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Community First Bank’s PPP partnership
With little time to spare, Community First Bank prepared itself for a wave of Paycheck Protection Program applications by quickly implementing technology through a new fintech partner. Now, it’s...
Lindsay LaNore: Boost your connections
Connection is about creating relationships and having respectful and authentic conversations that go beyond the surface. Creating meaningful connection starts with being friendly and genuine,...
Holding true in tough times
When New York City was the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, Maspeth Federal Savings Bank responded with a community-focused campaign that helped save local businesses and improve the lives of...
Uwharrie Bank and the power of connection
Realizing that many residents of the greater Charlotte, N.C., area face barriers to housing and financial prosperity, Uwharrie Bank is connecting with local organizations in a mission to uplift...
How Systematic Savings Bank turned around
When Derek Fraley joined Systematic Savings Bank as president and CEO in 2017, it was in trouble. To save it, he changed the community bank’s charter, launched an IPO and executed sweeping culture...
Out of Office: Dan Carey
Dan Carey, president and CEO of $239 million-asset VISIONBank in Fargo, N.D., has always had dogs in his life. He takes special care in training his two black Labradors, Piper and Scout, who play a...
How Fidelity Bank boosts nonprofits
Beyond standing by its community for more than a century, Fidelity Bank supports nearby nonprofits through financial support, volunteering and specialized banking products.
3 banks investing in communities under the CRA
Many community banks invest in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods to make lasting impacts while also getting Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, credit. Here’s how three community banks are...
2020’s National Community Bank Service Award winner? You
ICBA’s National Community Bank Service Awards celebrates the community banks that have stepped up for their communities. Instead of highlighting a few winners, this year we are honoring all...
40 Under 40: 2020’s Emerging Community Bank Leaders
Our second annual 40 Under 40: Emerging Community Bank Leaders competition uncovered some amazing talent. Meet our 2020 winners and hear their thoughts on the industry’s future.
ICBA’s best-performing community banks
Our annual list of the year’s top-performing community banks boasts institutions that focus on efficiency and the personal service that builds strong, lasting relationships. Their success last year...
How to get and keep new customers
Customers have more choices than ever about where and how to do their banking. Community banks must find the right ways to engage them if they want to win and retain their loyalty. Here are the...
Why these banks are supporting women entrepreneurs
In the past 50 years, women have gone from a small part of the business community to a significant—and fast-growing—segment. How can community banks form mutually beneficial relationships with this...
The juicy story behind First Citrus Bank
Established 21 years ago, First Citrus Bank’s strategic planning is now bearing fruit. At the core of the Tampa, Fla., community bank is a set of fundamental values that define how its associates...
Meet the winners of ICBA’s 2019 National Community Bank Service Awards
Whether they’re helping their community recover from devastating forest fires, or investing in first responders, ICBA’s 2019 National Community Bank Service Award winners are rolling up their...
40 Under 40: 2019’s Emerging Community Bank Leaders
Independent Banker asked community bankers to nominate emerging leaders under the age of 40 in 2019. Here are short profiles of 40 young innovators who are making waves in the industry but still...
Why banks are becoming B Corps
With a commitment to better business practices, B Corps, designated by the non-profit B Lab, are a growing force that count many financial institutions and household brands as members. Could being...
Community Bank CFO Outlook 2019: What are your peers forecasting?
Independent Banker’s Community Bank CFO Outlook survey asked community bank C how they plan to tackle financial challenges, from complying with high-profile accounting standards to utilizing...
Community Spirit: Dennis Frandsen
After a lengthy entrepreneurial career, Dennis Frandsen of Frandsen Bank & Trust is giving back by helping Minnesota students pay their tuition.
Community Bank CEO Outlook 2019: What’s on your peers’ to-do list?
Independent Banker’s inaugural Community Bank CEO Outlook survey asked community bank CEOs how they plan to meet their challenges this year. Read on for a glimpse of their to-do lists for 2019,...
Meet the winners of ICBA’s 2018 National Community Bank Service Awards
Whether they are overhauling local education, main streets or even their own reputation, ICBA’s 2018 National Community Service Award winners were unafraid to dig deep—figuratively and sometimes...
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?
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...
Brad M. Bolton: Community continuation
Community continuation is not about checking a regulatory box; it means putting a name to the people who will be the future of our banks.
40 Under 40: 2025's Community Bank Leaders
Our seventh annual 40 Under 40 community bank leaders awards shine a light on inspiring people who take bettering their workplaces to the next level.
First National Bank & Trust Awards $10,000 in Small Business Grants
First National Bank & Trust in Iron Mountain, Michigan, recently awarded $10,000 grants to two local businesses. The $412 million-asset community bank secured the funding through the Federal Home...
Out of Office: Colleen Beach Powers Her Local Fire Station
The BSA officer at $626 million-asset Tioga State Bank in Spencer, New York, has volunteered with Community Fire & Rescue in Van Etten, New York, for 15 years, providing behind-the-scenes support...
Grand Savings Bank's Blog Powers its Content Marketing
Grand Savings Bank uses its blog as a marketing tool to educate customers, spotlight employees and showcase the communities it serves.
40 Under 40: 2026's Community Bank Leaders
Our eighth annual 40 Under 40 Community Bank Leaders awards highlight the people who are shaping the present and future of our industry. The winners stand out for their achievements in the...
Nominations Open for 2026's Best Community Banks to Work For Award
Does your community bank pride itself on being an amazing place to work? Now’s your chance to be recognized as one of ICBA’s Best Community Banks to Work For.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Why Service is the Heart of the Community Bank Difference
Discover how community banks drive economic prosperity through relationship banking, small business loans, agricultural lending and ICBA advocacy.