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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.
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