Independent Banker - February 2024 - 7

FROM THE TOP
What it means to be
" here for good "
everal years ago, I was listening
to an executive for a large
company give an update on their
financial performance. After several
minutes of pointing out the company's
strong results, she transitioned
into a discussion of its community
investment. Her transition statement
has always stuck with me: " So it's
obvious that, as a company, we are
doing well. More importantly, though,
are we doing good? "
As our ICBA LIVE theme points out,
community banks and bankers are
" here for good, " and that phrase works
in multiple ways.
First, we are not going away. Our
relationship-based model of banking
will always be relevant and in demand.
We tailor our products and services
to each individual customer. We take
local deposits from people we know
and trust and use them to make
loans to people we know and trust.
There will always be a place in our
communities for bankers who live,
work and play in those communities.
We are here in perpetuity-here
for good.
But it goes much deeper than that.
Community banks are important
investors in the communities we
serve. Our loans to local individuals
and small businesses fuel community
growth and prosperity. Our support of
local charities and civic organizations
assists those who are struggling and
in need. Many community bankers
serve on local boards for philanthropic
organizations and as elected officials
S
to lead and guide our communities.
We are all about building better
communities because our families
are part of them. We are committed
to making the lives of those around
us better, to serve and to truly be
here for good.
This mindset speaks to how we
are evolving our banks today. Take
fintech partnerships, which add
high-tech products to our high-touch
model of service. Or think of new
compliance solutions, which help
us take care of our customers
and give us confidence that we're
fair and equitable in everything
we do. Consider fraud mitigation
technologies and education efforts,
which help our customers better
protect their hard-earned funds.
No matter which product line you
review, you see our here-for-good
mentality leading us into the future.
As we prepare for ICBA LIVE next
month, let's lean into this theme.
Every general session, educational
opportunity and personal interaction
is a reminder that what we do
matters. The LIVE experience cannot
be replicated; it's like an energy
drink for community bankers,
inspiring us with new ideas for
supporting our communities. Join
us in Orlando, so we, collectively,
can advance our mission to be here
for good.
Derek Williams is president and
CEO of Century Bank & Trust in
Milledgeville, Ga.
independentbanker.org // 7
Derek Williams
Chairman, ICBA
" We are committed
to making the lives
of those around
us better, to serve
and to truly be here
for good. "
Quote of
the month
" Those who are happiest
are those who do the
most for others. "
- BOOKER T. WASHINGTON,
EDUCATOR, AUTHOR,
ORATOR AND ADVISOR
Photo by Chris Williams
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - February 2024

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