MESSAGE Diversity and Inclusion Illinois financial institutions recognize the importance of creating a culture of diversity and inclusion (D&I)
and integrating D&I into every aspect of their business. As banks embrace diversity through their workforce, boards of directors, suppliers, customers and clients, they gain a strategic advantage and broader perspective to better understand the needs of consumers and their local communities.
Linda Koch
IBA President and CEO
The IBA recognizes that D&I is a critical component to the success of our member institutions, and, as a result, we are working hard to ensure we offer important programs and resources that foster a more creative and innovative culture. You will see a special section in this issue of Illinois Banker with several articles on the topics of diversity and inclusion. Included in this section is a feature on IBA Partner, BankWork$, which trains young adults from low income and minority communities with frontline skills, while providing opportunities to our members to further diversify their workforce with trained frontline professionals. We encourage you to take a look at this important and innovative training program. Also, we hope you have noticed and are taking advantage of the D&I related programs we have woven throughout our various conferences. We began with a special session on Combatting Unconscious Bias during our recent ONE Conference in Peoria, and our upcoming Women’s Conference also will prominently feature the topic of D & I. Finally, be watching for a brand new Multicultural and Diversity Conference to be rolled out in the near future. Speaking of trained professionals, we can’t help but recognize and congratulate our Future Leaders Alliance Class of 2019. Each of the graduates has fulfilled the requirements of our 13-month program on personal and professional development and industryspecific training, like banking operations, financial marketing and sales, communications and advocacy-related skills and networking. You can see all of our Future Leaders grads on page 14.
If you would like more information about any of these programs, please don’t hesitate to connect with us at 217-789-9340 or visit our website at ilbanker.com.
May-June 2019 •
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