Rooted in Growth

The IBA welcomed nearly 400 bankers, vendors, dignitaries and guests to the historic French Lick Resort this September for three days of connection and growth. More than a traditional industry gathering, our 2025 Annual Convention was built on innovation and development, living up to its theme: Rooted in Growth.

Growing knowledge, deepening expertise

The 2025 IBA Annual Convention reflected the foundation, resilience and purpose that define community banking. Just as strong roots enable a tree to weather storms and reach new heights, our banks flourish when grounded in sound values, long-term vision and trusted relationships.

While Philip Smith of Gerrish Smith Tuck dug into how to stay rooted with strategies for independent bank success, Kyle and Tom Hershberger of Cross Financial offered three important ingredients when developing future leaders. These forward-looking sessions set the tone for a convention focused on staying true to the roots of what has made community banking the economic engine of the country while embracing all the future has to offer.

Branching out

For the first time, attendees had multiple breakout sessions to choose from, allowing the opportunity to customize their educational experience with sessions about sales growth strategies and balancing innovation and risk when implementing artificial intelligence at their bank.

In another programming shift this year, the annual Leaders in Banking Excellence celebration was held Monday afternoon instead of being a standalone event at IBA headquarters. Extra chairs had to be brought into the room to hold all the attendees who joined to celebrate this year’s honorees.

This year’s programming also included sessions on stablecoins, growing deposits online, strategic leadership in a shifting landscape, authentic leadership and the annual economic outlook. Our national partners offered industry leader sessions featuring Kenneth Kelly, chair-elect of the American Bankers Association, and Jack E. Hopkins, chair of the Independent Community Bankers of America, bringing a national perspective to local challenges.

Deepening connections

The schedule was carefully crafted to balance learning with engagement and camaraderie. As attendees arrived, they had the opportunity to tee off at the annual golf tournament at the Donald Ross Course at French Lick. Meanwhile 12 players returned for our second annual Pickleball Tournament at the newly constructed French Lick courts.

Sunday evening featured a lively opening reception in the exhibit hall, fostering connections and setting the tone for the rest of the convention. Attendees put on their fanciest threads for the black-tie optional Chairman’s Banquet. Post-dinner entertainment was provided by Ryan & Laura Ahlwart, a husband-wife musical duo, presenting everything from soulful ballads to upbeat favorites.

Monday evening brought the Indiana BANKPAC auction and dinner hosted by the Future Leadership Division. Attendees had the opportunity to bid on silent auction items from Notre Dame football box seats and signed sports memorabilia to jewelry and designer handbags, top-of-the-line tech and even children’s toys, to support Indiana BANKPAC. Live auction items included a basketball signed by Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, two Allen Edmonds Shoe Shopping Experiences and more. By the end of the evening, nearly $90,000 had been raised for the PAC between the silent auction, live auction and sweepstakes drawing for an all-expenses-paid trip to Greece.

The night ended with the annual Euchre tournament, featuring cash prizes for the top three players. Players and spectators alike got to enjoy late-night pizza along with drinks. TVs were on-hand in the hospitality suite both nights so attendees wouldn’t miss opening weekend NFL action.

Honoring excellence

At the banquet, 2025 Chairman Matthew W. Howrey was honored for his contributions this year and was presented with a Distinguished Hoosier Award by Tom Fite, director of the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions, where Matt used to work before shifting from regulation to banking. Matt then ceremonially passed the chairman’s gavel to 2026 Chair David M. Findlay. David, his fellow officers and other directors were formally elected at Monday’s lunch.

State Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle, was recognized as the 2025 IBA Legislator of the Year. Sen. Holdman is a retired community banker who served as chair of the Community Bankers Association of Indiana in 2004 and chaired the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions Board of Directors. He now works as senior vice president for KeyState, an IBA Preferred Service Provider offering investment subsidiary services and entity management services to community banks. Sen. Holdman is the first lawmaker to ever be honored with this award for a second time.

Looking ahead

Thank you to all who attended this year’s convention, and a special thanks to all our generous sponsors. Be sure to join us for next year’s Annual Convention, scheduled for Sept. 13-15, 2026, in French Lick.