Between the time I write these words and the time you read them, so many important things will have happened. The “Lame Duck” Congressional session, which has not yet started, will be finished or nearly finished. A runoff election in Georgia will have determined how strong the Democrat majority in the U.S. Senate is (not a typo!), ending the most unusual off-year election season in many years. And on the personal side, we are all experiencing the unfolding of the holiday season, reaching its final crescendo, and all the joy that goes with it.

In addition to all of that, the urgency of the long “to-do list” created by the objectives in our new strategic plan is keeping the staff and volunteer leadership of VACB fully engaged as we end our year.

But rather than fret over what may or may not occur through this busy time, I’d prefer to think positively about what might happen. In Congress, the SAFE Cannabis Banking Act would become session-ending legislation, and legislation to close the ILC loophole will gain momentum. Here at VACB, our task forces on education and revenue generation will be sources of new ideas and fresh perspectives. And every member bank will have completed and submitted their banker contact forms.

The source of my optimism, of course, is you, our member bankers. The contributions made by Dennis Dysart in his year as chairman have been unique and transformative. And as you can see in the first column from 2023 chairman Jay Stafford, his leadership is already producing valuable synergy. Our other new officers and our directors add great value to our work. The convention was a source of great energy for all who took part. And it all started with our membership meetings earlier in the year, which laid a foundation of support from which we will continue to build. Banker engagement fuels a successful association.

With continuing thanks for your enduring support, I wish you, your team, and your family happy holidays and a great 2023!