Dale Torpey, Federation Bank, Brighton, Iowa, opened the 41st annual convention and conference of the Community Bankers of Iowa at the Arrowwood Resort in Okoboji. The 2011-12 president called it a “very, very good year for CBI.”

Noting highlights from the year, he said the association conducted six industry “summits” attracting 200 bankers, launched the Iowa version of the “Go Local” campaign, launched a “Hall of Fame” recognition program, conducted a “Money Smart” poster contest that attracted entries from 1,500 school children, and much more. “The best thing,” he said, “is we are just getting started.” He urged members to watch for the announcement of significant new programs in the next year to 18 months.

Torpey recalled the call to action he issued a year ago when he accepted the association’s leadership gavel. Last year he asked members to contact their elected officials about key industry issues, get more involved in the association, and support the association’s Leaders of Tomorrow program. He said all three goals were met although he said he would like to see even greater use of the Leaders of Tomorrow program, stressing that it is a great way to prepare the industry’s future leadership.

Later today, Torpey will transfer association leadership to Erik Skovgard of Lincoln Savings Bank, Reinbeck, Iowa.