story and paint a pic-
ture of your bank,” he
said. Danielson aimed
to explain how “num-
bers aren’t as boring
as you thought they
would be.”
Peter Wilder,
Godfrey & Kahn, dis-
cussed “Why the Bank
Strategic Plan Matters
to All Bank Employees”
and recommended that
every plan address suc-
cession planning, capi-
tal, and shareholder issues,
and what the bank intends
to look like down the road.
Will it remain independent,
be sold, or perhaps acquire
other institutions?
Kelly Brown, American
Deposit Management, led a
popular break-out session on
“What Your Favorite Movies
Can Teach You About Moti-
vating Employees,” as well
as the final general session
on “Developing Your Inner
Talent to Create a Winning
Team of Excellence,” where
she encouraged attendees to
focus on their strengths, not their
weaknesses, and for supervisors
to focus on the strengths of their
employees as well.
All of the presenters offered
solid information for attendees
to put to use in their
banks. Yet a key
benefit of the Summit
could be found in the
candid discussions
among attendees. The
networking proved to
be another advantage.
At every session, new
acquaintances became
new colleagues, and
phone and email con-
tacts were exchanged.
Built into the
agenda, Peer Net-
working Discussions
focused on five interest
areas with small groups
exploring compliance,
human resources, lending,
marketing, and technology
issues. Suggested questions
kept each of these conversa-
tions on track and directed
toward current challenges
and new solutions.
The Summer Summit
welcomed spouses, partners,
and children, with many
enjoying complimentary
food and a Family Fun
Night at the Kalahari Indoor
Theme Park on Monday evening.
All registered attendees received
a prepaid game card to experi-
ence basketball, football, hockey,
pool, golf, bowling, darts, and
more.
July/August 2014
Wisconsin Community Banker
9
