Dear Members,
As Los Angeles begins the process of rebuilding in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires in January, we want to recognize the remarkable response from bankers who are proactively stepping up to support their customers and communities through these challenging times. Bankers took immediate action by implementing measures such as enhanced loan flexibility, extended payment deadlines, and dedicated resources to assist those affected. Their swift relief efforts exemplify the strength and solidarity within our industry and illustrate the deep commitment that banks have to their communities. We are also extremely grateful for the support from ABA and state banking associations across the country who provided charitable contributions to disaster relief organizations.
Reflecting on our recent initiatives, we hosted a successful Bank Presidents Seminar in January, featuring the inspiring Brandi Chastain and a distinguished lineup of presenters. It was an honor to have Governor Michelle “Miki” Bowman from the Federal Reserve as a speaker. Governor Bowman's insights into the financial landscape provided valuable perspectives for our members. In addition, attendees gained critical insights into the current economic landscape, regulatory updates, M&A developments, and more, empowering them to navigate the evolving financial environment. We also honored our Distinguished Banker, Rick Smith, at the gala dinner for his unwavering commitment to the communities he serves, his contributions to the association, and his support of the industry. We are pleased to announce that Rick Smith is featured on the cover of this issue of the magazine, where his inspiring story is shared in more detail.
We are excited about our recent virtual program, which included a focus on the BankWork$ initiative—an impactful program providing vital training for individuals in under-served communities to pursue rewarding careers in banking. This effort not only enhances our workforce but also enriches our communities.
In our ongoing efforts to support our members, our Government Relations team has been actively engaging with legislators, especially with new lawmakers that comprise a third of the Legislature. These discussions are crucial as we prepare to address a myriad of pressing legislative issues. We believe that proactive engagement with our government officials is essential for ensuring that the needs of our members and the communities they serve are prioritized.
In late February, we had the opportunity to travel back to Washington, D.C. to visit with recently elected freshman members. We had a day of jam-packed meetings where we discussed a range of legislative and regulatory issues of concern to our industry. Looking forward, our April trip to D.C. presents an invaluable opportunity to engage with members of the California delegation and key regulators. We will passionately advocate for the pressing issues facing our industry, ensuring that our collective voice is heard on matters that impact us all. We encourage our bank members to join us on this trip and share your experiences in banking with legislators.
We are also gearing up for the Annual Conference & Directors Forum at the prestigious La Quinta Resort & Club, commencing May 13. We are thrilled to announce that Joe Theismann will be our opening speaker, setting the stage for an impactful and inspiring gathering. We encourage everyone to join us for this premier event.
Additionally, our collaboration with the California Credit Union League has resulted in a powerful opinion piece that will be circulated digitally across the state and is also featured in this issue of the CaliforniaBanker magazine, amplifying our shared vision and focus on preventing fraud.
As always, we are grateful for your continued support. Your input and engagement is crucial to our mission, and we are excited to connect with you at upcoming events. Together, we can navigate the challenges ahead and strengthen our communities.
Sincerely,
Kevin Gould
President & CEO
Bringing members together.
Making our banks better.