June 28, 2023 —
Availa Bank Team Members Visit Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.
Jackie Mahler and Scott Zurborg met with lawmakers and regulators.
Carroll, Iowa (June 28, 2023) – Availa Bank team members Jackie Mahler (Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Operating Officer) and Scott Zurborg (SVP Risk Management and Information Security Officer) recently had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. as part of a group of banking advocates with the mission of discussing industry issues and firsthand experiences as part of the Iowa Bankers Association’s (IBA) annual Capitol Hill visit.
While in Washington, the group attended meetings with Iowa’s congressional delegation, including Chuck Grassley, Joni Ernst, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Randy Feenstra, and Zach Nunn. In these meetings, they were able to discuss the bills that will benefit the banking industry and their customers, such as the ACRE Act, which would help lower the cost of financing farm real estate and support rural housing. They also discussed bills that could have a negative impact if passed.
Mahler had the additional privilege of moderating a session with Michelle Bowman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve. The discussion included information on how the rate increases are affecting Iowa customers and the banking industry.
Speaking on her experience, Mahler says, “Serving on the IBA board and attending the IBA Capitol Hill visit has been a great learning experience. It has provided the opportunity to network with other bankers, hold discussions with leaders of regulatory agencies, and advocate for the banking industry.
Zurborg echoes Mahler’s sentiments on the trip. “It is evident that the issues facing community banks today are on the radar of our Iowa legislative representatives and federal regulators in Washington. It was a privilege to meet with our delegation and hold meaningful discussions on how we can support legislative reform and actions that allow us to better serve our customers and communities,” he says.
General
Availa Bank’s roots date back to 1870 when it was originally chartered. Availa is the first three syllables of the word available, a word that defines the bank’s mission — to empower our team to inspire and enable our clients and the communities we serve to achieve financial success. Availa Bank locations are in the following communities: Ames, Ankeny, Carroll, Coon Rapids, Council Bluffs, Fort Dodge, Holstein, Jewell, Nevada, Omaha (LPO Only), Pocahontas, Sioux City and Webster City. For more information about Availa Bank, visit www.Availa.Bank. Member FDIC.