Independent Banker - December 2024 - 5

FLOURISH
Nurturing the community
bank ecosystem
s I reflect on the impact
community banks have had
this year, I revel in this notion that
we have created something special,
a dynamic ecosystem that centers
on people. We have taken the time
necessary to invest in relationships
and their development, growth and
long-term sustainability, and that
is what sets us apart from others in
financial services.
A
Embracing a larger community
I have attended numerous events
across the country this year, and
at each, I come together with
community bankers, their board
members, vendor partners, associate
members, state executives and more.
These are the people who make
up our dynamic ecosystem. While
there are some differences in their
makeup and the challenges and
opportunities they face, they share a
common denominator: these strong
connections, the relationships and
people, and why we do what we do. I
am always struck by the similarities
despite the differences and how
community bankers are committed to
making sure our communities thrive.
Yet, those communities aren't
insular. While our customers are our
priorities, the people-first mentality
we live by extends to all of our
relationships. Community bankers
invest the time in partnerships with
vendor providers, regulators and
others who offer unique insights
into how to enhance this ecosystem.
These organizations have worked in
hundreds of different environments,
and they provide a lens through which
we can see where our strengths lie and
where we can enhance our efforts.
Our teams also make up an internal
ecosystem. Community banks work
to create an environment where
everyone can succeed and thrive,
and we witness both the tangible
and intangible results on people and
the community. We hire those who
share our vision and values, and, by
extension, we become great places
to work.
In it for the long haul
Yet, building this kind of
interconnected, thriving ecosystem
does not happen overnight. It takes
care and feeding and a commitment
to success. Fortunately, community
bankers are focused on the long term.
We cultivate an environment that
grows and gets stronger each year, as
it's nurtured along the way. We focus
on building connections that will
stand the test of time.
So, as we approach 2025, I look
forward to what the future holds. I
hope end-of-year reflections remind
you of the profound effect you've had
on your customers' and communities'
lives, and you take time to honor that.
From all of ICBA, I thank you for all
you do for this ecosystem and wish
you a wonderful holiday season!
Connect with Rebeca @romerorainey
Rebeca Romero Rainey
President and CEO, ICBA
" Community bankers
are focused on the
long term. ... We
focus on building
connections that
will stand the test
of time. "
Where I'll be
this month
I'll be hosting meetings in
Washington, D.C., with our ICBA
and Community Bank State
Association's leadership, before
heading to The Fountain Trust
Company in Covington, Ind., to
visit with ICBA chairman Lucas
White. I'll also be visiting our
offices in Sauk Centre, Minn.,
and TCM Bank in Tampa, Fla.
Photo by Chris Williams
Independent Banker - December 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Independent Banker - December 2024
