Independent Banker - August 2021 - 37

Secure a meeting
When working with the scheduler,
remind them of how you'd like to
meet, whether virtually or in person.
If looking to host your lawmaker at
your community bank, emphasize
who will be in attendance, what
will be discussed and exactly why
you would like to meet with the
lawmaker. These kinds of specifi cs
make it more likely the request will
be approved.
Notify ICBA and your colleagues
Once you've confi rmed a meeting,
let ICBA know so we can provide
any resources, including one-pagers
on the top issues facing the industry
and data on the community banking
impact in your state or local
district. We can even make an ICBA
government aff airs representative
available to call into the meeting to
discuss technical policy questions.
However, lawmakers will be most
eager to hear from you.
Don't be afraid to tell your
community bank colleagues and
state association about the meeting
and invite others to attend. There
is strength-and infl uence-in
numbers.
Meet your representative
Whether it's at your community
bank, a video call, a congressional
district offi ce or a town hall
forum, make your case patiently,
courteously and with confi dence.
Illustrate the direct impact of
[The August recess] is a
tremendous opportunity to build
a personal relationship with a
member of Congress or foster an
existing one.
specifi c legislation on the local
community, be prepared to answer
questions and use social media to
amplify your message.
Be specific and follow up
Always close the meeting with a
specifi c request for the legislator,
such as cosponsoring or voting in
favor of a specifi c bill. Afterward,
tweet a picture of the meeting
tagging the lawmaker, ICBA and
#communitybanks in addition to
sending a traditional thank-you note.
Let ICBA know how your meeting
went, including if the legislator is
open to supporting ICBA-advocated
legislation.
ICBPAC support
One way ICBA supports community
banker relationships with members
of Congress is through ICBPAC
in-district check presentations.
Every year, community bankers
representing ICBPAC deliver
campaign contributions to the
campaigns of lawmakers who
have supported community
banking initiatives. In 2020, ICBA
leadership bankers presented
more than $80,000 to 55 diff erent
members-a practice ICBPAC has
continued this summer.
Whether it's at an in-bank
meeting or a fundraiser, this is yet
another way ICBPAC is a valuable
tool to cultivate relationships with
members of Congress and support
community bank champions.
As August presents
opportunities to reach out to
lawmakers, be ready to embrace
these opportune moments-and
don't be afraid to take the
initiative. Your voice is important,
your input is welcome and no
one makes a better case for your
community and your industry than
you do. 
Meetings on Main Street Guide
Don't know where to start with reaching out to your members of
Congress? Download ICBA's guide to hosting legislators at your
community bank at icba.org/beheard and check out the latest
issues, track key legislation and meet ICBA's advocacy team.
Mary Randolph Gannon
(maryrandolph.gannon@icba.
org) is ICBA's vice president of
political operations
Aaron Stetter (aaron.stetter@
icba.org) is ICBA's executive
vice president of policy and
political operations
independentbanker.org Q 37
http://www.icba.org/beheard http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - August 2021

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