Independent Banker - December 2022 - 7

FROM THE TOP
" People want to be a part of something
bigger than themselves, and community
banks provide that opportunity. "
Brad M. Bolton
Chairman, ICBA
Brad M. Bolton is president and
CEO of Community Spirit Bank in
Red Bay, Ala.
ommunity banking is about
serving the greater good. As
community continuators, we are part
of something bigger than ourselves.
We support civic clubs, Lions Clubs,
the Relay for Life, our local schools
and so much more, because these
issues matter to the communities
we serve.
C
Month after month, we're called
to support any number of great
causes, and we step up to the plate,
because community bankers embody
what it means to operate in a culture
of service.
Thankfully, this give-back
philosophy helps drive employee
engagement and loyalty. People want
to be a part of something bigger than
themselves, and community banks
provide that opportunity. We not
only encourage but expect our team
members to be out in the community,
serving on boards, civic clubs and
even in city government. There is no
one better to help lead a community
than those who know it best: its local
community bankers.
So, as we read this month's issue
featuring the best community banks
to work for, keep in mind that the
common thread among each of
these unique stories is that they are
community banks that lead with a
spirit of service. Their approaches
look different because their
communities are different, but at their
core, each one has a servant's heart,
one that extends to their employees.
Their culture of service is what
attracts employees to them, and in
turn, ensures that they have engaged,
enthusiastic teams.
My top three
Year-end tips
1. Use social media to tell your
community bank's story
of service.
2. Send a handwritten thankyou
note to every member
of your team.
3. Be thankful for your success
and our ability to serve our
fellow humans.
As we close out the year, I hope
we'll all take the time to be thankful
that we work in the best industry on
earth. Community bankers from every
level of the organization carry the title
of a protector of Main Street, serving
small business owners, farmers,
community leaders and consumers to
the best of our ability every day. Any
time you come across a local event in
your community, I guarantee you will
see a local community bank behind
it all, and that is what makes me so
proud to be a community banker.
We community bankers are one
huge family serving millions of
customers across this country. What
we collectively achieve together we
could never do alone, and I am so
thankful for that. It is an honor to
serve alongside all of you and tell our
stories together.
I wish everyone a merry Christmas
and a prosperous 2023. This year has
brought us much success; let us never
forget where our blessings originate. 
Connect with Brad @BradMBolton
independentbanker.org Q 7
Photo by Chris Williams
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - December 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Independent Banker - December 2022
