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Could Freelancers Solve Your Bank's Staffing Problems?
During staff shortages, leaves and short-term projects, freelancers can fulfill the needs of your community bank in a variety of areas and concentrations.
Who are ICBA's Top Lenders of 2024?
Whether it’s navigating tumultuous markets or providing employees with remote work options, flexibility is a key component in the success of this year’s ICBA top lenders.
Lindsay LaNore: Make Space for Creativity
Out of all the qualities that make a great leader, it could be argued that creativity ranks highest.
Out of Office: Mark Jones
The president and CEO of $1.3 billion-asset Saco & Biddeford Savings Bank in Saco, Maine, lives to capture the moment through photography.
KS Bank Invests in Tomorrow's Bankers
Last summer, KS Bank of Smithfield, N.C., partnered with the Career and Technical Education center at Johnston County Public Schools to hire its first summer intern.
Powering Potential: Start Planning for the August Recess
In August, your member of Congress will be back in your district looking for things to do. Help them fill their schedule with a visit to your bank.
Furthering Education at Dream First Bank
Dream First Bank empowers agriculture, entrepreneurial and commercial business customers with educational seminars and programs designed to fuel business success.
Community Banks Financing Lake Country
In lake regions across the U.S., vacation homes, boats and other watersports vehicles abound—all of which present an undeniable opportunity for community banks.
Sanibel Captiva Toys Around
From late November until Dec. 15, 2023, $890 million-asset Sanibel Captiva Community Bank hosted a toy drive at all seven of its open branches.
b1Bank Paves the Way for New Businesses
Entrepreneurs find education and capital through b1Bank’s b1 Foundation, furthering its small business relationships and the community’s economic development.
Readying the Bench: A Guide for Community Bank Succession Planning
Community banks can prevent costly and disruptive talent gaps by kicking their succession plans into gear sooner rather than later.
40 Under 40: 2024's Community Bank Leaders
Our sixth annual 40 Under 40 community bank leaders awards recognize an insightful group of professionals who have continuously stepped up to make a difference in their communities.
Out of Office: Ben Flowers
The CEO of $770 million-asset Mainstreet Community Bank of Florida in DeLand, Fla., learned to ride a unicycle in elementary school and still puts his skills to use nearly 50 years later.
Powering Potential: A Successful Year for ICBA's National Campaign
Since its debut in April 2023, the ICBA National Campaign and its vital marketing resources have made significant headway in raising awareness for community banks and their mission.
Lindsay LaNore: How To Be An Ambassador For Change
Whether your bank is a de novo or a long-established institution, change is an inescapable constant.
Mission Valley Bank: Giving Where You Live
Serving its community in the Santa Clarita Valley is one of Mission Valley Bank’s founding principles. Its community work is best exemplified by its Give Where You Live program for nonprofits.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: A New Tool For Your Team's Career Development
As community bankers, we each wear multiple hats and have throughout the course of our careers.
6 Ways to Deepen Small-Business Relationships
When it comes to small businesses, a personal touch is needed to develop the relationship between bank and business.
Paycheck Protection Program's Impact Four Years On
Community banks went above and beyond to help customers and noncustomers alike during the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) four years ago, and they continue to reap the benefits of that service.
ICBA's Best-Performing Banks of 2024
These community banks hit their stride in 2024, and they intend to keep the momentum going with hard work, flexibility and the expertise they've built over their years of service.
ICBA Certification Q&A: Lisa Cronk
In the first of our new Powering Potential series, we meet Lisa C. Cronk, the compliance and audit control officer at Lake Elmo Bank in Minneapolis.
7 Strategies for Raising Bank Deposits
Community banks must maintain a competitive edge to stay on top of their deposits.
Out of Office: Ashley Burt
The CEO and president of $230 million-asset Gunnison Bank and Trust Company in Gunnison, Colo., likes to live life in the fast lane as a race car driver.
Alliance Bank Elevates Community Wellness
Last October, $440 million-asset Alliance Bank in Francesville, Ind., donated $1,000 to the Community Wellness Center of Winamac, a local gym.
How Marketing Impacts Community Banks' Recruiting
A marketing campaign could be the first thing a prospective employee sees while researching your community bank.
Warsaw Federal Bank's Unique Path to MDI Status
Cincinnati-based Warsaw Federal Bank has just become one of the state’s two minority depository institutions, with a focus on bringing banking to the city’s underserved communities.
Lindsay LaNore: 10 Quick Wins For New Leaders
Here’s the scenario: You’ve just been put in charge of a new team or new project. No matter how seasoned a leader you are, that can be daunting.
Dieterich Bank Inspires Young Entrepreneurs
Dieterich Bank’s KidPreneur Pop Up Shop program has taught the younger generation how to build and run their own businesses.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Why the Community Bank Story Matters in Advocacy
As we enter Community Banking Month, I am thrilled to honor the ways community banks step up to champion the needs of their communities.
Banking With Heart: How Community Banks Support Customers' Dreams
In honor of Community Banking Month, here are stories from six banks about how their work helps customers achieve their dreams.
Can Community Banks Benefit from Culture Leadership Positions?
