Independent Banker - January 2023 - 5

FLOURISH
" As we enter a new chapter and
start a new financial statement
cycle, know that ICBA will be there
to support you with tools, resources
and advocacy efforts. "
Rebeca Romero Rainey
President and CEO, ICBA
he beginning of a new year feels
like a fresh start, a new chapter
in our stories. We have a blank page
on which we can write our narrative
over the course of the year, with new
milestones filling the pages ahead.
And with 2023, we have no shortage
of adventures awaiting us.
Consider industry evolution.
I'm amazed at the pace of change
occurring in all areas of financial
services, from instant payments
to more digital solutions and
beyond. This will be a pivotal year
for embracing new opportunities
and exploring how we can set
ourselves up to succeed, even with
looming challenges.
And think about the uncertainty
of the economic environment. It's a
challenge to be sure, but it's one that
community banks have previously
faced with strength. Time and time
again, you have demonstrated
resiliency in the face of difficult
financial conditions. In fact, this
is when community banks shine,
bringing stability to customers simply
by being relationship bankers who
see them and know them. Looking
at it through a different lens, there's
opportunity in this economic climate:
T
It's a way to double down on your
strengths and unique people-first
approach to banking.
Yet, amid these external influences,
you may be asking, " What actions can
we take to ensure we're identifying
the right next step for our bank? "
That's where ICBA can provide
support. Whether it's the information
that comes in NewsWatch Today
or Independent Banker, convening
with other community bankers to
discuss strategies at ICBA LIVE or
proactive engagement with lawmakers
at the Capital Summit, we offer
opportunities to not just react but
respond to this dynamic environment
with your mission and vision at
the center.
We have increased our offerings
to support you and to further
differentiate our industry. For
example, we have moved the
ThinkTECH Accelerator in-house
to ensure year-round innovation
programming and find new fintech
partners who are bringing to market
solutions that respond directly
to community bank needs. We're
expanding classes and programs
provided by Community Banker
University, and as the government
relations team prepares to welcome
new members of Congress to D.C.,
they are ready and excited to tell
your story and ensure your voices
are heard.
So, as we enter a new chapter
and start a new financial statement
cycle, know that ICBA will be there to
support you with tools, resources and
advocacy efforts. Together, we will
write our 2023 story, one that will set
community banks up for success.
Connect with Rebeca @romerorainey
Where I'll be this month
I'll be holding down the fort at ICBA headquarters, helping
our government relations team as we welcome new members
of Congress and gearing up for ICBA LIVE (March 12-16).
Register today at icba.org/live.
independentbanker.org // 5
Photo by Chris Williams
http://www.icba.org/live http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - January 2023

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