Independent Banker - April 2023 - 7

FROM THE TOP
" For years, megabanks have said they would
outperform us, that our business models
wouldn't hold. But we are gaining ground
instead of losing it, and that all stems from
our relationship-first approach. "
Derek Williams
Chairman, ICBA
Derek Williams is president and
CEO of Century Bank & Trust in
Milledgeville, Ga.
s I begin my tenure as ICBA
chairman, I can't help but reflect
on the road that has brought me here.
I have always been active at the state
and national levels, but I remember
attending my first ICBA committee
event and being blown away by
the people I met; you immediately
recognize you're with a group
you want to be a part of, one that
encourages and motivates you. That
deep engagement continues to awe
and inspire me every day, not only to
be a better banker, but to grow as a
leader and member of this community
as well.
Yet, as we consider our roles in light
of today's environment, we have to
acknowledge that 2023 is shaping up
to be a year of challenge. An uncertain
economic environment, increasing
regulatory scrutiny and demands,
expanding competition-the list goes
on. These elements, intensified by the
internal pressures of hiring concerns,
technology build-outs and operational
A
developments, combine to deliver a
murky picture of what awaits.
But navigating these storms is
not new to community banks. We've
made it through tough times-from
the financial crisis to recessions and
inflation and so much more-based on
the strength of our business models.
We are resilient and strong in our
communities, precisely because we
put our communities first.
For years, megabanks have said
they would outperform us, that
our business models wouldn't hold.
But we are gaining ground instead
of losing it, and that all stems from
our relationship-first approach. We
live in these communities, and we
work, worship and connect with our
customers. They know we are more
than a bank; we are the heartbeat of
the community.
I want this to be the resounding
message this year: We are the pillars
of our communities and should be
proud of what we do. We make huge
impacts on our communities and the
people who reside in them. We touch
a lot of lives, and what we do every
day matters.
Quote of the month
" A leader is one
who knows the
way, goes the
way, and shows
the way. "
-JOHN C. MAXWELL,
AUTHOR, SPEAKER AND PASTOR
Connect with Derek @DerekBWilliams
So, as we embark on Community
Banking Month, I invite you to take
this time to make a strategic effort to
get out into your community and talk
about the good things going on in your
bank. Share success stories of business
and consumer relationships and where
community banking has helped. This
is a time for us to talk about who we
are and why we do what we do. It's
our time to shine, simply by being
true to who we are as leaders in our
communities. I, for one, am ready to
celebrate that.
independentbanker.org // 7
Photo by Chris Williams
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - April 2023

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