our products and services and community through charitable giving, all of which has a long-term positive impact on the financial well- being of our customers, staff and community.”
For communities that First Federal serves, this includes setting aside 5.5% of pre- tax earnings to support community organizations and invest in opportunities for economic growth. For its employees, First Federal continuously fosters professional development and encourages staff to take an hour each week “to learn a new skill and sharpen their saw.” For those who have leadership potential, First Federal has created a servant leadership training series in partnership with Les Norman that focuses on the bank’s number one value — to serve one another.
Tis value fuels Buckner’s latest role as MBA chairman. Advocacy is his main priority for this year, along with educational and leadership opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
“You have to invest in your people now,” Buckner said. “If you don’t start today,
you’ll be looking around your bank three to five years from now and wonder where all your leaders are — they’ll be at organizations that are investing in them and giving them opportunities.”
“Tere’s so many people who took the time to pour into me, and I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for them,” Buckner added.
Investments in staff also plays a vital role in a bank’s succession planning and helps to potentially ensure fewer consolidations in the industry.
“Te more consolidation we see in our industry, the fewer voices we have to advocate for the value of a community bank,” Buckner said.
Just as consolidation is a concern, so too is what the future holds for banking. Buckner devotes more time for strategic planning as he envisions what banking will be five, 10 and 15 years from now. Still, there’s one aspect
of community banking that will never change.
“Banks are the hub of their communities, and everything revolves around that hub,” Buckner said. “We are here to support economic development in our communities and to help our friends and neighbors.”
As he continues to magnify the importance
of community banks and guides the next leaders as they progress in their careers, Bucker recognizes it’s a long-term building process. And while there may not be instant gratification in seeing your work for that day, patience and time is key.
“Te fruits of your labor may be years down the road,” he said, “but the rewards are there.”
THE MISSOURI BANKER 17
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