Is culture something that falls into place naturally or something that is cultivated?
Out of Office: Beth Whitehead
The executive vice president and chief administrative officer of $9.2 billion-asset American Savings Bank (ASB) in Honolulu has more than 100 pairs of Converse shoes, also known as Chucks.
A Shadow Day for Students at State Nebraska Bank & Trust
State Nebraska Bank & Trust in Wayne, Neb., recently showed local high school students the ins and outs of community banking.
Meet ICBA's 2024/25 Board of Directors
The 2024/25 ICBA board of directors is raring to go. With their eyes set on community bank advocacy, they have high hopes of what they can achieve during their term.
Member Benefits: ICBA PAC
ICBA PAC is the only federal political action committee dedicated entirely to community bank causes. See how ICBA PAC elevates you—the community banker—and ensures your voice is heard.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Putting the Person in Personalized Marketing
When it comes to community bank marketing, it’s about the person, not the product.
Meet Lucas White, 2024/25 ICBA Chairman and Fourth-Gen Community Banker
Lucas White, fourth-generation family banker and president of The Fountain Trust Company in Covington, Ind., begins his term as the 2024/25 ICBA chairman.
Crossbridge Community Bank's Golden Opportunity for Seniors
Through its Golden Community Club program, Crossbridge Community Bank goes the extra mile for its senior customers and offers an array of social and educational resources.
What Makes a Good Manager?
Even though taking on managerial duties often comes part and parcel with a promotion, not everyone is suited to it.
Legends Bank Gives Local Charities a Real Shot
Thanks to Legends Bank, local charities have financial support to bolster their efforts.
Member Benefits: Be Proactive With Crisis Preparedness
ICBA’s Crisis Preparedness website offers resources to help community bankers plan for and mitigate the effects of a catastrophe, whether it’s a natural disaster, a cyberattack or an in-person threat.
SouthState Bank Unlocks the Doors to Homeownership
The annual income required of potential homebuyers recently experienced its largest increase on record.
Lindsay LaNore: Developing Drive
Drive. It’s a quality we all need and a characteristic we look for when hiring new employees, considering who to promote and identifying leaders within the bank. Yet, it’s often elusive.
Out of Office: Curtis Anderson
The executive vice president of $12.6 billion-asset Veritex Community Bank in Dallas, Texas, relives his childhood through his collection of unique vending and self-service machines from decades past.
Countybank's Half-Century of Charitable Giving
In a show of unwavering support, Countybank founded the Countybank Foundation more than 50 years ago to fulfill its mission to improve every community it serves.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: The Spirit of Community
As it’s often stated, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” When applied to community banking, that sentiment couldn’t be truer. We come together as a community of bankers, having one another’s best...
From Vision to Reality: How CDFIs and MDIs Fund Their Important Efforts
Minority-owned banks are a lifeline to their communities—but their needs often outstrip deposits. These MDIs are securing the capital and resources to LIFT UP their communities.
Out of Office: Ilene Baker
The vice president, human resources manager, of $2.2 billion-asset First Western Bank & Trust in Minot, N.D., and her husband run an organic farm and have even started a local farmers market.
Member Benefits: Educated Investing With ICBA Securities
In partnership with its exclusively endorsed broker Stifel, ICBA Securities offers practical and educational investment resources for community banks across the nation.
Digitizing the Commercial Lending Process
With a new digital commercial loan solution, The Killbuck Savings Bank Co. has catapulted its commercial lending and loan origination system into the high-speed digital era.
Get Ready for ICBA LIVE 2024
Connect with your fellow bankers at this year’s ICBA LIVE in Orlando and gain new tools, further your knowledge and witness the undeniable truth that community bankers are here for good.
United Community Bank's Patriotic Fundraising for Veterans
Last September, $330 million-asset United Community Bank in Perham, Minn., raised $16,600 for Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN during its “Food for Flight” fundraiser.
Charles Potts: The Powerful Role of Data in Community Bank Innovation
Data is king. Everyone—from Big Tech to retailers to systems providers—prioritizes data for its ability to deliver on revenue expectations.
ENTER NOW: 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders awards
Nominations for 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders 2024 are now open! 40 Under 40 seeks to recognize community banking’s brightest, most promising young professionals. Winners are featured in...
American Savings Bank Rallies Around Maui
Right after the devastating fires in Hawaii last August, American Savings Bank jumped into action to support those affected not just as bankers, but as fellow community members.
Lindsay LaNore: Self-Awareness in Leadership
Taking time for self-reflection helps create a culture of inclusion and acceptance, where individuality is celebrated and individual strengths become collective strengths.
Stearns Bank N.A.'s Mission for Senior Housing
Though Stearns Bank N.A. has experienced significant growth over the years, the $2.2 billion-asset community bank hasn’t forgotten its roots.
Build a Better Board-Succession Process
As customer requirements evolve, a forward-thinking community bank board of directors is critical. Two community bankers explain how they set their boards up for success.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Continuing the Climb for Our Communities
As we enter 2024, we see a steep climb amid so many headwinds, including volatile interest rate and supervisory environments, emerging regulatory reforms, constant pressure on margins and more....
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.