OCMetro Business - (Henry Walker, CEO Farmers & Merchants Bank)
Henry Walker, CEO Farmers & Merchants Bank

• In the ‘Pink’
  You know, it’s not often that a guy gets asked to be a Pink Tie Guy and then makes a plan to wear pink. I don’t particularly consider pink my best color. So you can imagine my surprise when I was asked to be a Pink Tie Guy for the Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. A primary business value and a Walker family tradition is to proactively sponsor, give to and support nonprofit and faith programs – so much so that it is weaved into the Farmers & Merchants company culture and business model. I was honored to receive an invitation to join other businessmen in advocating breast cancer awareness and representing the women who battle this devastating disease.    
  
  Breast cancer, which affects one in eight women, has had a direct impact on my family, as my brother’s wife lost her battle with the disease. Attending a recent Community Grants Breakfast for Komen reminded me of how much breast cancer not only affects the women who are diagnosed – but also their husbands, children, colleagues and friends – much like it affected my family. Ginger Silverman opened up with her story of how she battled breast cancer, had a double mastectomy and went through a tumultuous divorce. Her stamina, resilience and confidence to not only survive, but also thrive, are inspiring. Her mission to empower her 10-year-old daughter caused me to think of my two daughters and how precious they are to me. I am proud to play even a small role in helping to end breast cancer, hopefully within their lifetime, if not mine.
  
  Any mention of breast cancer will find a story close to you: One of my F&M managers attending the breakfast shared how her mother is fighting breast cancer and was very moved by Komen’s commitment to finding a cure. The statistics are startling. Next year, close to 2,000 women will be diagnosed, and 200 of them will die from the disease – in Orange County alone. The disease impacts a wide spectrum of individuals regardless of race, ethnic background or economic standing. Because it is a pervasive problem that affects so many, the business community included, it requires an aggressive strategy to educate women. At the Komen breakfast, I also learned that Komen works with numerous other organizations in the community to alleviate the statistics.
  
  As a member of the business community, I am passionate about stepping into this new role to help increase awareness. Giving back to the community is a personal passion that is shared among the F&M family, and I believe it is important for businesses to take on a philanthropic role. I encourage my associates, colleagues, employees and business partners to join me in fighting for a cause you believe in.
  
  
• Reflecting on the economy
  Recently I escaped to one of my favorite places at this time of the year: Park City, Utah. However, being surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the serenity of the scenery could not completely remove me from lingering thoughts of the economy and financial markets. The industrious guy who works at the local restaurant and shovels snow was interested in my thoughts and advice on how to navigate his way through these challenging times. While there is no silver bullet to fend off the bear market, I began to envision a strategy to help combat the defeated frame of mind that many of us have adopted and instead develop a fundamental and competitive will to overcome. This strategy requires us to identify concrete priorities, understand the strengths we need in order to persevere, as well as analyze the weaknesses that threaten our prosperity the most.
  
  As an avid polo player and intense competitor on the field, I think a good defense is the best offense in a bad economy. Companies need to first take corrective measures and get out of debt as soon as possible. Taking internal, restorative action is the key to preservation when a company is hit by a financial storm like the one we are experiencing now. Although it may be hard to bounce back swiftly, this is not a time for us to be passive. We need to proactively shed debt, reduce excessive spending and become liquid. Taking action now is the key to surfing the rough economic seas. The right people always emerge out of rough times. Those with foresight, focus and fortitude will ride the wave to calmer seas rather than those who are struggling to tread water and feel stuck in survival mode. The key is to not allow our businesses to sink with the economy but to deal with the financial crisis and develop strategies that address the immediate problem and support a long-term plan.
  
  
• Remarkable Women
  For the past five years, I have attended the Orange County chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), OC Remarkable Women luncheon, a highly anticipated event to recognize four outstanding Orange County businesswomen who have gone above and beyond to make their business a success. Being a strong advocate for women entrepreneurs and executives, I personally feel it is important to support women who are making tremendous strides in the business community. In previous years, I have brought my young daughter on stage as the youthful analogy of the progress women have made in business and the opportunities that are available to her in the future. This year my thoughts and heart were focused on memories of my past with the recent loss of the most remarkable woman in my life – my mother.
  
  As I reflect back on the profound imprint she has made in defining who I am, I realize the Christian values she instilled in our family. I recognize the hard work and dedication she gave back to the local community and those in need. She was a driving force behind my father, Ken Walker, and his successful tenure with Farmers & Merchants Bank. Her unwavering love and support enabled my father to soar in his career and build a financial foundation to provide for our family. They were a team walked through life together. Through her I have witnessed the true essence of a woman that embodies strength, commitment and courage.
  
  It is now that I am reminded of the true meaning of success. It is not measured by financial gain but the investment I make in my family and those around me. My mother’s wisdom and influence have made a profound impact on me and help me recognize the key to fulfillment and contentment is to lead a balanced life.  
  
  
• Perspectives on the Plan
  The famous words uttered by our fearless former General, George S. Patton, “A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow,” need to echo throughout the walls in Washington, D.C. Congress’ decision to support the government bailout (rescue) plan was probably a step in the right direction. The plan is not a silver bullet to remedy all the problems on Wall Street or Main Street, but it is a positive and necessary step to restore confidence in the economy. At some point, the government will need to quit intervening and get back to free market principles. Just like a parent who intervenes to assist a child in trouble but eventually lets go; the government must ease their assistance at some point to allow a free marketplace for Americans to thrive.  
  
  There is that ray of sunshine that pokes its head in the clouds through the storm. The FDIC is doing what it was designed to do – calm the markets and reduce the panic. This deposit protection system shows how well our banking system is designed and how resilient our country can be. I was not in favor of raising the FDIC insurance levels from 100,000 to 250,000 because it means the government is bowing to political pressure and, again, intervening in free market structures. At some point Americans will need to become responsible for their investments and not depend on the government (taxpayers) to bail them out
  
  While the daily news fills our minds with gloomy headlines, there is opportunity for those who stay optimistic and alert. I believe the housing market will right itself in Southern California, as we see signs indicating we are nearing the bottom. Investors who have been waiting on the sidelines are beginning to jump into the market again. I am not trying to minimize the reality of the economic turbulence. However, I think it is necessary to realize the overall strength of the U.S. economy and the role we play as a country in the global marketplace.
  
  While some analysts can see recovery on the horizon and expect to see life signs of a much stronger economy by the end of next year, I’m not sure we will feel the improvements for quite a few years. It is important to turn around the economic cycle we are in to take control of the cost of living to keep the dollar stable, and get our citizens back to work. Recessions can be positive because they shake out those who engaged in risky behavior. I am hopeful for the future and confident our economy will not only survive, but also begin to thrive.
  
  
• My father's 60th anniversary at F&M
  My father, Kenneth Walker, just celebrated his 60th anniversary working at Farmers & Merchants