In this chaotic election year, I am often asked what we will do if this or that person gets elected. The answer is we do what we always do. We build relationships, educate public officials on key banking issues and advocate for the industry. The positions we take are for the betterment of Colorado customers, businesses and banks. The economy isn’t partisan, and neither is the banking industry.

We will be working with new public officials at both the federal and state level. Many races, including the presidential race, remain unknown. The races are too close to call and many things can happen between now and election day. To quote Kirstin Sutten, EVP of Congressional Relations and Legislative Affairs for the American Bankers Association, “Regardless of who wins, our mission remains the same — we advocate for the banking industry.”

This election season, I cannot stress enough the importance of reaching out to candidates to determine who aligns with your professional and personal values. Establishing a relationship now before a candidate is elected can be very beneficial. Candidates are eager to meet voters and hopefully constituents. You can attend a meet and greet, fundraiser or just find time to grab a cup of coffee with a candidate. Go to the candidate’s website and request a meeting or attend an event. If you need any help, Alison and I are happy to assist.

We at CBA try to meet all candidates during election season. After the election, we meet all who were successful. Relationships matter, and becoming a trusted resource to public officials is vital to the success of the industry. Very few public officials know banking or, more importantly, how banks serve the community. You can bridge that gap by becoming a resource they can turn to when they have a question or need advice.

We have numerous bipartisan issues both at the state and federal level that we will be facing in 2025:

• Credit Union Unfair Competition
• Changes to Interchange
• Artificial Intelligence Regulation
• Capital Requirements
• The Credit Card Competition Act

These issues and legislation regarding them are not being brought forward by any one party and our success in defeating or amending the bills will need to be bipartisan.

Regardless of election outcomes, CBA will continue to build relationships with public officials. We will educate, inform and advocate for the industry and the customers you serve.