Independent Banker - May 2019 - 5

FLOURISH
" The future is bright, and
the opportunities for
growth are endless. "
Rebeca Romero Rainey
President and CEO, ICBA
I had the opportunity to read this month's
cover story ahead of writing my column. I'm so
glad that I did. I was blown away by the incredible
community banks that are featured, and I
have a feeling you'll feel the same way! Even after
such a phenomenal ICBA LIVE and the ICBA
Capital Summit, which may be happening as you
read this, I can still draw such inspiration from
our nation's community bankers. You never cease
to amaze me with what you do and how you do it!
The community banks highlighted in the story
all reinforced what's so unique and meaningful
about our industry. Despite challenges, you are
fi nding opportunities for growth by reinventing
processes, redefi ning what it means to be nimble,
and leveraging cutting-edge technology-all
while staying true to a relationship-based business
model, which has stood the test of time.
Community banking truly is the best of both
worlds. We can be agile and embrace technology,
but still have the small-town feel that makes our
customers feel like they matter-because they do.
One of the many examples that struck me-and
proves this point-was that of Stearns Bank in St.
Cloud, Minn. Many of its competitors won't touch
the small-ticket loans that this high-performing
community bank prides itself on making-all in
an eff ort to best serve its customers.
Quantum National Bank in Suwanee, Ga.,
Where I'll be
this month
I'll be at ICBA's
Capital Summit in
Washington, D.C.
I'll also be at our
first committee
meeting with
our 2019-2020
executive
committee, and
doing a Habitat
for Humanity
build with
the team from
TCM Bank in
Tampa, Fla.
reaches out to its diverse customer base with free
seminars that have covered topics such as economic
conditions, cybersecurity and residential
construction trends. And Poppy Bank in Santa
Rosa, Calif., came up with an innovative lending
solution to help its customers rebuild their homes
after wildfi res devastated their community.
Also, I love that both " strong work ethic " and
" fun place to work " came through loud and clear
in the piece. The community banking staff s who
help us do what we do every day should be commended
for their work. Community bankers work
hard, so it's great to see that there are opportunities
for staff to be recognized and feel valued for
the important work they do. It's a must!
What we do is so unique, and this issue of Independent
Banker reinforces that. The future is
bright, and the opportunities for growth are endless.
ICBA is here every step of the way to help
you through dependable advocacy, best-in-class
education, and ROI-proven products and services
that help you innovate and fl ourish.
Let's continue to seize the day, inspired by this
year's top-performing community banks! Be bold
in innovation, leadership and life!
Connect with Rebeca @romerorainey
independentbanker.org Q 5
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - May 2019

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