(iv)  Financial stability  It is paramount that we continue to have a sound, stable and healthy financial system to ensure confidence, and the efficient allocation of resources, and distribution of risks across the economy.
Based on the agenda and conference materials I have seen, I expect participants over the next two days will tackle some of the most important issues facing community banks, provoke discussion and debate about opportunities and challenges, and generate some promising ideas about how community banks can continue to play the indispensable role they have played in so many communities.