Pub. 7 2019 Issue 1

www.uba.org 2 By Wendy Holloway H appy New Year! New Years is a time of new beginnings, starting over, and making changes. I always approach this time of year with antici- pation and excitement, feeling like I can turn a new leaf on some aspects of my life. This year it is particularly significant for me as I retire after 35 years at the Utah Bankers Association and 45 years in the banking industry. I am looking forward to finally having time for many things that have been put on the back burner as I focused my attention on a career and being a working mother and wife. I look forward to having time to do charity work that I never quite had time for, work on home improvements, and spend much more time doing the creative things that I love so much. I also anticipate some serious traveling and spending lots more time with family and friends. It is exciting and exhila- rating to think about the possibilities. Along with excitement comes the anx- iety and fear associated with any major change. Banking and all of the exception- al people that I have worked with over my career are an integral part of who I am. I feel so fortunate to say at this point in my life that I have truly loved my job, the work I do, and the the people I work with and for. As I walk away from that I sometimes wonder who I will be and how I will adjust to my new reality. And then I look back on the lessons that I have learned from each of you that I have encountered along the way. Banking and bankers have never failed to face challenges head-on with excite- ment, innovation and hard work. Here are just a few of the many lessons I have learned from working in this incredible industry over the course of my life. Embrace Change – Take the ups and downs of business and life as an oppor- tunity for innovation and growth. In 2009, at the time of the Great Reces- sion, a number of banks closed their doors, but Utah banks hunkered down, evaluated their strengths, adjusted their direction, and moved on to become stronger than ever. That change has made Utah the greatest state for bank- ing in the country. Stick to Your Values – Whatever you do, “Remember Who You Are” (a reminder I received on a regular basis from my grandmother). Utah’s banks followed this advice to the T. I remem- ber asking a community banker about foreclosures and he assured me that they had followed a strict loan policy and that it was paying off in minimal delin- quencies and foreclosures. That little bank continues to be a leader in com- munity banking today. I also saw Utah banks put people over profit, taking care of employees and customers to the best of their ability in a challenging time. Build Relationships – One of the great treasures of my career has been the opportunity of working with and for Howard Headlee. Howard is a brilliant guy, a political mastermind, and is someone who serves the banking indus- try with passion and energy. Utah banks couldn’t be in better hands. Howard has taught me the value of reaching out and building relationships with bankers, legislators and regulators on a local and national basis. As a result, there are few people in this country more able to influence the direction of the banking industry and protect the interests of UBA member banks. Plus, he is just plain smart! He never stops reading, learning and asking questions. Utah New Beginnings