The Target Banker Program brings Missouri bankers to Jefferson City during the legislative session to discuss banking and community issues with their state senators and representatives.

Any employee of an MBA-member bank can participate — tellers, bank leaders and everyone in between.

The Target Banker Program is a great opportunity for bankers to get to know their local legislators and neighboring bankers, which builds strong relationships for future advocacy efforts.

The banking industry has a continuous presence in the state Capitol during the legislative session through Target Banker visits. Legislators hear directly from you, their constituents and voters about how issues important to the banking industry affect their districts and hometown banks.

Advocacy is education, not politics. There are very few state legislators with significant banking experience and deep knowledge of the industry. Most rely on their hometown bankers to inform them how proposals will affect their communities.

No previous advocacy experience is required. MBA briefs you on the issues and your legislators, provides talking points and can accompany Target Bankers during their meetings so you will have support throughout the day.

MBA staff hosts a virtual Zoom meeting Friday morning the week before your visit to brief you on relevant issues and talking points. Consider whether MBA priorities affect your department. If not, reach out to a co-worker and ask for their perspective. The day of your visit begins at the MBA office, where MBA staff provides more background information. Additional resources can be found in the Advocacy portal in the MBA mobile app.  

Bring stories of how your bank is supporting your local community, examples of how policy issues are affecting your operations and a business card so legislators can contact you with questions after your visit. 

Business professional attire is recommended. Suits, blazers and similar professional clothing are appropriate. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as well as weather-dependent items as most visits include a walk from MBA to the Capitol. 

Visit the Missouri Senate website to search for your address and find out who represents you in the state Senate and House. 

MBA staff will provide you with parking options before the day of your visit. Visit ParkJCMO for payment information and an interactive map of parking in downtown Jefferson City.  

Introduce yourself by sharing your name, hometown, bank and position. Bring statistics about your bank, such as how many employees work there or the customers you serve.  

Nerves are normal before visiting with your state legislators, but remember that lawmakers are regular people, too. They are from your community and appreciate hearing directly from their constituents. MBA staff can also accompany Target Bankers in their legislative visits. Let us know if you’d like someone to join you. 

Legislative schedules can change quickly during session. You may meet with a member of their staff or leave information for them to review, which is still valuable. Be sure to follow up with a call or email to introduce yourself to the legislator and share contact information.

You can observe the political process in action by sitting in on a banking committee hearing or watching lawmakers in action in the Senate or House chamber. You also can explore the Capitol's art and history or experience a unique perspective by walking up to the Whispering Gallery or Crow's Nest.  

After you've had your fill of the action in the state Capitol, please stay for lunch and discussion with MBA staff if your schedule allows. If needed, complete the post-visit feedback form to provide input on your meetings. Don't forget to send a thank-you note to your legislators. 

Explore this Advocacy Roadmap to find your next advocacy opportunity or volunteer for MBA committees to have a hand in shaping future legislative efforts.

Regular people like you. The state legislature is designed to be part-time work. Most legislators maintain careers or businesses outside their legislative service and remain active in their districts throughout the year.   

Currently, Missourians can serve a total of 16 years in the General Assembly — a maximum of eight years in the House and eight years in the Senate. Term limits ensure there is a steady turnover of legislators.

Legislators typically arrive in Jefferson City on Monday of each week during the legislative session. Their days are spent in committee rooms hearing testimony on bills; meeting with constituents, lobbyists and stakeholders on legislation or issues affecting their districts; and in the House or Senate chambers debating and voting on bills. Late nights, early mornings and missed meals are standard. They travel home Thursday to resume their lives outside of the Capitol building but remain active in their districts.