Page 14 - June 20, 2024 Bulletin

From the CORNER CHAIR

Pete Jahner | NDBA CHAIR |Kirkwood Bank and Trust, Bismarck

GRATITUTE! That’s what comes to mind when I think about my last year as NDBA Chair. I can’t
believe how fast one year has gone since Kathy passed the gavel to me. I have listened to
numerous former chairs who went before me say that “Going through the chairs provides back
more than you could ever give” ... and that really sums it up for me!
I need to acknowledge and thank a few people who helped me throughout this last year:
First, my work family at Kirkwood Bank & Trust. They helped me out quite a bit while I was fulfilling my NDBA
duties. I am truly blessed to work with such a great group of people!
Secondly, the staff at NDBA. The quality is second to none. Thank you to Rick, Dorothy, Ann, Jackie, Lisa,
Jolene, Angi, and Tracy Kennedy. Our association is fortunate to have the knowledge and experience they
possess. What really stood out to me is their attention to detail. I am living proof they can make anyone look
like they know what they are doing! I would also like to single out Rick. This year really impressed on me how
connected he is to our state and national leaders, his fellow state association leaders, and the ABA.
Finally, I would like to thank my fellow Board members. I have enjoyed getting to know all of you and have
learned a lot from you during our meetings and roundtable discussions.
There were many moments that stuck out to me during this last year, but I thought I would briefly discuss four
of them.
• Regional Member Meetings: I met so many fellow bankers from around the state. Who could forget the
incredible message we received from our keynote speaker, Aaron Davis “THE DAYS GO SLOW AND THE
YEARS GO FAST!”
• At the NDBA October Board Meeting in Grand Forks, I was fortunate to speak to a to banking class at
UND, my alma mater. Touring the new Nistler College of Business, donating clothing to the Freeman
Professional Closet and having lunch with the students were valuable experiences.
• Meeting and visiting with some of my fellow bankers who received longevity awards. These included
bankers with 20, 30 and 40 years of service. One that really stuck out to me was Ruth Palczewski of Dakota
Western Bank of Bowman... 50 years! I thought 50 years was a long time until I read Ann Reich’s article
in the NDBA Bulletin about Marilyn Elhard... 70 years! Marilyn works for Dakota Heritage Bank in Gackle.
She has been at the same location since she began her career. If you
haven’t seen or read the article yet – I would encourage you to do so –
IT IS INSPIRING!
• I attended the ABA Washington D.C. summit for the first time. If
you have never attended, I would encourage you to do so. With
the tsunami of new regulations coming our way, your voice is more
important than ever. I was also impressed with our emerging leaders.
As I have mentioned before, our banks are filled with young talent.
The future of our industry is in good hands!
A final note for those who attended this year’s annual
convention: If your water bottle is full, don't forget to pour some
of your water in someone’s empty bottle. You could be the
difference!
Best wishes to our newly elected NDBA chair, Deneen Axtman.
I have enjoyed getting to know her and her family over the past
two years. She is very strategic and will be a great leader for
NDBA!
All the best,
Pete

NDBA 2024-2025 Officers

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