STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The Missouri Independent Bankers Association is an organization of small and medium-sized banks, locally owned, operated and dedicated to meeting the financial needs of their communities. The MIBA is dedicated to the belief that these independent community banks are better able to fully serve their communities than any other financial institution. It is the purpose of the Missouri Independent Bankers Association to protect Missouri's banking system from trends toward concentration of economic and financial power into fewer hands, such trends being contrary to ideal government by the people and the system of checks and balances designed to prevent centralization of political power. The MIBA is dedicated to the preservation of banking law and structure which will assure the continued survival and prosperity of Missouri's independent banks. BRIEF HISTORY The MIBA was organized in 1959 after the 1958 statewide referendum on branch banking. Independent banking prevailed in the referendum battle, and branch banking was defeated by a 2 1/2 to 1 margin. Since that time, the MIBA has represented the interests of its membership in Jefferson City on issues of vital importance in both the Legislative and regulatory arenas. The MIBA was the first statewide independent bankers association to be formed and is the oldest state independent bankers association in the United States. MIBA STAFF Matthew Ruge - Executive Director Michelle Lawson - Director of Operations Sarah Luetkemeyer - Marketing & Events Coordinator Hannah Ruge - Executive Assistant