Just a few weeks after being elected MBA chairman, Bill Sones was invited to participate in a "foreclosure summit." This marked the beginning of a turbulent year in which the association has been called on again and again to speak for our industry in the face of ever-growing bad economic news.

At the "summit," Bill delivered a message that he would repeat often during the year. He spoke about the strength of our industry and explained the stake that Mississippi’s banks have in their customers’ success. This means practicing fair and responsible lending, and, when necessary, working with troubled borrowers, he explained. He went on to cite statistics showing that hundreds of non-bank mortgage lenders and brokers who operated in Mississippi in 2007 were no longer operating here in 2008. Emphasizing our banks’ commitment to their communities, and the state, he delivered a clear message: "We did not create the problem, but we are prepared to help solve it."

As public reaction to negative economic news grew, our association continued to be called on by media and public officials. Last September, we coordinated a presentation before a joint hearing of the Senate and House banking committees at the State Capitol. Chairman Sones led a distinguished panel of bankers and regulators who presented data demonstrating the strength of our banking industry.

After the historic fall elections, leadership changes in Washington brought a new and different focus on banking and economic issues. Bill has been our lead spokesman with Congressmen and regulators in Washington. Beginning with what is – and is not – a "bank" and addressing the many complex issues now on the table, we have called on our grassroots to help deliver our message. Hundreds of Mississippi bankers have joined in this critical cause.

As we approach our 121st MBA Convention, I encourage you to be part of it. Our effectiveness is magnified when we work together for the common good of banking. There has never been a more critical time for us to do this.

Special thanks to Bill and Theresa Sones for "stepping up to the plate" this past year. They have represented us all very well. I hope you can be with us at Sandestin to salute and thank them, and to renew our commitment to the traditional banking principles that make us who we are.