Coping with the Economy: The State of Banking in Michigan

Interview with Dennis Koons, CEO/President of the Michigan Bankers Association The economic downturn struck early in the state of Michigan, where unemployment rates have been higher than most of the nation for years. In this exclusive interview, Dennis Koons, CEO/President of the Michigan Bankers Association discusses: The state of banking confidence in Michigan; What member institutions are doing to foster greater confidence; Banks' top business objectives heading into 2009. About Dennis Koons: Dennis R. Koons has served as President & CEO of the Michigan Bankers Association since January 2002. The MBA represents the interests of and provides services to the banks of Michigan. Koons is a graduate of Michigan State University and the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. His career includes political campaign management, a staff position in the Michigan Senate, Director of Governmental Affairs for the Michigan Association of Realtors, Vice President for the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce and Vice President, Government Relations for NBD Bank. From 1995 to 2001, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the 26,000-member Michigan Association of Realtors. Koons also serves or served civic and professional organizations as an officer or director including the Michigan State Chamber, Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, People and Land, Michigan Society for Association Executives, Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Robert M. Perry Schools of Banking, Michigan Employers Unemployment Compensation Council, Greater Detroit Capital Corporation and the Michigan Council for Economic Education. Since 1887, financial institutions throughout Michigan have looked to the Michigan Bankers Association as their primary resource for information, education, government representation, and supporting products and services. The MBA is dedicated to advancing a positive business environment for the entire banking industry and to fostering safe, profitable, and successful banks, which promote strong communities and economic activity in Michigan. Membership includes community banks, regional banks, holding companies, savings banks, trust banks and organizations that serve the banking industry.