Overfelt is a regular on those lists. In the 2017 list, Te Missouri Times noted MBA is “one of the most respected associations in the state. Overfelt is known for his honesty … which is what makes him and the association so successful.” Overfelt, however, has a different take on why MBA accomplished its legislative goals.
Gov. Mike Parson visits with Craig Overfelt during a bill signing ceremony in June 2021.
“Bill Ratliff joked that we were so successful because we liked to win,” Overfelt said. “We are successful because of our members and their engagement with the association and lawmakers.”
lawmakers debated measures affecting the banking industry. His relationships with House and Senate leaders facilitated victories with the passage of numerous bills that benefited bank customers and the banking community.
“Craig’s knowledge of banking issues is second to none,” said Rep. Bruce DeGroot, R-Chesterfield. “Tat knowledge, combined with his crusty charisma, integrity and institutional knowledge of the Capitol, make him a living legend.”
“Banking issues are complicated to understand, especially when you aren’t familiar with the industry
and the regulations banks must follow,” Overfelt said. “Taking these complicated issues and boiling them down to a simple message that lawmakers understood was key in how they would vote on bills.”
Educating lawmakers on banking issues is especially vital in today’s environment as term limits have resulted in significant turnover in the Missouri General Assembly. Tis has prompted several former bankers to run for office, including Sen. Sandy Crawford, R-Buffalo.
“As a former banker, I knew the reputation MBA had among lawmakers in the Capitol,” she said. “Aſter I
was elected to office, I was able to see MBA’s team in action. Tey, along with their members, spearheaded many pieces of legislation for their customers and defeated measures that would have been detrimental to banking.”
“It’s great to see bankers step up and run for office,” Overfelt said. “Tey are great advocates for us in sharing their banking expertise and knowledge with their colleagues in the House and Senate.”
CONTINUED SUCCESS
In recent years, Te Missouri Times has published annual lists of influential lobbyists. To no one’s surprise,
With the consolidation in the banking industry, Overfelt reiterated the importance of bankers reaching out and connecting with their lawmakers.
“If you’re not going to protect your interests, who will?” he asked.
As retirement nears, Overfelt has reflected on his lobbying career that spans nearly 40 years. In his reflections, he always comes to the same conclusion.
“Banking is a great industry with great people who do so much for their customers and communities,” Overfelt said. “It’s been an honor to represent banks, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
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