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Lindsay LaNore: Time for a check-in
Employees thrive when they receive regular, constructive feedback. Some experts suggest that having additional midyear or quarterly check-ins can be more effective than traditional annual reviews...
Robert Fisher: Lead with integrity
One of my early mentors told me, ‘It’s often easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.’ That piece of advice has … allowed us to be a little more progressive as a bank.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Staying the course
We must work to remain optimistic in the face of adversity and keep in mind that no matter how difficult that feat may be, it’s worth the effort.
ICBA’s best-performing community banks of 2020
Independent Banker’s annual listing of America’s best-performing community banks shows that nimble thinking and an adherence to good old-fashioned customer service can bring success, whatever the...
ICBA’s 2021/22 executive committee: Close the distance
The 2021/22 ICBA executive committee understands that community banks are at a turning point due to changing customer expectations and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. They tell us why...
40 Under 40: 2021’s Emerging Community Bank Leaders
Our third annual 40 Under 40: Emerging Community Bank Leaders competition highlights young community bankers who stepped up to help their banks navigate a chaotic year.
Lindsay LaNore: Making effective meetings
Meetings are a great opportunity to reinforce a team’s collective identity and establish a leader’s personal presence. They also offer participants a chance to find their voices. When organized and...
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Lead with purpose
Our approach to service is not about checking something off the list for today. It’s about making incremental positive change over time.
Robert Fisher: Creating strong culture
Culture is more than just how bank staff interact with one another; it’s about how we convey who we are to our customers.
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.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Focusing on our communities
Unlike our credit union counterparts, we pay taxes, and those tax dollars are spent at home to ensure our communities grow.
Robert Fisher: The importance of engagement
In today’s climate, our voices are vital not only to the future of financial services, but to the millions of small businesses and consumers who depend upon us.
New ICBA chairman Robert Fisher is in the driver’s seat
Faced with the unexpected and unexplainable, it’s hard to stay on course. But Robert Fisher is an expert at just that. ICBA’s next chairman is ready to help community banks and the customers they...
Noah Wilcox: Committed to community
Despite everything, we remain a thriving network of community banks, united in our common passion for and commitment to our communities.
What to expect at ICBA Connect
ICBA Connect is your moment to relax, reflect and recharge. This virtual event will be unlike anything you’ve seen before. Community bankers all over the country will come together, be inspired and...
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,...
Noah Wilcox: It’s all about connection
I hope to see you virtually at ICBA Connect. For community bankers, it’s all about that connection.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: You make an impact
From your focus on people to the good that you do, you make a lasting impact, and that’s what makes you uniquely who you are.
Noah Wilcox: Stay positive
To succeed in this environment, we must focus on the things we can control and remain positive, and that’s become my daily mantra.
Noah Wilcox: A year that defined community banks
It’s time to look toward the future, and I encourage you to hold onto this bigger-picture perspective to propel our communities out of this crisis.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Developing innovation strategy
Community banks are independent institutions fueled by the needs of their individual communities, so what constitutes innovation will look and feel different for every bank.
How community banks are reaching the unbanked
Millions of Americans don’t have bank accounts. Their reasons are their own; some lack financial literacy, and others’ trust in the banking system has been eroded. But many community banks are...
Why succession planning is key to bank independence
Independence is at the heart of many community banks’ ethos, but how do community bankers embed this core value into their strategic planning? Here are three critical strategies that use succession...
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 build the board your bank needs
Board succession planning is important for all banks, but getting the right board members is crucial—and complicated—for larger banks. Here’s how several community banks approached the...
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...
Inside the new style of leadership
Successful community bank leaders inspire from the top while putting the team first. Here’s how.
Climbing the Community Bank Career Ladder
What’s special about community banking is the support and growth young bankers see throughout their careers.
Lindsay LaNore: Why Following Up After Training Matters
We all know how important training programs are. Education is critical for keeping up to date with new developments and expanding skill sets, plus it’s often a great boost to morale.
A Decade of Trust. Ready For the Future of Governance.
Is your bank’s board ready for AI? Take the 2025 survey to benchmark your readiness, explore what peers are doing, and request a VIP seat at our exclusive webinar with ICBA’s Charles Potts.
What Makes a Leader Truly Great? Experts Weigh In
Good leadership is about much more than one individual’s impact on the bottom line. It’s about how effective leaders use these skills both internally and in the community to build a stronger bank.
How Can Legal Expertise Smooth Succession Transitions?
Succession planning is complicated in all sorts of ways. An attorney or legal team can help iron out the issues and lay out documents that ensure long-term continuity for community banks.
Lindsay LaNore: Strategic Success Starts with a Thoughtful Plan
It’s hard to believe it’s already May, but since we’re here, let’s talk about planning.
Lindsay LaNore: How to Bridge Gaps With Fellow Employees
In a diverse world, one of the greatest skills a leader can have is the ability to talk to people with different perspectives.
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.
Lindsay LaNore: 8 Healthy Habits for Conflict Resolution
We’re all different. We work differently, and we have different opinions, biases and values. Some of us thrive under pressure, while others shy away from confrontation.
ENTER NOW: 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders awards
Nominations for 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders 2025 are now open! 40 Under 40 seeks to recognize community banking’s brightest, most promising young professionals. Winners are featured in...
Lindsay LaNore: How to Celebrate Someone Else's Win
In this highly competitive world, we all need reminders to slow down and celebrate success, including the wins of others. Community bank leaders are uniquely positioned to be a cheerleader and...
Future of Community Banking: Mentoring the Next Generation
Discover how ICBA and industry leaders are mentoring the next generation of community bankers through targeted succession planning and professional development.
How to Nurture the Next Generation of Community Bank Leaders
Learn how to identify, train, and retain Gen Z workers as the next generation of community bank leaders. Explore expert strategies and real-world banking examples.
Payments Policy for Community Banks: Digital Asset Rules
Learn how community banks can navigate the new era of payments policy, digital asset regulations, and advocacy efforts with ICBA Payments CEO Jacob Eisen.
Incoming ICBA Chairman Alice Frazier on Leadership
Meet Alice Frazier, president and CEO of Potomac Bank and incoming ICBA chairman. Learn how her leadership journey, advocacy work and focus on developing the next generation of community bankers...