Independent Banker - July 2021 - 5

FLOURISH
" While we can't predict what the
future holds, we can continue
to shape the narrative with our
customers and potential customers. "
Rebeca Romero Rainey
President and CEO, ICBA
ecently at the dinner table,
my family had a fascinating
conversation about the merits of short
stories versus novels. My daughter,
an avid reader, made the case that
the novel is the superior form of
storytelling because it allows the piece
to deepen and evolve. My husband,
on the other hand, argued that with
a short story, every word counts,
and that critical focus creates a vivid
snapshot of an experience.
As they bantered back and forth,
I was struck by how much the
conversation reflected the nature of
community banking. Relationships
drive all that we do, so community
bankers are in it for the long haul,
sitting with our customers as they
write each page of their stories.
Community banking isn't driven by a
finite moment or a single transaction.
Instead, it's a journey where today's
efforts are only one chapter of the
larger narrative.
Yet, we do have these intense
moments in time, events that
happen in spurts and unfold like
parts of the larger story. Consider
the Paycheck Protection Program
(PPP). Community banks became
the heroes of that particular tale by
R
responding quickly and serving both
customers and noncustomers at a
much greater rate than megabanks or
credit unions. We saw a need and were
able to determine a course of action,
resulting in a positive experience for
our customers.
I have been struck by the way the
PPP has opened a new chapter for
community banks. As we think about
what's next for the new relationships
we made through the PPP, we have an
opportunity to grow and expand our
relationship base. We're able to take
what was a short-term, crisis-mode
response and translate it into longterm
customer potential.
That spirit of opportunity in
relationship building enables
community banks to thrive. This
month's issue explores the topics
of lending best practices, growth
strategies and the digital customer
experience. These stories can help
you think about your community
bank in new ways to meet market
fluctuations and customer needs.
Because while we can't predict
what the future holds, we can
continue to shape the narrative
with our customers and potential
customers. Leading with the
relationship and keeping the focus
on a deeper, more meaningful
dynamic while readying ourselves
to respond to market changes as
they arise prepares us for what's to
come. And with this expertise as our
background, we're well positioned to
continue writing new stories with our
customers now and into the future.
Connect with Rebeca @romerorainey
What you need to know
The Fourth of July celebrates independence, and for 91 years,
ICBA has been advocating for independent community
banks. We have been and will continue to be here for you.
Happy Independence Day!
independentbanker.org Q 5
Photo by Robert Severi
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - July 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Independent Banker - July 2021
