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Inside the new style of leadership
Successful community bank leaders inspire from the top while putting the team first. Here’s how.
2017 ICBA National Community Bank Service Award Honorees
In extraordinary circumstances, this year’s National Community Bank Service Award honorees have gone the extra mile for their communities.
How to boost creativity at your bank
Large corporations that lack the agility of startups often turn to “intrapreneurship” to make time and space for creative development in the workplace. Should community banks be doing the same?
What happens when a bank hits $10 billion?
How—and when—should you prepare for the regulatory and cultural aftershocks? And can smaller but ambitious community banks learn from these best-practice preparations?
West Shore Bank and Timberland Bank Offer Unique Avenues for Charitable Giving
West Shore Bank and Timberland Bank are fostering generosity by giving their customers unique avenues to support local charities.
Out of Office: Evelyn Franco
The chief operating officer at $970 million-asset Frontier Bank of Texas in Elgin, Texas, is determined to hike and canyoneer through all 63 U.S. national parks alongside her sister.
First American Bank Draws a Chalk Path of Kindness
First American Bank in Artesia, New Mexico, embraced the spirit of Random Acts of Kindness Month in February.
Member Milestones 2025: Community Banks Are Here to Stay
Community banking requires vigor, skill and passion to withstand the test of time. That’s why ICBA is honoring member banks celebrating 100, 125, 150, 175 and even 200 years in service.
KS Bank Helps Make Retirement Plans Happen
KS Bank’s wealth division provides retirement benefits planning services to its business clients to help them save money and attract and retain employees.
Out of Office: Skyler Kanipe
The project manager at $1.4 billion-asset Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB) in Benton, Kentucky, is always on the lookout for her next vintage find.
CedarStone Bank Recognizes and Thanks Local Teachers
Through its annual Teacher of the Year program, CedarStone Bank recognizes the dedication of Wilson County educators who inspire students and make a difference in their schooling every day.
Building Bright Futures with Financial Education
High school financial literacy courses are an opportunity for community banks to set local youth up for success. See how some community banks are making a difference in financial education today.
2025 National Community Bank Service Awards
Gulf Coast Bank and Legends Bank run thoughtful and strategic programs that support their neighbors. That’s why they’ve been named the winners of the 2025 National Community Bank Service Awards.
Katahdin Trust Company Shoots and Scores for Youth Athletes
In March, $1 billion-asset Katahdin Trust Company (KTC) in Houlton, Maine, teamed up with Big Time Hoops to host its All Star Weekend.
Patriots Bank Goes Pink to Fight Breast Cancer
Patriots Bank launched a special debit card to generate emotional and financial support for breast cancer patients, and it has generated over $20,000 so far.
Bank of the Pacific Strikes Up Support for a Local Nonprofit
In March, Bank of the Pacific in Aberdeen, Washington, sponsored the Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser for Friends of the Children Portland.
Out of Office: Brad Henion
The executive vice president and chief lending officer at $4.4 billion-asset ChoiceOne Bank in Sparta, Michigan, has trained hunting dogs for decades.
MainStreet Bank Empowers the Community, One Employee At a Time
Through its Making Change program, MainStreet Bank implores its employees to engage in and contribute to community work.
BayCoast Bank Helps Craft a Playhouse Fit for a Princess
In June 2023, BayCoast Bank in Swansea, Massachusetts, joined forces with a network of community partners to create a playhouse for a young girl with life-limiting medical challenges.
Out of Office: John and Lou Buhrmaster
John Buhrmaster, chief executive officer at 1st National Bank of Scotia in Scotia, New York, shares how he and his father, chairman Lou Buhrmaster, have a unique connection to vintage taxi cabs.
Community State Bank Brews Up Coffee and Community
Community State Bank and Shepherds College united to create Shepherds Community Café, a donation-based coffee shop that fosters occupational experience for students with different needs.
First National Bank Colorado Fights Hunger in Its Community
Last August, team members from First National Bank Colorado in Las Animas, Colorado, got to work at the Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado.
American Heritage Bank Offers Financial Donations, No Questions Asked
American Heritage Bank’s Community Chest program brings the community together to support those in need, one donation at a time.
The Best Community Banks to Work For 2025
Our 2025 Best Community Banks to Work For winners pride themselves on competitive benefits, fun and fulfilling cultures, and a belief in work-life balance. Hear from leaders and staff about how...
Do You Want to Be Featured in Out of Office?
Over the years, we’ve shined a spotlight on community bankers with hobbies ranging from skydiving and vintage shopping to winemaking and showing livestock. Now, we’re on the hunt for more...
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Let's Continue the Course in the New Year
Rebeca Romero Rainey, president and CEO of ICBA, shares why it's more important than ever to ensure that community banks are actively engaged and leveraging the power of the tools that ICBA provides.
Out of Office: Olympia Reed
The regional branch operations manager for Lumbee Guaranty Bank in Pembroke, North Carolina, regularly cooks for family, friends and coworkers at the $540 million-asset community bank.
The Power of Healthy Dissent in Leadership
Discover how healthy dissent fuels stronger teams and better decisions. Learn leadership strategies to foster dialogue and innovation.
Community Banking & Healthcare in Illinois
See how Longview Capital Corporation partnered with Remote Area Medical to provide free medical, dental and vision care, transforming lives in Illinois communities.
Powering Potential: How ICBA LIVE Is Crafted for Community Bankers
Every year, ICBA puts together a dynamic conference that puts community bankers front and center. Learn more about ICBA LIVE and how every educational session, speaker and meet-up event is built...
ENTER NOW: 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders awards
Nominations for 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders 2026 are now open! 40 Under 40 seeks to recognize community banking’s brightest, most promising young professionals. Winners are featured in...
Wes Beedon's Love of Classic Rock
A Minnesota community banker tells us why he finds joy in performing live music.
Citizens Trust Bank Honored for its Historical Significance
Learn why an Atlanta community bank was recognized by the Georgia Historical Society for its community impact over the past century.
Skyline National Bank Celebrates Local Music
See how Skyline National Bank’s Sounds of Skyline music competition strengthened community connection, improved brand visibility, and drove website visits through an innovative local marketing...
Leading a Community Bank Through a CEO Transition
CEO transitions are critical moments for community banks. Hear from new bank leaders on how listening, mentorship and steady communication help build trust and maintain stability during leadership...
Karin Smith's Journey from Banking to Beading
A California community banker on her passion for creating and selling her own jewelry.
Community Bank of Cameron Spices Up Fundraising with a Specialty Barbecue Rub
Commuinity Bank of Cameron regulary supports local food shelves with food donations. But this holiday season, they put a new spin their annual giving by launching "Banking with BBQ."
How a Community Bank Uses Customer Stories
For its 25th anniversary, Willamette Valley Bank turned customer testimonials into a high-impact video asset. Discover how community-focused storytelling builds trust, deepens relationships, and...
How Penn Community Bank Tackles Food Insecurity
As food insecurity surged, Penn Community Bank went beyond a traditional food drive mobilizing employees, donations, and nonprofit partnerships to support neighbors across five Pennsylvania counties.
Ballston Spa National Bank Hits a Hole-in-One for the Community
Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB) in Ballston Spa, New York, brought creativity, connection and community spirit to the Saratoga County Annual Business Showcase last fall, transforming a...