US Bank 2015 Annual Report Download - page 9

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management into moments for
everyday excellence.
We make possible happen every day as
we pursue our collective vision for the
future. As the economic environment
improves and our customers look for
a strong and stable banking partner
to help them achieve their distinct
nancial goals and objectives, we will
be there for them, leading the way.
As U.S. Bancorp contemplates
the opportunities facing us in 2016,
we will provide leadership as we
help to restore condence in the
banking industry.
The Power of Possible:
Make Opportunities Happen
In 1863, Hugh McCulloch, the country’s
rst Comptroller of the Currency, wrote
a letter to all national banks that he
titled Advice to Bankers of 1863. In the
letter he reiterated the basic tenets of
effective banking — make good loans,
distribute the risk, treat customers well,
be fair with employees, make good
nancial decisions and run the bank
with integrity.
Important advice; however, the
fundamental theme of his letter was
much bigger and more consequential
than the banking activities at the
beginning of a new era in American
history. His advice remains relevant
today and applies to all 6,799 banks
in the United States as we — once
again — stand at the beginning of
another new era in American history.
At the heart of McCulloch’s letter was
his conviction that banks are at the
center of the U.S. economy. They are
the engine that makes possible happen
every day from Maine to California, and
Florida to Alaska. It was a resounding
reminder of the enormous responsibility
and moral imperative of being a banker.
Do not enter into this career lightly,
for bankers hold the keys to progress,
productivity and prosperity. A cup of
coffee isn’t poured at a neighborhood
coffee house, a eld of corn isn’t
harvested, a widget doesn’t come
off the assembly line, a merchant
doesn’t protect its customers’ personal
information, without the expertise and
steady ballast of a bank.
In 2016, banks have the opportunity
to return to their place of prominence
and prestige — being at the center
of progress — provided we
handle that opportunity with care
and responsibility.
I, for one, am proud to be a banker.
It is an honorable profession and
McCulloch’s bold challenge resonates
deeply with me. My focus is forward-
looking. My focus is on value creation
for our shareholders, customers,
communities and employees. My focus is
on running an honorable bank that aligns
with McCulloch’s vision for one of the
most important industries in the world.
Because I am in the business of making
possible happen. Every single day.
Sincerely,
AWARDS + RECOGNITIONS
A 2015 World’s Most Ethical Company
– Ethisphere Institute, March 2015
#1 Most Admired Superregional Bank
– Fortune, February 2016 (also in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
Most Trusted Companies for Retail Banking
– Ponemon Institute, June 2015 (9 years at #1)
Corporate Equality Index (perfect score)
– Human Rights Campaign Foundation, 2015
2015 Military Friendly® Employers
– G.I. Jobs, 2015
BCA 10: Best Businesses Partnering for the Arts
– Americans for the Arts, October 2015
Most Powerful Women in Banking
– Individuals and Team
– American Banker Magazine, October 2015
A Top 25 U.S. Employee Resource Group
– Association of ERGs & Councils, August 2015
Greenwich Annual Excellence Awards:
Middle Market Commercial Banking Study
– Greenwich Associates, March 2015
Richard K. Davis
Chairman and
Chief Executive Ofcer
U.S.Bancorp
February 25, 2016