Florida Banking February 2022

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

BY FAB BRUMLEY, FBA CHAIR

T he new year brings excitement and a sense of possibility. Before we look forward to the many opportunities of 2022, I believe it’s helpful to look back and celebrate our progress both as an industry and as an association. In 2021, our industry spoke out about several big issues, including the IRS reporting requirement, the climate reporting requirement which would have banks act as “climate police,” the SBA direct lending program, and the President’s OCC nominee. It is largely thanks to your advocacy and outspokenness that the IRS reporting requirement was tabled (for

In November, more than 200 Florida bankers participated in an FBA Town Hall meeting with Gov. Ron DeSantis. We welcomed the Governor and thanked him for his efforts and leadership in keeping Florida safe and open for business. While 2020 taught us to appreciate these virtual meetings for the convenience and accessibility, in 2021 we were able to take a hybrid approach. It was refreshing to meet face-to-face again for many of our educational events. Most notably, our 132nd Annual Meeting at The Breakers in Palm Beach. Other educational opportunities included FBA’s

now), and that the candidate put forth by our President withdrew her nomination. The political pressures continue as we now look to replace the incredible leadership of our FDIC Chair in this quarter following her resignation in late December. Our state, in particular, gained the ear of representatives who wanted to understand bankers’ perspectives and the impact of these issues on

School of Banking and Trust and Wealth Management School, the Trust and Wealth Management Conference, and our recent Women in Leadership Conference. These events brought us together to network with peers and to advance our knowledge of the industry and its goings-on. As we kick off our 2022 legislative session, we can all look forward to the FBA’s experienced

bank customers. Though we were not always able to meet face-to-face, we continued to nurture these relationships and to make our voices heard. Our annual D.C. “fly-in” with the California Bankers Association last fall was a big success. Members of both associations joined us virtually to meet with 11 representatives, including Congressman Blaine Leutkemeyer (R-MO), FDIC Chair Jelena McWilliams, and Bharat Ramamurti, who gave us a White House Economic Briefing.

Government Relations team’s representation at the Capitol and remain optimistic as we support them. I encourage you to make your voices heard by sharing your legislative concerns, attending FBA events, and watching for and responding to the FBA’s calls-to-action. Be sure to mark your calendars for our 134th Annual Meeting at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando on June 5-8. I hope to see you there. You can register online today at www.floridabankers.com.

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