Independent Banker - July 2023 - 5

FLOURISH
" Community banks ... commit for
the long haul as a true partner,
helping customers withstand market
turbulence and come out successfully
on the other side. "
Rebeca Romero Rainey
President and CEO, ICBA
s we celebrate Independence
Day, I can't help but reflect
on the vital role community banks
serve throughout this country. We
represent Main Street America,
creating a firm financial foundation
for our nation's consumers, small
businesses, municipalities, local
governments and more. It's a position
community banks take seriously, and
one we are honored to hold on behalf
of the communities we serve.
When we think about the current
economic environment, without
a doubt, we can say that we've
weathered this storm before. That's
what makes us unique: We are there
for our customers regardless of the
economic situation. Megabanks
and credit unions nationwide are
cutting back on balance sheet
areas to tighten their bottom lines,
while community banks stand
ready to support local businesses
and neighbors who are feeling the
heightened effects of the ebbs and
flows of the economy.
Just look at how community banks
responded to the global pandemic:
they introduced tools and solutions
to support small businesses in
the Paycheck Protection Program
(PPP). Or consider the consistent,
A
forward‑looking care community
banks apply to their unique
community base. From seasonal
businesses and service‑based
and manufacturing organizations
to a wide array of other models,
community banks tailor their
offerings to the needs of individual
customers. That's because
community banks don't just look
to today's returns; they commit
for the long haul as a true partner,
helping customers withstand
market turbulence and come out
successfully on the other side.
It's precisely in an environment
like the one we have today that
community banks flourish because
they double down on relationship
banking. That connection‑based
approach to finance becomes
even more important in difficult
economic times, because, above all,
a community bank's goal is to make
a difference in the financial lives of
those they serve.
So, as you read this month's issue,
notice that our top lenders share
one key attribute: a commitment to
the customer relationship. They are
helping their customers prepare for
a wide variety of economic scenarios
in ways that are best suited to that
business or person. It's about helping
their customers make the right
decisions for their financial lives and
supporting them as they go.
I'm proud to say that for nearly
250 years, community banks have
served at the center of our nation's
finances. That's because, to put a spin
on the well‑known John F. Kennedy
Jr. quote, community banks ask not
what their community can do for
them, but what they can do for their
community. And that's a business
model that will stand the test of time.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful
Independence Day!
Connect with Rebeca @romerorainey
Where I'll be this month
I'll be attending our summer board meeting, looking
forward to planning for the future of this independent
industry we represent.
independentbanker.org // 5
Photo by Chris Williams
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - July 2023

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