Page 12 - December 19. 2024 Bulletin

From the CORNER CHAIR

Deneen Axtman | NDBA CHAIR | Cornerstone Bank, Fargo

Season’s greetings, banking friends from all around the state! I hope this finds
you planning for special events, enjoying some down time, and feeling thankful
as you reflect on 2024.
What a year it has been! The election is over (thank goodness) and we now look forward to
supporting the legislation, initiatives, and those serving who support our industry. It’s sure to
be an exciting legislative session, kicking off before we know it. Please do your part to stay up
on what’s happening in North Dakota and help your teams do the same. We can be hopeful
as we look forward for less regulation and an environment that is healthy for banking and the
communities that we serve. Ok, maybe not less regulation... but maybe less NEW regulation
headed our way (hopeful thinking, right?).

I had shared earlier in the year that NDBA strategic planning was coming together. In October,
the NDBA and NDBA Services Boards had a two-day strategic planning session with consultant,
Jason Matthews. Thanks to all of the board and staff members who took time away from their
busy work and personal lives to have robust dialogue to shape NDBA's future. This resulted in
the narrowing of potential strategic priorities to the following:

• Advocacy and Engagement
• Innovation and Future Focused
• Organizational Excellence
A smaller group of North Dakota bankers and the NDBA staff will be meeting in Bismarck the
first part of January to define a new strategic plan anchored in NDBA’s current mission with a
potential vision focus on helping bankers thrive in uncertain times. I am looking forward to this
work and sharing with you the new strategic plan for NDBA once it is completed.

As the year comes to a close and I reflect on the past 12 months, I am thankful and
encouraged. Thankful to have a career in an industry that has such a widespread impact on
North Dakota – providing good jobs, encouraging volunteerism and involvement, enabling
community development, and making dreams come true. And I am encouraged by all the
people I have met who are excited about our industry – advocating, educating, and advancing
banking.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year all!

Deneen

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