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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.
Charles Potts: The Innovation Journey Moves into 2024
For me, the close of the year signals a time for reflection, for taking stock of our accomplishments and formulating a plan to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Jim Reber: Pushing the Boundaries
Cost of funds is putting pressure on bond portfolio’s net margins.
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.
Derek Williams: The True Community Difference
As we close out 2023, I’ve been reflecting on the influence community banks have had this year.
How Important Are Brick-And-Mortar Branches?
Despite the growing use of online banking and mobile apps, the branch remains an important part of community banks' retail strategy. But how are these branches changing?
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.
Community Banks' Regulatory Guidance for Third-Party Relationships
Earlier this year, federal bank regulatory agencies released final guidance on third-party risk management for financial institutions. Here’s what community banks need to know.
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.
Banking the Nonprofit Way
Helping their communities: It’s the community bank way, but it’s not always done through volunteering. These banks tell us how they support nonprofits in their areas, helping organizations amplify...
Michael Emancipator: ICBA Advocacy Results in Nationwide 1071 Delay
ICBA will continue to work with policymakers to pursue 1071 relief for community banks.
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...
How to Successfully Negotiate a Fintech Partnership
Partnering with one or more fintechs can help community banks keep up with the pace of technological development. Community bankers and other experts give us their tips for finding the right fit.
Using Data to Boost Mortgage Lending
Can community banks reengage existing mortgage customers through data, or find new ones? We spoke to experts on where to find data that could increase sales—and what to do with it.
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.
Charles Potts: The Great Digital Strategy Reset
Digital first. How many times have community banks heard that over the past few years? It’s been repetitive in ongoing banking evolution, and with it comes increasing pressure on the technology stack.
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...
How to Boost Your Bank's Digital Payment Security
Now more than ever, cybercrime is a top priority for banking leaders. We spoke to experts on how community banks can prevent bad actors from infiltrating their systems.
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.
8 Ways Community Banks Can Boost Small Business Lending
Small businesses and community banks are a perfect pairing. Community banks play a key role in giving small businesses needed capital and guidance so they can survive and thrive.
Derek Williams: The Human Side of Banking
When I think about my blessings as a community banker, it comes down to our relationship model. In a society that has become increasingly disconnected, our model puts the human back into banking.
How to Talk to Customers About Crypto
Most of your customers might not be investing in crypto, but their money is at risk if they do. That’s why community banks should stay current on cryptocurrency developments and be prepared to...
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.”
Ron Haynie: The GSE Conservatorship Should End Now
After 15 years, the federal government should end its conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The conservatorship prevents these enterprises from operating like a privately run entity.
Can Third-Party Vendors Ease Wealth Management?
Community banks with wealth management programs can access a new source of revenue, but starting from scratch can be a major undertaking.
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.
Is Cybersecurity Insurance Worth the Higher Premiums?
Cybersecurity should be a foundational element of any community bank, but do you really need to be insured for it, especially as premiums rise? We spoke to experts to learn more about cyber insurance.
Charles Potts: Put Innovative Thinking to Work in Risk Mitigation
Risk mitigation—supported by innovative thinking—drives reward for our banks, our customers and our communities.
Derek Williams: Strengthening Cybersecurity Together
While cyberattacks are not going away, we’re all in this battle together and can learn from one another.
How Community Banks Can Support Self-Employed and Gig Workers
Gig workers and self-employed individuals make up a growing sector of the workforce in the U.S. This group of workers has specific needs when it comes to banking. Here’s how community banks are...
Risk or Reward: A Community Bank's Guide to AI
What do community banks need to know about getting started with AI, how can it boost efficiency across departments—and how to manage risk? We spoke to experts from ICBA and beyond to learn...
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.