Pub. 11 2020 Issue 2

Pub. 11 2020 I Issue 2 33 West Virginia Banker Allison Karakis, government relations manager, joined FHLBank Pittsburgh in 2015 and oversees FHLBank’s district-based government relations program, which includes the Public Policy Network (PPN), a coalition of advocates who have a strong interest in financial services, housing, and community and economic development. She develops and implements strategies to engage and partner with members of Congress, trade associations and stakeholders throughout FHLBank’s three-state district: Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. She serves on the Steering Committee for Women in Housing and Finance of Pennsylvania and on the Pennsylvania Bankers Association Public Relations and Communications Committee. Ms. Karaskis can be contacted at Allison.Karakis@fhlb-pgh.com . you and your organization. Our political representatives are expected to be knowledgeable about their communities and numerous other issues, but they only have a few staffers to help them sift through mountains of information. Travel restrictions have been a further impediment, as members and their staffers are unable to attend local events. As a leader in your community, you can play an essential role in helping your representatives understand what is happening locally and how they can make a difference. Additionally, as a banker, you can provide expertise on complicated financial regulations and help staffers decipher the impact of pro- posed laws. When a member of Congress considers banking bills, do they realize how many residents have received a home mortgage from your bank? Do they know that the local me- chanic bought new equipment through your small business lending program? Bankers have the opportunity to share a unique message. While you may be in the business of loans and deposits, what you ultimately provide is funding to renovate the local com- munity center, a car to ensure a family can get to work and school, and the spark to help an entrepreneur launch a new product into the world. You have your finger on the economic pulse of the communities you serve. These are the things that matter to elected officials. Effectively sharing your insights can fundamentally influence the way a member of Congress votes, but your representative must know your story before a major piece of legislation is being considered. Last-min- ute calls without any prior contact have very little impact on policy decisions. Before the COVID-19 crisis, building a relationship with your member of Congress could begin with a simple call to request a meeting, attending an event at which the member was speaking such as at a Chamber of Commerce event, or showcasing your bank’s impact by hosting your own event, such as a tour of a project for which you provided the fund- ing. These opportunities have changed due to social distanc- ing, but virtual meetings and events can still be leveraged in the same way until in-person events return. It’s important to note that congressional staffers are also essential in the process, as they provide briefings and updates to the member and can be your most effective advocates or quickly derail your efforts. All practical efforts will include building a relationship with both the member and their staffers. Building and maintaining relationships with elected officials should be a part of every bank’s business strategy. Find- ing time is always a challenge, even when you want to get involved and engage with your representatives. If you are too busy to take on this responsibility, you may consider desig- nating an officer within your bank to manage this effort. How- ever, it should not be the responsibility of a CEO or executive bank leader alone. Employees at all levels have networks that can be tapped to help establish and strengthen your bank’s relationship with your member of Congress. This will take time and effort, but it’s an investment worth making. Many things have changed in the last few months, and it’s more important than ever to get to know your member of Congress. Don’t miss the opportunity. Make the call and ensure your voice is heard. Want to learn more? I will be joining Loren Allen from WV- Bankers for a virtual training session to discuss the most effective techniques for educating members of Congress about the importance of banking to the communities we serve. Details will be available on the WVBankers website in the coming weeks.  Building and maintaining relationships with elected officials should be a part of every bank’s business strategy. Finding time is always a challenge, even when you want to get involved and engage with your representatives.