Independent Banker - December 2024 - 7

FROM THE TOP
The heart of the
community bank
his year's list of Best Community
Banks to Work For made me
think about what it takes to be a
great employer. No two community
banks are exactly alike, but we
share a common sense of purpose,
a focus on relationship banking and
a dedication to our roles-and those
three elements boil down to caring
about people.
As employers, community banks
thrive because we put people first.
Sure, we have to meet budget
and achieve revenue goals, but at
the end of the day, we care about
people more. We focus on building
relationships with our teams,
customers and communities more
than on maximizing profits.
A culture of caring
This innate sense of connection
drives community bank cultures.
I look at my bank and see an
environment that celebrates
family, offers a collegiate, playful
atmosphere and encourages people
to work hard and have fun while
they do it. That lighthearted spirit is
palpable in everything we do.
Of course, it's not all play, but
when you value your team as
individuals, not cogs in the banking
wheel, they enjoy it that much
more. Many businesses had to force
their teams back to the office after
COVID remote work, but members
of our team asked to come back
because they missed their colleagues.
T
I imagine that many of you can say
the same.
Evolving to meet needs
That's all because we care about
balancing the work of community
banking with the people behind
it. We don't want to be stagnant;
we want to provide a flourishing
environment that sparks enthusiasm
from our employees and drives
business engagement.
From the board and leadership to
every individual employee, it takes
dedication and passion to enable our
banks to grow, adapt and transform,
and an enthusiastic, engaged team
equals success in today's environment.
Reflecting on all of this, I'm
realizing that every community bank
is a best place to work. We put people
first and challenge ourselves to grow
for the betterment of our teams,
customers and communities, and we
stand apart from all other employers.
I'm proud to be a community banker,
not just for the work that we do but for
the lives we touch. It's a true honor.
On a personal note, this holiday
season, I hope you'll make the time to
wind down, connect with loved ones
and be truly present for those in your
life. Because work will always be here,
and after all, isn't it the people who
make the difference?
Lucas White is president of The
Fountain Trust Company in
Covington, Ind.
Lucas White
Chairman, ICBA
" [Community banks]
put people first and
challenge ourselves
to grow for the
betterment of our
teams, customers
and communities. "
My top 3
The holidays bring with them
family traditions, including
these personal favorites:
1. Seeing our Christmas tree
lit up at night
2. Opening presents early in
the morning with spiced tea
3. Making eggs Benedict
while having a mimosa
independentbanker.org // 7
Photo by Chris Williams
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - December 2024

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