The Enemy of Engagement

Epilogue

THIS YEAR’S HOLIDAY PARTY at Bernette Financial was, by all accounts, the best ever. Because of a dip in the economy, the budget for the party wasn’t as big as in previous years. Instead of the usual jazz quartet, there was a DJ. Instead of being held at one of Denver’s luxury hotels, it took place in the banquet hall of a popular restaurant. But none of that mattered to the employees and their families, or to the handful of board members, select customers, and friends of the bank who attended. Everyone ate, drank, chatted, and danced. The banquet hall was abuzz!

There was much to celebrate, even in a recession. For starters, after Thanksgiving the bank’s board of directors had approved the long-awaited reorganization. Finally, Bernie ...