Pub. 2 2011 Issue 1

spring 2011 21 Y ou can and do improve the qual- ity of people’s lives – through the loans that you make and the savings that you keep safe – and all the other extras such as supporting chari- table activities. A terrific example is The Hancock County Savings Bank Charitable Foundation, which awards funding to groups ranging from local schools and libraries to the Salvation Army and a victims assistance group. In the 11 years that the foundation has been in existence, it has donated a total of $430,600 to more than 63 different local service and support organizations. We’ve been highlighting these efforts – big and small – on our Website at aba.com . We want you to continue to share your stories with us by sending them to ProudtoBeaBanker@aba.com. We want every part and parcel of our nation rep- resented in these examples of how you lead in your communities and support your local economies. You should be proud of what you do. Your accomplishments should also be recognized by others, including our lawmakers and policymakers in Washington. Each day, two million bankers perform the basic blocking and tackling that keeps our nation’s economy moving. I’m preaching to the choir when I say that you and your banks are essential to your customers and communi- ties, and that you are essential to our economy. We all get this. But, too of- ten, this message gets lost in the halls of Congress. We have to reinforce it. Again and again. This is our job. Working together with your state bankers association, we are your voice and your advocate. We are your champion in promoting your bank’s – and your customers’ – Main Street values. When we advocate for you – ensur- ing that your bank has the ability to compete – we’re also advocating what is best for your community. That’s a powerful and compelling combination. I’m looking forward to meeting, listening and learning from you in the year ahead. A fellow Oklahoman, Will Rogers, once said, “A man only learns in two ways, one by reading, and the other by association with smarter people.” I like to do plenty of both, so don’t hesitate share your thoughts with me as we move forward, together. Q Several things have impressed me in the weeks leading up to my becoming ABA’s new president and CEO on Jan. 1. One is the work that all of you do as bankers. Bankers : Leading By Example By Gov. Frank Keating, President and CEO American Bankers Association Reach Gov. Frank Keating by e-mail at fkeating@ aba.com