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Huntington National Bank has appointed Laricke Blanchard as senior vice president and director of congressional and regulatory relations to lead its expanded Washington, D.C. government relations office. Blanchard brings over 30 years of experience across government, law, and financial services. In his new role, Blanchard will work with federal lawmakers and key partners on banking and financial services policy whilst advancing the bank's community-focused mission. The establishment of a dedicated Washington team marks a significant milestone in Huntington's 160-year history. Barbara Benham, Huntington's chief public affairs officer, said the D.C. presence will better represent the interests of customers, communities, colleagues, and investors. Huntington is a $284 billion asset regional bank operating over 1,400 branches across 21 states.

Huntington bank expands D.C. Presence, adds Blanchard. A strategic move by Huntington bank. Ah, the financial world spins again with a move that could shake things up on the regulatory side. Huntington National Bank just snagged Laricke Blanchard as their new director of congressional and regulatory relations. Now, here's a guy who's been around the block - thirty years in roles spanning government, law, and financial services. You know what that means? Huntington is serious about beefing up their Washington presence. Why Blanchard's appointment matters. Blanchard's enlistment isn't some lackadaisical decision. This role places him right in the heart of federal policy discussions, liaising with lawmakers, policy shapers, and the usual D.C. hierarchy. For Huntington, that's a golden ticket to advocacy. Expanding the bank's influence and aligning themselves with the right political allies can make or break the path to smoother regulatory waters - something that's worth its weight in gold. "Laricke is deeply committed to serving our customers and the constituents we share with elected leaders across our markets," commented Barbara Benham, Huntington's chief public affairs officer. Pretty strong words there, Benham. Shows they're backing Blanchard to the hilt. Why Huntington's D.C. Push is significant. Here's the kicker: having a dedicated governmental outpost in D.C. positions Huntington a step ahead - or at least a step away from the competition. Odds are, as regulations tighten and political agendas shift, being in the loop gives Huntington a strategic edge. It's not just about discussing interest rates or bank fees. It's about integrating policy with their business operations and, you bet, keeping those stakeholders happy. * Expansion Goals: Boasting a presence already stretched across the Midwest, South, and Texas, tackling D.C. aligns with their growth strategy - covering a massive 21 states. * Increasing Influence: With $284 billion in assets, Huntington is no small fry. Influencing policy can prevent roadblocks and keep the gears of business turning smoothly. * Community-Focused: By placing community impact at the forefront, they ensure any policy involvement reflects their commitment to not just profit, but positive societal change. Huntington's story unfolds. Going beyond pennies and profits, the appointment is a chapter in Huntington's legacy - to make meaningful contributions to customers and communities. Founded way back in 1866, they're what's known as a seasoned player. And, looking at their roster of services - from banking to wealth management - it's clear they're playing in a league that requires a sturdy relationship with government. Blanchard seemed to nail it when he said, "I've admired Huntington for many years - especially its focus on people and communities." That's the sort of ethos that resonates with folks in D.C., where partnerships can turn to policies and community goals align with regulatory objectives. The road ahead: challenges and prospects. So what's next? No doubt, Blanchard's going to have his hands full navigating the intricate web of government protocols and market innovations. Whether it's tackling climate policies, addressing taxation, or advocating for better financial legislation, the stakes are high. For investors, it might be worth placing Huntington under the microscope with a keen eye on how this D.C. agenda unfolds. While public policy partnerships might be rubbing some investors the wrong way, for others, it spells opportunity. And let's not forget, this is just one cog in Huntington's expansive strategy to remain ahead of the curve while rallying behind their customers and communities. As the story plays out, Investors Hangout, LLC'll have its eyes peeled - expect nothing less from those riding the market waves.

