Where I’ll be
this month
I will be hosting our new incoming board members for orientation in our Washington, D.C., office and joining the Wisconsin Bankers Association for their annual meeting.
There’s a rhythm to community banking, a steadiness amid a sea of change that keeps us centered and focused on the customers and communities we serve. When we’re hit with new types of fraud, increasing regulatory burden, escalating customer demands and more, we stay the course, continuing on the path that advances our support of our customers and communities.
As I think about that rhythm, it’s about maintaining a solid beat regardless of what’s going on in the world. Community banks set the tempo for our communities, serving as the constant drum line that anchors those around them. Through the good times and challenging times, community banks provide liquidity for our nation’s small businesses, help their customers achieve their dreams and serve as the underlying tempo that propels the economy forward.
Now is the time to amplify that message. We need to be telling the stories of how our strength and resilience have helped to grow our communities. We want to cut through the noise of today’s financial services landscape to ensure legislators, regulators, businesses and consumers truly understand the community bank difference.
That starts by calling out the proactive work we do each day. It’s about being loud and proud about how we serve our communities, and ICBA’s Marketing Resource Center (icba.org/mrc) provides the tools, tips and resources to help you do that.
But we also need to focus on how we, as ICBA, can support your momentum and help you build on it in today’s environment. For one, we need to offer networking and education opportunities that provide insights into new opportunities and what’s next. In addition, our continued focus on innovation and growth in our programming will help you connect directly with the new solutions and ideas that can evolve your offerings to align with your business strategies.
Fortunately, when you attend ICBA LIVE, you get a one-stop solution to address your business needs. Through programming that speaks to innovation, education and opportunity, LIVE will help you grow and evolve. But don’t just take my word for it: 98% of attending community bankers report being extremely or very satisfied with ICBA LIVE, due to its education, networking opportunities and access to offerings that support the industry.
So, as you consider your bank’s rhythm for 2025, don’t miss a beat. Attend ICBA LIVE. I know you’ll be inspired by your colleagues and, in turn, come back to your bank with new ideas for amplifying your value to your community now and into the future.
