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Lindsay LaNore: How to Play Well Without the Ball
There’s a rule that applies on the basketball court that can also be applied in the workplace. It’s called the 95% rule, and this is how it works.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jack E. Hopkins: Employing a Multilayered Cybersecurity Approach
Cybersecurity keeps me up at night.
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.
Digital Banking for the Modern Age
For community banks, digital transformation has moved from an industry colloquialism to a punch list reality.
ICBA Certification Q&A: Susan McLaughlin
As a certified community bank internal auditor (CCBIA), Susan McLaughlin shares how internal auditors play a vital role in community banking.
ICBA’s 2021/22 executive committee: Close the distance (part 2)
These online-exclusive interviews with the 2021/22 ICBA executive members gets their thoughts on their goals, on innovation at their banks, and on effective advocacy.
Inviting Questions to Spark Better Conversations
We all know how powerful curiosity can be. Every great leader knows that inviting feedback and questions from their team can be a highly collaborative and productive process.
It's a Wonderful (Community Banking) Life
While I may be biased, I believe that being a community banker is the best profession there is.
How to Encourage Innovation Beyond the C-Suite
Thinking outside the box isn’t only a job for the C-suite. Employees at all levels can—and should—contribute to innovation at their community banks. Here are some ideas from your peers about how to...
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.
Best Community Banks to Work For 2024
In a tight labor market, current and prospective employees are drawn to good pay, attractive benefits and, importantly, a sense of purpose.
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.
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...
Establishing the Right Dynamic at Family-Owned Banks
Family-run community banks, like any family business, come with both strengths and challenges.
Endeavor Bank Turns Business Banking into a Conversation
Endeavor Bank’s consultative banking model boosts business banking with tailored meetings, onboarding roadmaps and community connections.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Leveling the Playing Field
They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, but when it comes to financial services, it doesn’t make for a fair banking environment.
2024 National Community Bank Service Awards
Phelps County Bank and Woodsboro Bank’s outstanding charitable work has earned them recognition as ICBA’s 2024 National Community Bank Service Award winners.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Remaining Nimble Against a Litany of Regulation
Flexibility: It’s one of the characteristics that sets our community banks apart, enabling us to meet the needs of distinct communities in unique ways.
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.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Putting the Person in Personalized Marketing
When it comes to community bank marketing, it’s about the person, not the product.
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...
SouthState Bank Unlocks the Doors to Homeownership
The annual income required of potential homebuyers recently experienced its largest increase on record.
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.
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.
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.
Rockland Trust Turns Small Business Dreams Into Reality
Through its annual Small Business, Big Dreams contest, Rockland Trust offers small businesses a chance to win up to $20,000 in funding.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Connected As Independent Community Banks
When you enter ICBA’s headquarters, you are greeted with a large U.S. map that contains a peg for each community bank and a singular cord linking them all together.
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.
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.
Member Milestones 2024: Steadfast Banks for Modern Times
Every time a community bank celebrates a significant anniversary, it’s a reminder that our relationship-based business model transcends time and generations.
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.
Find Your Rhythm at ICBA LIVE 2025
Do you hear that? That’s the sound of community bankers across the nation heading to Nashville to learn, network and enjoy all Music City has to offer.
Preparing and Nurturing Future Bank Leaders
How can community banks foster future leaders and make sure they’re prepared to take on a managerial role? It takes a healthy dose of attention, understanding and room for trial and error.
Insights from ICBA's Minority Bank Advisory Council
Minority depository institutions ensure their communities have access to the financial services that will help them succeed in the long term.
Stearns Bank Lays Groundwork in Minnesota's Hmong Community
Stearns Bank is fostering trust, financial empowerment and meaningful relationships with Minnesota’s sizable Hmong community by establishing a branch in one of their cultural hubs.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Nurturing the Community Bank Ecosystem
The start of a new year brings with it opportunities, and as we enter 2025, we do so with an eye toward the potential that awaits.
Powering Potential: How ICBA Membership Cultivates a Network of Support
ICBA’s reach extends from the U.S. government all the way to the smallest member bank. We hear from two community bank leaders about how their ICBA membership has helped their banks.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: AI, the New Frontier
If you’ve ever watched an episode of “Star Trek,” you’ve heard its famous introduction proclaiming we must “boldly go where no man has gone before.”
Independent Financial: A New Model for Expanding Healthcare Access
Independent Financial asked what its community needed most, then undertook an innovative approach to supporting public health.
High Plains Bank: Making Banking Easier for Spanish Speakers
In partnership with ICBA preferred service provider Jack Henry, High Plains Bank is working to remove financial barriers and enhance the banking experience for Colorado’s large Hispanic community.
Out of Office: Rachell Bilbrey
The senior vice president and director of treasury at $1.8 billion-asset Builtwell Bank in Chattanooga, Tenn., finds creative fulfillment through conceptualizing, creating and styling home interiors.
Community Bank Tactics for Recruiting Tech Superstars
The battle for tech talent continues to be a difficult one for community banks. But with the right approach, bank leadership can appeal to a segment of tech-savvy individuals fit for the job.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Communication Is Key to Mitigating Fraud
Cybersecurity and fraud mitigation remain significant priorities for community banks as attacks get more creative and targeted.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Conversations Must Determine Our Innovation Budgets
Innovation is one of those line items that can be hard to wrap our heads around.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Making a Difference, One Act at a Time
Community bankers are driven by a spirit of service. Giving back to our communities is simply a part of who we are.
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.
How Community Banks Can Build a Risk-Savvy Board
For community bank board members to mitigate risk effectively throughout the organization, each director needs to understand their role.
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.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Battling the Many Faces of Fraud, Together
When it comes to fraud, we are being hit on all fronts with scams that range from the very basic to the most sophisticated.