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How Community Banks Target and Support Fast-Growing Cities
Surging population growth brings opportunities for community banks that are positioned to take advantage of it.
Out of Office: Tim Aiken
After only having cycled as a way to stay fit in college, the president and CEO of $370 million-asset Union Bank in Middlebourne, W.Va., recently returned to the sport.
Member Benefits: New Look, Expanding Values
In November, ICBA announced a rebrand that would better represent the organization and its mission as a whole. Here’s what inspired and drove this change.
A Rare Partnership Between Two Community Banks
When Oconee State Bank acquired Elberton Federal Savings & Loan in a merger earlier this year, it saved the mutual savings institution from closing and deepened its commitment to the community.
Lindsay LaNore: The Gift of Clear Communication
In this season of giving, what can leaders do for their teams? Give them the gift of clear communication, rules of the road and pathways to success.
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank Gives Blood and Gives Back
With blood supply levels critically low in southwest Florida, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and its staff stepped up.
Member Benefits: Welcome to ICBA Community
An online network exclusively for member community banks, ICBA Community provides a platform for peer-to-peer discussion, advice and resource sharing.
Citizens Bank & Trust Brings Banking Back to School
Citizens Bank & Trust saw a need and a demand for financial literacy in local high schools. Now, the community bank has two school branches that are run by student tellers and teacher presidents.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Here for Good
The 2024 ICBA LIVE theme is “Here for Good,” and I am struck by how much that message resonates in all we do.
Best Community Banks to Work For 2023
How many other industries can boast that 97% of workers would recommend their employer to potential employees? The winners of the 2023 Best Community Banks To Work For Awards tell us how they keep...
Out of Office: Robert Fricke
The president of $120 million-asset Farmers and Merchants Bank in Ashland, Neb., has a deep appreciation for boats, particularly older wooden ones from the 1930s to the 1960s.
Moultrie Bank & Trust Makes Its Mark
Moultrie Bank & Trust opened in 2022 outside of a large metropolitan area and already has more than 400 investors and $21 million in capital. Here’s how they did it.
Bank of Anguilla Weathers the Storm
In the wake of a destructive tornado in Mississippi, Bank of Anguilla continues to develop initiatives that will help people recover from the damage and return home.
Out of Office: Kenesha Davis
Kenesha Davis, with Lincoln Savings Bank in Reinbeck, Iowa, has turned her hobby of crocheting into a successful side business. She creates handmade crochet goods that allow her to express her...
Tips For Community Bank Mentorship Programs
Mentorship programs benefit both mentors and mentees—and it doesn’t have to be an overly formal undertaking. We give tips for getting started.
Lindsay LaNore: Relishing Anticipation
There’s something about this time of year. The changing of the seasons, the chance to create memories. When it comes to making positive changes, the end of the year approaches, bringing resolutions.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Is Crypto Needed?
“While we have heard a wide range of rationale [for cryptocurrency], those concepts don’t seem founded in need as much as in justification.”
Member Benefits: Breaking Down Best Cybersecurity Practices
Bad actors continually find ways to commit cybercrimes. By using the ICBA Cyber Security Toolkit, community banks can make sure they’re prepared for cyber incidents.
Derek Williams: Strengthening Cybersecurity Together
While cyberattacks are not going away, we’re all in this battle together and can learn from one another.
Out of Office: Kris Ausborn
The CEO of $488 million-asset Iowa Trust & Saving Bank in Emmetsburg, Iowa, spends his free time waterskiing. Whether it’s with friends and family or as part of his club, he enjoys every second.
A Happy Halloween from First National Bank & Trust
First National Bank & Trust in Iron Mountain, Mich., sponsors the second annual Downtown Iron Mountain Pumpkin Walk event.
Lindsay LaNore: How to Dress Up Discussions
Workdays can bring exciting opportunities and challenging headwinds, and the ability to have open dialogue makes it easier to manage both. Communicating effectively within your team can unlock...
Oxford Bank Presents Cybersecurity Lessons from the FBI
Oxford Bank connected its community with the FBI during an educational, interactive session about the importance of cybersecurity and awareness.
Out of Office: Rich Moldenhauer
The vice president of operations and information technology at $185 million-asset New Market Bank in Elko New Market, Minn., carries on the beekeeping legacy of his father and grandfather.
Football, Fun and Fundraising at One Community Bank
On October 21, One Community Bank in Waunakee, Wisconsin, will host an outdoor viewing party for the University of Wisconsin-Madison football game. The event is a fundraiser for the Waunakee School...
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Combatting Cyber Threats
We need to continue our training … to identify threats and prepare ourselves, our staff and our customers for what’s possible and what’s potentially next.
Charles Potts: How Curiosity Leads to Innovation
How many times have you asked your customers what they need or how you can serve their needs? Asking these questions is crucial to improving the customer experience and ultimately ensuring lifelong...
Lindsay LaNore: Look for Learning Everywhere
Learning happens everywhere, and those lessons can have a big impact on our work performance, perspective and team culture.
Veritex Community Bank Throws a Fastball for Financial Literacy
This baseball season, every strikeout thrown by Houston Astros pitcher Ryan Pressly spurs a $100 donation to Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas—courtesy of Veritex Community Bank.
Derek Williams: At the Heart of Service
There’s a commitment to the community that’s based on one fact: Service is not something we strive for; it’s simply a part of who we are.
Primis Bank Brings Banking to Your Front Door
Inspired by a fateful food delivery, Primis Bank launched V1BE, a banking delivery service that serves both individuals and businesses.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Advocate for a Positive Environment
We advocate for community bankers to continue to have an environment where they can help their customers, and we respond creatively to ensure our customers still have access to solutions that meet...
ICBA's 2023 National Community Bank Service Award Winners
ICBA’s 2023 National Community Bank Service Award winners, First Federal Savings & Loan Association and Cross Bank, explain why, in the face of devastating natural disasters, it was natural to help...
ICBA's 2022 National Community Bank Service Award winners
The winners of ICBA’s National Community Bank Service Awards, which recognize member banks for their extraordinary efforts during the past year, are shining examples of the community bank difference.
Lindsay LaNore: The Swift Swap
How to build community in your teams and incorporate fun into the workday without breaking the budget or eating up valuable work time.
Derek Williams: Part of the Family
A bank that demonstrates it truly understands and cares about individual needs will create a meaningful relationship with that employee and strengthen retention in the process.
CFOs' Tips on a Changing Environment
Community bank chief financial officers are currently facing one of the most challenging environments in decades. Independent Banker recently spoke with community bank CFOs to see how they are...
Troy Bank & Trust Banks Carries the Torch for its Founder
Charles Henderson’s legacy as a businessman, politician and philanthropist continues to guide Alabama’s Troy Bank & Trust nearly a century after his death.
Member Benefits: ICBA Career Center
ICBA’s Career Center serves bankers who are both hiring and looking for jobs, connecting them to the financial institution careers and talent that they desire.
Out of Office: Dick Behl
The president of $35 million-asset Farmers & Merchants State Bank in Scotland, S.D., doubles as a weekend scuba instructor.