Independent Banker - September 2020 - 7

FROM THE TOP
" Our job is to help
people in good times
and not-so-good
times. What we do
for the benefit of the
community is part of
who we are. "
Noah W. Wilcox
Chairman, ICBA
Noah Wilcox is president, CEO and chairman of
Grand Rapids State Bank and its holding company,
Wilcox Bancshares Inc., Grand Rapids, Minn.
As we approach the conclusion of the third
quarter, I can't help but refl ect on what a whirlwind
the past six months have been. Community
banks have grappled with a series of seismic events,
including a pandemic, mandatory shutdown
orders and processing a mindboggling number of
Small Business Administration loans in one sitting.
But on that last point at least, we have prevailed.
Our sheer grit and tenacity ensured that
resources made their way into our communities.
In fact, we singlehandedly put more than $330 billion
back into the economy in the form of Paycheck
Protection Program loans, in addition to countless
other measures to help. In short, we have stepped
up in support of our communities.
Yet, despite the unique circumstances of the
pandemic, I've been reminded of one thing: This
is nothing new; it's what we do. It's in our DNA
to serve our communities in whatever capacity
we can, and in today's environment, that means
increasing our eff orts. For example, in Grand Rapids,
Minn., we have underwritten music, outdoor
movies and other entertainment that can bring
the community together in a responsible way. I'm
proud to say that in any given month, we have
100% of our staff volunteering in the community,
but I know we're not alone in that. As community
bankers, our job is to help people in good times and
not-so-good times. What we do for the benefi t of
the community is part of who we are.
My Top
Three
In light of all the
good community
bankers do, here
are my top three
most unusual
fundraising
activities this year:
1. Off ering a
socially distanced,
floating concert
for boaters
2. Underwriting
drive-in movie
nights
3. Collaborating
with community
banks to create
a matching
COVID-19 relief
fund with the local
United Way
It's so ingrained in our cultures that we simply
don't think about our infl uence. Six months
ago, I would say that we, as bankers, probably
took for granted how much of an impact we
have, but the pandemic has crystallized our
contributions. The strain that COVID-19 has
placed on the human condition has reminded
community bankers just how hard we work and
need to continue to work every day to do right
by our communities and take care of our people.
You'll see evidence of this dedication throughout
this month's issue. In fact, the National
Community Bank Service Awards capture the
spirit of community banking and the many
forms " giving back " has taken in the COVID-19
environment. Reading these stories makes me
all the more proud to be a community banker.
Because, as we go about our business in the
new normal, it's not about the grand gestures;
it's about the day to day. We don't look for the
quick-hit, one-time gift. Rather, community
banks are in it for the long haul. We pledge
consistent support to the activities that feed
the longevity of our communities, which is
why we'll rise from this pandemic stronger
than ever.
Connect with Noah @NWWilcox
independentbanker.org Q 7
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - September 2020

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