Florida Banking November 2021

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

THE STRONGER OUR MEMBERSHIP, THE MORE EQUIPPED WE ARE TO SERVE

BY FAB BRUMLEY, FBA CHAIR

W hen issues arise like the IRS transaction data proposal, I’m reminded of the value in having an organization like the Florida Bankers Association that speaks out on behalf of our industry. Our state associations give our industry a unified voice, one that reaches the representatives and policy makers who vote on the issues that could either help or hurt our community banks. The FBA has been representing financial institutions in Florida since 1888. Today, we are one of the most powerful state banking associations in the country, advocating on behalf of members in Tallahassee, Washington, D.C., and in state, regional, and national media outlets. These are just a few of the top benefits of membership with the FBA: Support and advocacy for banks The FBA has strong leadership in the halls of the Florida Legislature and the U.S. Congress, building relationships and advancing legislation that will be beneficial to the industry. The skilled lobbyists on the FBA’s Government Relations team have an ear to the ground for both the challenges we’re facing today and those on the horizon. And the FBA wants to hear from its member banks. The team invites input from the bankers it serves. Most recently, for example, trust banking CEOs had the opportunity to sit down with FBA President and CEO Alex Sanchez for a roundtable discussion. Sanchez went table to table to speak personally with every attendee, asking questions to learn more about the important issues facing the trust and wealth management industry. While you and I have our own personal political viewpoints, the FBA is bipartisan and works with representatives on both sides of the aisle to do what’s best for our industry. You’ve probably heard Sanchez describe himself as a “one-trick pony,” meaning that he supports the people who support banking — regardless of party affiliation. Access to vendors through BancServ Last month, I wrote about BancServ, Inc. (BSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of the FBA dedicated to

researching and selecting vendors on behalf of member banks. BancServ’s “Endorsed Partners” must undergo a stringent application process, and once chosen, offer discounts and exclusive offers to bankers. These vendors provide products and services across a variety of industries, including compliance, check and marketing services, investment products and services, office supplies and printing, bank security equipment, etc. Researching vendors takes time and effort, but member banks can rest assured that the FBA has done the appropriate due diligence in vetting these companies and their credentials. Educational and networking opportunities The FBA Education Department is dedicated to providing quality educational events covering topics that are timely, beneficial and valuable to member banks. This includes both online and in-person opportunities like seminars, webinars, workshops and conferences. It is so important to learn and stay up-to-date if we are to gain a competitive advantage in this rapidly changing industry. I attended many FBA workshops and trainings when I started my banking career. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to both learn and network with fellow bankers. These educational events not only introduced me to friends and colleagues I still know today, but also helped me become more involved with the FBA. We at the FBA like to say that “the voice of many is louder than the voice of one.”The FBA is the megaphone that amplifies our voices. The stronger our membership, the more that the FBA is equipped to serve the bankers and financial institutions in our great state. If you aren’t already a member of the association, I encourage you to add your voice. For more information on becoming a member of the FBA, contact President and CEO Alex Sanchez at 850-701-3518 or asanchez@floridabankers.com.

4 — FLORIDA BANKING THE VOICE OF FLORIDA BANKING