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New ICBA chairman Derek Williams’ commitment to community
Derek Williams, president and CEO of Century Bank & Trust in Georgia, is bringing his passion for community banking to his term as ICBA chairman for 2023/24.
Out of Office: Brian Dowers
Since 2009, senior vice president and chief operations officer of $700 million-asset Fountain Trust Company in Covington, Ind., has made several long-distance motorcycling trips across the U.S.
First Bank of Alabama: STEM day at the races
First Bank of Alabama partners with Talladega Superspeedway track to host a hands-on educational STEM program event for seventh graders.
Community banks that weathered Hurricane Ian
Following the damage of Hurricane Ian last fall, Florida’s community banks rallied to help affected employees and customers, providing above-and-beyond service without missing a beat.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Our banking family
When we assemble at LIVE, it’s about coming together to ignite the passion for community banking on behalf of our communities in a way that moves the industry forward.
Brad M. Bolton: Passion for LIVE
[ICBA LIVE is] an opportunity to continue training up the next generation, so I would encourage community bank leaders to join us and bring your rising community continuators with you.
Lindsay LaNore: Fighting the February lull
Here are 12 ways to light up your February and find your focus.
Scottsdale Community Bank: Making microloans
De novo Scottsdale Community Bank set out to provide microloans to small and mid-size businesses, family organizations and nonprofits—a project that was inspired by the humble lemonade stand.
ICBA LIVE 2023: What to expect
With sessions on hot‑button issues, inspirational speakers and beneficial networking opportunities, ICBA LIVE is the greatest community banking event in the country. Here’s a sneak peek of the...
First Reliance Bank's adoption benefits
To help ease the process, First Reliance Bank offers assistance for associates who welcome a foster or adopted child into their family.
Out of Office: Adrianne Brignac-Gradney
For the past eight years, the vice president and branch manager at $888 million-asset Evangeline Bank and Trust Company in Ville Platte, La., has been creating beauty, lifestyle and banking content...
Lindsay LaNore: A new year’s reading list
In a rapidly evolving world, it’s more important than ever to commit to lifelong learning, but it’s just as challenging to make time for it.
Jim Reber: Shop talk 2023
To start the year, let's listen in on a conversation with our consummate community banker.
Brad M. Bolton: Our greatest assets
One of our greatest assets is our reputation as relationship bankers. When things get tough, people want to be able to talk to their banker.
The resurgence of de novos
As the number of financial institutions have dropped, the number of de novos has started to rise. The founders of three startup banks discuss the importance of community banks to the country as...
What are power skills?
The skills needed to succeed in the workplace are changing, with companies placing greater value on soft skills like communication and leadership. In response, community banks have an opportunity...
Out of office: Ryan Monica
The assistant vice president and sales manager of Metairie Bank in Metairie, La., is a passionate music producer, guitarist and DJ. He plays gigs all around Louisiana, including outdoor festivals,...
Charles Potts: ICBA's legacy of success
In 2022, ICBA’s award-winning ThinkTECH Accelerator program reached more community banks with innovative solutions and partnerships than ever before.
Best Community Banks to Work For 2022
What great resignation? In our annual workplace survey, employees of ICBA’s best community banks to work for told us they benefit from engaging cultures, opportunities for advancement and...
Rebeca Romero Rainey: The people make the bank
How we hire, retain, recruit and advance our missions amid momentous change will remain a key topic for community bank leaders and will influence our plans for the future.
Brad M. Bolton: Putting the “community” in community banking
People want to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and community banks provide that opportunity.
ICBA pushback on FHFA capital standards rules makes headlines
ICBA’s joint letter urging the Federal Housing Finance Agency to align its capital standards with federal banking agencies was covered in PoliticoPro, American Banker, and Housing Wire.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Navigating the digital movement
The habits of our customers change, and we’re constantly walking beside them, transforming our services to meet their needs.
Mark Scanlan: Nobody serves rural America better than community banks
ICBA is dedicated to ensuring the role of community banks is properly communicated to policymakers so community banks can remain viable and compete on a level playing field.
John V. Anderson: 75 years in community banking
John V. Anderson celebrates 75 years in community banking this year. The chairman emeritus of F&M Bank offers us a glimpse of his life, his career and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Jim Reber: New trials, new tricks
Proactive investment strategies are appearing in bank portfolios.
Lindsay LaNore: How to beat burnout
The leading causes of burnout include dealing with unclear expectations, and feeling overworked, underappreciated or unsupported by a manager or team. Combat burnout by renewing your bank’s focus...
Lindsay LaNore: Lessons from an escape room
As teams, how well do we work under pressure? The ICBA Community Banker University team recently had a chance to think about that when, at our annual strategy and teambuilding meeting, we found...
Rebeca Romero Rainey: The spirit of service
Community banks stand out in today’s financial services space because our business model depends on an ecosystem where the bank only benefits when customers do.
Charles Potts: Fueling growth through innovation
Innovation is taking place all around us at a pace unlike anything we have ever experienced. We’ve developed an ecosystem to foster growth through innovative partnerships and community involvement.
SouthState Bank turns swag into art
After a recent merger, SouthState Bank had hundreds of unused T-shirts featuring its old logo. Rather than send them to the landfill, it donated them to a community textile arts project that...
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Budget prioritization
Community banks stand out in today’s financial services space because our business model depends on an ecosystem where the bank only benefits when customers do.
The community banks beating the Great Resignation
A mass exodus of the U.S. workforce during the pandemic brought challenges in recruiting entry- to mid-level staff. These community banks share how they have (or haven’t) altered their hiring...
Member Milestones: Landmark anniversaries
From centennials to dodransbicentennials (that’s 175 years), 36 community banks are marking significant anniversaries in 2022. Four presidents and CEOs reflect on how their banks survived the past,...
Jim Reber: Three chords and the truth
Country music evokes portfolio management themes.
Brad M. Bolton: Working through difficult times
Working through any difficulty or crisis at your community bank won’t be a walk in the park, but it may lead to an experience for which you’re truly grateful.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Shifts in lending
Loan providers are multiplying, and we cannot underestimate the need for a frictionless loan, one that removes hoops for our customers and feels simple, efficient and effective.
Introducing the 2022 ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator finalists
The 2022 ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator spotlighted some of the most innovative fintech providers. We asked this year’s cohort how community banks can harness today’s technologies and solutions to...
40 Under 40: Emerging Community Bank Leaders in 2022
Our fourth annual 40 Under 40: Emerging Community Bank Leaders competition highlights the achievements of young community bankers across the nation, who are leading the charge on the future of...
How gamification can be a boon for community banks
Community banks are getting into gamification—and it’s been better for business. Introducing gaming elements into apps and company training tools can result in cost savings, increased customer...