Independent Banker - March 2023 - 7

FROM THE TOP
" I am grateful to have had the
opportunity to serve as chairman.
I will continue to advocate for
community banking, and for the rest
of my career, stand side by side with
you to fight our future battles. "
Brad M. Bolton
Chairman, ICBA
Brad M. Bolton is president and
CEO of Community Spirit Bank in
Red Bay, Ala.
S
erving as ICBA chairman has
been one of the highest honors
of my life. It's hard to put into words
how special this experience is. The
work you're doing every day puts real
faces and names to the communities
we're fighting for, and it has been a
privilege to be your representative at
the national level.
Yet, it takes the voices of many to
make a true impact. That's why I've
asked community bankers to sacrifice
a few minutes every day to advocate
for our industry. We are what stands
between our customers and an
overreaching federal government
and regulatory system. We hold the
line for Main Street America, which
needs us.
In today's environment, that
vigilance is critical to staying ahead
of emerging threats. Each day brings
forward new concerns, and we have
to stay focused on who we are and
who we represent. So, keep pressing
forward in defending this great
industry we get the opportunity
to serve.
For example, every community
banker has a primary focus on how
they can better serve their customers.
It isn't about making more money,
but how we respond to community
needs. We should also remind
policymakers that community bankers
are small business owners, too. And
even though we have fiduciary and
regulatory responsibilities to remain
profitable and provide a return to
our shareholders, our focus always
comes back to how we can serve our
customers better. In maintaining
that focus on our relationship-centric
mission, we will continue to thrive.
My top three
Ways to make the
most of ICBA LIVE
1. Never take our community
bank mission for granted;
advocate for it.
2. Keep innovating and
implementing new
technologies for your
customers.
3. Someone at your bank
wants to lead it for the next
generation. Let them.
That's why it's vital for community
banks to remain independent, and a
big theme for me has been encouraging
bank executives to identify their next
generation of leaders. There are those
within your institution who share
your vision and passion. Support
their development and groom them
to take the reins. Without your bank,
your communities are at risk. So,
make a succession plan to ensure
your bank remains the lifeblood of
the community.
With that in mind, I implore you to
keep fighting for Main Street. Keep
raising your voices to advocate for
your customers. Keep engaging with
innovative companies to grow, evolve
and better serve. Keep identifying
future leaders to ensure the longevity
of your institution, because your
communities need you in their corner.
I want to close by saying I am
grateful to have had the opportunity
to serve as chairman. I will continue
to advocate for community banking,
and for the rest of my career, stand
side by side with you to fight our
future battles. With that passion
leading, I'm confident we'll witness the
continued growth and success of our
beloved industry.
Connect with Brad @BradMBolton
independentbanker.org // 7
Photo by Chris Williams
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - March 2023

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