They were beaming. Smiling ear to ear.

As I went for my early morning walk at the beach, I approached a group of young Mennonite teenagers (boys and girls) in their standard attire. 

They were heading to the beach, I suspect some for the first time, and they were absolutely happy – grinning like the proverbial Cheshire Cat!

I thought back to earlier in the week when the Virginia Bankers Association had its first “normal” Convention in three years. 

What would I remember most?

The culmination of a lifelong dream? Sharing that dream with my family and my bank family?

The wonderful and thought-provoking speakers?

Reconnecting with many folks and dear friends I had not seen in a long time in this wonderful and uplifting environment?

As a former staff member of the VBA, appreciating the smooth event that did not seem to have a snag?

Sharing the culture of SWVA via a presentation by Adriana Trigiani and the concert by 49 Winchester from Castlewood?

No, I think I will remember most one other thing.

The smiles.

– Leton

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“Letters From Leton” is a blog series comprised of the weekly updates that Leton Harding – President, Chairman, and CEO of Powell Valley National Bank, shares with the Bank’s team members. These newsletters are full of uplifting anecdotes and intriguing insights that are applicable beyond the Bank, so we want to share them with you.