Florida Banking December 2021 | January 2022

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

2022 SESSION: THREE WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR INDUSTRY

BY FAB BRUMLEY, FBA CHAIR

J anuary 11 is the start of the 2022 Session. At the FBA, we talk a lot about “advocacy,” but it’s not only our state association that’s responsible for speaking out on behalf of the financial sector in Florida. While the FBA’s experienced lobbyists are on the front lines, every banker also has a role to play in advancing beneficial legislation for our industry. The FBA’s legislative priorities are largely determined by its member banks and trust companies, so now is the time to get involved. As Session begins, here are three ways that you can support your association and be an advocate for your industry: 1. Share your legislative concerns with the FBA. To protect the interests of its memb hip t b th th l Council (GRC) to set a legislative a d h is made up of 60 banks of differing s f d state and federal level, the FBA’s Gove team works alongside its Govern Florida. Heading into Session, this legislative and regulatory issues with h and makes recommendations on how d The FBA can’t fight for us if the te d k what challenges banks and trust comp f f your bank is struggling with a particula f assume that others are facing similar challenges, too. You can help form the FBA’s agenda by bringing relevant issues to the table, whether through the GRC or by reaching out to a member of the Government Relations team directly. 2. Attend FBA events like Capitol Day & Capitol Night to network with legislators and decision-makers. The FBA organizes many events, both virtual and in-person, to give bankers access to legislators and policymakers. Stay informed about what’s happening on the legislative front by attending webinars, leadership luncheons, and events. Most recently, the FBA invited member banks and trust companies to attend the 18th annual joint DC l d b d

“fly-in” in partnership with the California Bankers Association. This was a packed week of Zoom meetings and informative discussions with top legislators and regulatory policymakers on both sides of the political aisle. Bankers had the opportunity to pose questions about the IRS reporting requirement, credit union taxation, and climate reform, just to name a few of the topics covered. You won’t want to miss Capitol Day & Capitol Night on January 19. This annual event gives Florida bankers a peek behind the curtain of what happens during Session, as we will spend the day at the Capitol discussing important banking and economic issues with Florida legislators. The day ends with a lobster dinner at FBA’s headquarters. Capitol Day & Night is an excellent opportunity to network with elected officials and your peers. e FBA’s Calls-to-Action.

ry banker can visit Tallahassee or C. in person, each of us can make by responding to FBA’s Calls-to gislative or regulatory issues arise mmediate attention, a Call-to-Action d via email encouraging us to reach l ed officials. Hearing directly from s can help policymakers make more

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f d d ns about the issues at hand. Individually, our voices may be lost. But we are impossible to ignore when our phone calls are received in significant numbers from all across the state. We have an opportunity to support the banking industry during Session. Take action by speaking up about the challenges faced by your bank or local community, by attending events to network with bankers and legislators, and by answering FBA’s Calls-to-Action. I hope to see you in the new year at Capitol Day & Night. You can register online at www. floridabankers.com. For more information on becoming a member of the FBA, contact President and CEO Alex Sanchez at 850-701-3518 or asanchez@floridabankers.com.

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