Independent Banker - December 2023 - 7

FROM THE TOP
" While the biggest banks look strictly at
the financial results and focus on doing
well, community banks look at our overall
impact and focus on doing good. "
Derek Williams
Chairman, ICBA
Derek Williams is president and
CEO of Century Bank & Trust in
Milledgeville, Ga.
targeting new debt and capital
proposals to banks over $100 billion
in assets.
s we close out 2023, I've been
reflecting on the influence
community banks have had as a
community this year. In a difficult
regulatory environment, it feels like
we're fighting an uphill battle, but I
look at it like ripples on a pond: When
we share our message, the collective
voice of this community creates
far‑reaching circles of impact.
Think back to where we were
in March, during ICBA LIVE in
Honolulu, when the failures of Silicon
Valley Bank and Signature Bank of
New York were announced, causing
a media response that suggested
a new " banking crisis. " ICBA used
this opportunity to double down
on our message that community
banks are distinct from the largest
banks. That differentiation was
heard by policymakers, with the
vast majority of community banks
exempted from the FDIC proposed
special assessment. In addition,
policymakers have responded by
A
Or look at innovation and how
we're able to offer both high‑tech
and high‑touch relationships. In my
column last month, I talked about
how we provide both top technology
through fintech partnerships and
white‑glove service to our customers.
And when our customers share
their stories, that message ripples
far and wide. (Remember the
impact of our work on the Paycheck
Protection Program?)
But we're not ones to rest on our
laurels. We seek education to better
meet current and future customer
needs. ICBA's education program
offers the training required to do
our unique jobs, including programs
on task‑specific leadership and
supervisory skills. By increasing our
knowledge, we remain on the cusp of
emerging industry topics and, through
that expertise, reiterate our role as
trusted advisors to the communities
we serve.
Quote of the month
" Management is
doing things right;
leadership is doing
the right things. "
-PETER F. DRUCKER,
CONSULTANT, AUTHOR AND
EDUCATOR
Connect with Derek @DerekBWilliams
Being a community banker is the
greatest job in the world. While the
biggest banks look strictly at the
financial results and focus on doing
well, community banks look at our
overall impact and focus on doing
good. Every community bank is a
" best place to work, " because we
care about our communities and
customers, and the ripples of that
truth continue to have positive effects
on the environment around us.
While evaluating our business
successes during this holiday
season, I just want to remind you to
take the time to focus on personal
relationships as well. Show those
closest to you how much you care.
Give thanks for the blessings in your
life and use those blessings to enrich
the life of someone who needs them.
From the ICBA family and my
family to yours, have the happiest of
holiday seasons!
independentbanker.org // 7
Photo by Chris Williams
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - December 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Independent Banker - December 2023
