Community bankers are driven by a spirit of service. Giving back to our communities is simply a part of who we are. But where does that instinct come from? Why is it a part of our DNA, and how has it been shaped over time?
For me, the answer goes back to the ecosystem in which a community bank operates: We live, thrive and face challenges in lockstep with our communities. Just as our communities are shaped by opportunities, issues and events, so, too, are the community banks that support them. In our nimbleness, we’re able to adapt and provide solutions to address urgent requirements and rally around our communities in times of need.
For example, following the devastating floods in central Texas, multiple community banks in the state launched significant dollar-matching campaigns to provide aid. At the same time, the ICBA Foundation, in coordination with the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, activated to support local rebuilding and long-term business recovery efforts. As part of the family of community banking, this is how we respond in challenging times. It’s about stepping up and doing whatever we can.
It’s also why we take the time every year to honor your philanthropic work through our National Community Bank Service Awards; they help to shed light on the amazing stories of support that happen in our communities.
Consider this year’s Exceptional winner, Gulf Coast Bank in Abbeville, Louisiana. Through its partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana, it has raised nearly $700,000 for local at-risk youth. Or look at the Emerging winner, Legends Bank in Clarksville, Tennessee, which established Legends Lift, a volunteer service program that enables the bank to come to community aid during times of crisis and helps fulfill ongoing community needs.
These efforts exemplify the community bank spirit of service, because they aren’t about numbers; they’re about making lives better for the people in our communities. And they represent only two examples of how community banks around the nation rise to the challenge of meeting their neighbors’ needs on a daily basis.
As you read this month’s issue, I hope you see yourself in these award winners and consider how you’re sharing your stories of service. While it’s simply a part of our DNA to give back, conveying what we do sheds light on the community bank difference and, in turn, helps our communities flourish.
Where I’ll be
this month
I’ll be moving into our new offices at the beginning of the month, as well as attending a retirement celebration for Jan Meyer, the leader of our events team, who has been integral in putting together ICBA LIVE for the past 39 years. I’ll also be speaking at Jack Henry Connect, ICBA’s LEAD FWD Summit and the United Bankers’ Bank’s 50th anniversary celebration.