Black business pioneers inducted into inaugural Minnesota Black Business Hall of Fame. The Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce honored generations of impact, economic power, and community leadership during a historic night in Saint Paul. Overview: Culture, commerce, and unforgettable legacies. Local icons gathered at the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce's "Renaissance Reimagined" gala to celebrate the state's top Black entrepreneurs. The inspiring night featured dedications, surprise celebrity appearances and a powerful message for the next generation of leaders. "Wonderful," declared Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder CEO and Publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard when asked how she felt walking into the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce's 2026 gala, "Renaissance Reimagined: Where Culture Meets Commerce." "I'm so blessed to be here with all these beautiful, smiling people. Everyone dressed to the nines. Just so happy. Good times." "Plus," added Michael Diehl, whom Williams-Dillard would later shout out from the stage as her "rock," "being here with Tracey means I'm with the most beautiful woman in the room. A supreme queen." For Williams-Dillard, one of the honorees inducted into the inaugural class of the MBCC's Minnesota Black Business Hall of Fame Saturday, Aug. 8, it had already been quite a day. In late 2019, the city of Minneapolis adopted a resolution honoring two South Minneapolis icons, Clarissa Rogers Walker and Launa Q. Newman, by renaming streets after each of them along the city's 38th Street corridor. But the COVID-19 pandemic prevented any official ceremony from taking place. So earlier that Saturday, at Sabathani Community Center's 60th anniversary block party, Williams-Dillard helped the community dedicate a six-block stretch of 4th Avenue South after her grandmother and MSR royalty as "Launa Q. Newman Way." The same distance along 3rd Avenue South was celebrated as "Clarissa Rogers Walker Way." A night to remember. The Saint Paul InterContinental Riverfront's Great River Ballroom hosted the MBCC gala, the first under CEO Yolanda Pierson, who took the role at the start of 2026. Pierson said many have asked her, "Why this? Why now," regarding her decision to establish the Hall of Fame. "It's because history can't wait," she recently told MSR. "The legacies that have been built by pioneers like these have gone unnoticed for far too long. We wanted to give them their flowers while they're still here, and make sure their stories are remembered." Emmy Award-winning KSTP news anchor Brandi Powell served as mistress of ceremonies for the nearly four-hour program, attended by officials including Minneapolis Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw and state Rep. Cedrick Frazier. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota's senior U.S. senator and a 2026 gubernatorial candidate, shared a video message praising the MBCC, adding that "nobody embodies that strength more than this inaugural class." The MBCC also presented three other awards: the Economic Impact Award to Huntington National Bank, accepted by Vice President Marcio Thompson; the 10,000 Black Business Program honor to Timothy Floyd; and the Black Business Excellence Award to Elizer Darris. "Tracey! Where are you, girl?" Minneapolis-based Kelz Music provided entertainment, and Karen Sorbo hosted a live auction featuring a Minnesota Lynx VIP experience, a world traveler excursion, and a Minnesota State Fair concert package tied to the Aug. 29 "Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Homecoming: A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound, produced by yet another of the evening's honorees, Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, and her All About the Culture initiative. Jam and Lewis, in town promoting their homecoming concert, visited MSR headquarters that Friday for Williams-Dillard's "Tracey's Keepin' It Real" podcast, discussing their Twin Cities roots, the Prince-and-The Time rivalry, and their legacy with Flyte Tyme Productions and Perspective Records. Powell later invited the duo to the gala stage, where they acknowledged the MBCC's community role and shouted out their "sister" Williams-Dillard. In one of the night's most amusing moments, Lewis searched the dimly lit room for her. "Tracey, where are you, girl? Stand up," he said. Lewis eventually spotted her dazzling ensemble as she waved from the middle of the room, drawing laughs and cheers, before Jam, a Washburn High School classmate of Williams-Dillard's, added, "We had so much fun on your podcast yesterday, Tracey. Thank you so much." The crowd cheered again as Jam and Lewis exited dancing "The Bird" while the house band covered The Time's 1985 hit of the same name. "The launchpad for your future" The night's main event came at the end. Alongside Williams-Dillard and Smith-Akinsanya, the inaugural Hall of Fame class included Gloria Freeman, Lea Harget, Frederick Blockton, Frank Brown, Frederic Estes, Ezell Jones and Prince Wallace, with Candice Ellis and Richard Copeland inducted posthumously. A little after 10 p.m., Williams-Dillard took the stage to accept her award. "My journey with the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder began when I was just 8 years old, standing behind an old addressograph machine under the watchful eye of my grandmother, Launa Q. Newman," she said. "That machine not only taught me responsibility and the concept of work ethic; it introduced me to the heartbeat of the Black press." She also honored her grandfather, Cecil E. Newman, whose vision "started the MSR," and her late mother, Norma Jean Williams, who instilled in her "an entrepreneurial spirit and the importance of empowering women and girls," inspiring programs like Sister Spokesman. She thanked Diehl and her daughter, Leticia Alvarez, telling her, "You are my pride and joy." Williams-Dillard closed with a message to the next generation of business leaders. "Your history is not a weight to carry; it is the launchpad for your future," she said. "Embrace every detour in your journey because no experience is ever wasted. Lead with unwavering integrity, honor the roots of the community that built you, and don't be afraid to fail. I once heard someone define success as building something that outlasts you. And legacy is making sure people are better because you built it." Presented by Wells Fargo, community sponsors of the MBCC gala were Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota, Cargill, Huntington Bank and the Rae Mackenzie Group. Entrepreneur sponsors include Andersen Windows & Doors, Children's Minnesota, Cummins, First Independence Bank, Ramsey County, U.S. Bank and Xcel Energy. Tony Kiene is the executive assistant and contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. He welcomes reader responses at [email protected].