The Montana Independent Bankers Association currently represents over thirty Montana community banks. Roughly the same number of companies and organizations around the nation provide services to our member banks as associate members. MIB serves as a platform for interaction between banks and vendors, culminating in personal contact during our fun annual convention. Both sides of the financial industry receive the following benefits by joining our association:
Advocacy
Lobbying is a core component of MIB, as we work year round to monitor and influence government on behalf of Montana’s community banks. We correspond and meet with state legislators and Montana’s congressional delegation to protect the interests of independent banks and their customers at the state and federal levels. We partner exclusively with the national organization Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) to monitor legislation and protect Montana’s community banks from one-size-fits-all national policies. Throughout the year, MIB works hard to establish good relationships with regulating agencies to ensure positive governance for independent banks. MIB also has a bipartisan political action committee, MIBPAC, that is used to support Montana candidates of both parties who understand and aid community banking, and encourages them to continue doing so.
Benefits
MIB is proud to provide an affordable, comprehensive health insurance plan tailored specifically for small community banks. In a time of skyrocketing healthcare expenses, a strong employee benefit program is critical for recruiting and retaining talented employees. The MIB plan provides the stability of large group coverage for small community banks making up our membership. All MIB full member banks are able to take advantage of these benefits for their employees. Exceptional employee benefit communication materials are provided to all groups, including a complete brochure and online access. Our expert benefit consultant, Payne Financial Group, is available to help employees and staff with benefit questions, claims and advocate for your group and our association at no additional charge.
Advertisement
This new website features attractive advertisement of our member banks and associate member companies to connect with a new
technology-minded generation. This includes hyperlinks to their company websites, colorful ads, a section for job openings in our member banks, and details of services provided by our associate members. We also include listings of our members and associate members in promotional material, newsletters, and newspaper advertisements.
Our annual summer convention is a time when we highlight and celebrate our associate members. Each year we feature a different associate member as a convention speaker on their area of expertise. A vendor room, where most of our indoor activities take place, is provided for them to set up booths advertising their services to member banks. And sponsors of the convention are featured through announcements, signs, and special mentions on our website and upcoming newsletter.
Training
Through an exclusive contract with Community Bankers Webinar Network, we offer webinars on every conceivable financial and administrative subject. This provides affordable and professional training to even the smallest and most rural banks. Also based in Helena, Community Bankers Webinar Network is a national company that partners with 29 community bankers associations to deliver quality webinar training to over 90,000 bankers in all 50 states. More than 100 webinars created by industry experts are offered annually, covering critical issues at every level in the financial world. MIB’s annual convention brings national-level
speakers from every aspect of the banking industry to our members. Up to seven sessions on a variety of topics keep our member banks on the cutting edge of issues in the banking world, all within an enjoyable context of recreation and camaraderie.
Above all, Montana Independent Bankers seeks to encourage camaraderie between member banks, associate member organizations, and staff, and to create a positive working relationship with governing and regulatory agencies. We invite you to join and experience the benefits of our association.
