Page 16 - February 20, 2025 Bulletin

From the CORNER CHAIR

Deneen Axtman | NDBA CHAIR | Cornerstone Bank, Fargo

Hello bankers!
There is a lot happening in the banking industry and with NDBA. Rick Clayburgh, NDBA’s
President and CEO, has been at the legislative session daily, tracking and testifying on
several bills. It was awesome to see so many of you at the NDBA Bankers Day at the
Capitol. Many of you were first-time attendees and we were thrilled with your positive comments and
excited to learn about how you are eager to be more involved in the process.
Last fall, I had asked you to connect with bankers and with legislators. This is the time of year those
connections make a difference. We’ve already seen it work this legislative session and I’m sure there will
be additional requests for you to reach out to legislators. Please watch for updates and calls to action
from the NDBA team.
Last week, the NDBA Bank Management Conference was held in Bismarck. This was an excellent time to
learn more about what’s happening in our industry, especially at the state and national level. The NDBA
Legislative Reception, which was well attended by legislators and bankers, reminded me how important
it is for us to educate elected officials. They appreciate and need to know bankers’ viewpoints. They have
hard jobs and our time with them is valuable.
This week, I am attending the American Bankers Association Community Bankers Conference. It
is rewarding to interact with bankers and vendors from across the country. I am energized by the
conversations and the incredible people I am meeting. If you aren’t taking advantage of an ABA
membership, please reach out to ABA to learn about the benefits. The website is www.aba.com. The
NDBA team can also help get you connected to ABA and its resources. One way is by finding vendors. We
all know it’s a challenge to stay current with technology, security and risk. There are so many resources to
help us. Whether it’s through ABA, NDBA, or NDBA Services, I highly encourage you to use the resources
available through banking associations.

Last fall I asked you to connect in four ways. First was to connect with our industry. The Bank
Management Conference was a perfect example of coming together with like-minded people to engage
and build relationships.
Next was to connect with legislators. NDBA’s Banker Day at the Capitol and Legislative Reception
brought so many bankers together with North Dakota Senators and Representatives. We have a great
opportunity to continue these discussions in April at the ABA Washington Summit and I urge you to
consider attending. NDBA offers a $750 stipend for bankers interested in participating. Reach out to
Dorothy at dorothy@ndba.com for more information.
Connect by doing your part. I’ve heard so many stories about how you and your teammates are making
an impact in your communities. Banks are the cornerstones of communities and it makes me so proud to
be a banker.

And lastly, connect and take others with you. Thank you for all you do. Keep meeting bankers at NDBA
events. Keep inviting others to join you at community events and participate in volunteer activities. Keep
being a mentor to others. Keep inviting young professionals to pursue a career in banking.

Our future is bright because of our work together.

Deneen

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