Independent Banker - January 2022 - 5

FLOURISH
" [A] spirit of innovation and
can-do attitude will serve you
well this year, helping you
remain ahead of the curve and
address issues that arise. "
Rebeca Romero Rainey
President and CEO, ICBA
ream big. Start small. But most
of all, start. " This sage advice
from best-selling author Simon Sinek
is the motivation we need to navigate
the new normal of this new year.
With the aftereffects of the
pandemic still at hand, community
banks are facing an unparalleled
level of uncertainty. This is not just
another year. We're confronting
historic margin compression, fee
income attacks, employee recruitment
challenges and the list goes on.
But as community bankers, we
rise to the challenge by taking the
next step forward. As the leaders of
our organizations, what we do drives
the path ahead. And as we prioritize
where to start, we recognize that
it's not about being on the bleeding
edge. Rather, it's about focusing
on what we can do to better guide
our organization in these new and
different times.
" D
were able to think outside the box to
find the solutions that spoke to your
bank's internal infrastructure and
customer-facing offerings. That spirit
of innovation and can-do attitude will
serve you well this year, helping you
remain ahead of the curve and address
issues that arise.
And you're not in this alone. We are
a community of community bankers,
and we lean on one another. Whether
it's amplifying community bank voices
on Capitol Hill or providing insights
into what's coming next, ICBA will
be by your side to support you in
education, advocacy, innovation and
beyond. Our commitment to you
remains steadfast as you navigate
these times, and we invite you to
engage on new levels with us and
to explore the power of the shared
community bank story.
Because when we come together,
For instance, consider the
partnerships that arose during the
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Almost overnight, community banks
nationwide launched new fintech
relationships to meet the needs of
their communities. From document
collection to forgiveness tracking, you
we are stronger than when we are
apart. Collectively, we brainstorm
what's next, determine how to tackle
problems in our path and lead. From
our shared vision grows an infectious
enthusiasm that inspires us all
to excel.
This year is about forward
momentum. So, let's explore new
ways to connect ourselves and our
teams with colleagues and expand
our spheres of influence. Sign up
for ICBA LIVE, spend a day at the
ThinkTECH Accelerator, enhance
skill sets through Community Banker
University or connect with colleagues
at a state banking convention. No
matter what we choose, let's make
sure we take the steps to set our
dreams in motion.
Connect with Rebeca @romerorainey
What you need to know
I'll be in Little Rock, Ark., to kick off the fourth year of ICBA's
ThinkTECH Accelerator at The Venture Center.
independentbanker.org Q 5
Photo by Robert Severi
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - January 2022

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