on
the Capitol to learn the ins and outs of the legislative process.
Once our day began at 8:30 a.m. it was non-stop until 4:00 p.m. Kirk Mlinek, Director, Colorado Legislative
Council, presented information on the legislative process from
beginning to end. Kirk’s analogy of sausage making and the
legislative process was both humorous and enlightening. Kirk did
a great job explaining how a bill is created, what the steps are to
make a bill a law and everything in between. Next our group spent
time on the House and Senate floors. Thank you to Senator Jim Esgar and Representative Michael Garcia for
sponsoring us to experience the “action” on the floors. It’s
amazing how things are accomplished with the amount of activity that
goes on. Organized chaos is how it was explained.
After lunch Barbara Walker, Executive
Director, IBC and Mary
Marchun, Partner, The Capstone Group and IBC lobbyist presented
information about the IBC’s legislative initiatives for 2007.
Barbara and Mary explained how the IBC: Tracks bills, determines
the importance of the bills to IBC, assigns a rating for legislators,
and is involved in the legislative process. Mary and Barbara
explained how the IBC protects the rights of banks in all facets of
business whether it deals with towing companies, Wal-Mart or even car
dealerships. Barbara encouraged the group to find a cause they
are passionate about and get involved whether it is related to business
or personal issues.
Grassroots campaigning was next on the agenda. Sheila MacDonald has been involved
with initiatives such as FasTracks and Referendum C and D. In
addition, Sheila was field director for Governor Ritter’s
campaign. She explained the ins and outs of coalition
building. She emphasized the importance of bringing people
together with a common interest or goal regardless of political
affiliation. Garnering strength or opposition to an
issue is the key to a successful campaign. Sheila reiterated how
the chain of events can affect an outcome when people communicate with
each other about an issue. Grassroots campaigning has always been
a vital component of our legislative process.
Senator Lois Tochtrop
presented a whirlwind synopsis of life as a legislator. She
explained the process of being a bill sponsor and how the legislative
process is put into motion. Senator Tochtrop
discussed: Nuances between the House and Senate; voting
against party lines; gather constituent votes on a bill, and much
more. We appreciate Senator Tochtop spending part of our day with
us. In addition, Senator Tochtrop was presented the 2006 IBC
Legislator of the Year award.
Our day ended with a historical tour of the Capitol. It is an
amazing building. Each year I always pick up something new about
the Capitol.
For additional
information about the Career Banker Network please read on . . .
The
Career Banker Network (CBN) is a membership organization
through the IBC. The CBN is dedicated to enhancing the professional
development of its members and assisting them in becoming future
industry leaders. Through leadership development training, networking
and increased awareness of the legislative process, the CBN establishes
a venue for members to become more actively involved in the industry
and the IBC.
PURPOSE
Advance the careers of entry to management level
community bankers through regional education programs designed to
increase the knowledge of bank operations.
Prepare you to assume greater responsibilities, foster
leadership skills and increase your value to the bank and the industry.
Serve as a forum for networking opportunities and idea
exchange enabling you to benefit from the support of your peers.
Seek and understand the legislative and lobbying process
and work to become effective advocates for the industry.
OBJECTIVES
Be the dominant delivery system connecting the IBC to
community banks throughout the state through an active grassroots
system of CBN member bankers.
Educate bankers about the IBC.
Intensify involvement in and the visibility of the IBC.
Instill and preserve the community banking philosophy.
Prepare tomorrow’s community bank leaders with the
necessary skills to ensure bank profitability.
Take an active role in influencing the legislative
process at both the state and federal levels.
Provide a forum for community bankers to network and
share ideas.
Expand the knowledge of community banking by developing
and improving leadership skills.
Contribute to the success and strength of the IBC by
promoting a positive image for community banking.
Pursue ongoing learning and quality career training on
both a local and statewide level.
Work with state and national banking organizations –
ICBA, RMA, etc.
BENEFITS
Network member-only pricing – Receive discounts on IBC’s
education programs, banking forums, ag conference and annual convention.
Newsletters – Receive the bi-monthly CBN newsletter
designed especially with you in mind and the IBC’s Independent Report.
Leadership Training – Annual conference designed to
enhance leadership skills and allow the opportunity to network with
peers.
Legislation – CBN members are encouraged to take part in
the tracking of legislation affecting the banking industry. Members are
encouraged to attend the IBC’s annual Capitol Day and Legislative
Reception.
Outstanding Achievement Award – Designed to recognize
the individual contributions of an outstanding CBN member with regard
to banking and community involvement.
Networking – Meet bankers from your area and throughout
the state. Discuss issues affecting your position and share information.
Assistance – Gather and share information with your
peers on hot topics or current regulatory exam requirements.
Just for You – The CBN is a resource designed
specifically for you and your career development.
MEMBERSHIP FEE
$25 per person or individual banks may register their bank and branch
employees for a flat fee of $200.