Commissioner's Corner
By: Clancy Norris, Bank Commissioner
Dear Kansas Bankers,
As we all ring in another year, my hope is that you and your staff had a wonderful holiday season. I also hope that you had a good banking year in 2005 and that your communities have prospered. As a state-chartered banker, you have the opportunity to be a vital part of your community. In a small community or suburb, it is so important to maintain a close tie with your consumers and to support their businesses. Please don't take this close working relationship for granted; it is unique and should always be appreciated and protected.
Strive each day to become a better banker and a better person. We sometimes become complacent and happy with ourselves and fail to recognize the chance for personal and professional growth. You can avoid that pitfall by embracing change and accepting the challenges of new ideas. Opportunities for personal growth occur everyday; don't ignore them!
You are so fortunate to be a Kansas Banker. Although I spent thirty-three years in the banking industry, I'm not sure that I realized how lucky I was to be a banker until I was no longer involved in the bank. I really enjoyed my banking career, but certainly not to the point I should have. As the old saying goes, "you only go down this road once, so make the most of it". Banking is a great occupation and the satisfaction that goes with it is the most rewarding aspect of the career. The ability to help people buy their first home, start their first business, get their first car, buy their first calf, or buy that special ring gives you the opportunity to make a lasting impact on their lives.
I would like to THANK each of the 260 state chartered banks in Kansas for your contribution to your communities. Each of you is very special and I have a great deal of respect for you. My New Year's wish is that 2006 will be a successful year for you. May you have not only monetary success but also the success that comes from helping others and positively impacting your communities.
Happy 2006!!
Clancy Norris
Bank Commissioner
