Independent Banker - January 2021 - 5

FLOURISH
" We can find consistency in
what we know to be true in
this rapidly changing world:
Community banks serve the
needs of their communities. "
Rebeca Romero Rainey
President and CEO, ICBA
s the calendar fl ipped to 2021,
we didn't magically return
to a simpler, pre-pandemic era,
unfortunately. We are still grappling
with a global health crisis and a hefty
amount of ambiguity around what
comes next. Amid such uncertainty, it's
easy to focus on what we don't know.
But, as community bankers, we have a
North Star in our mission, and we can
fi nd consistency in what we know to
be true in this rapidly changing world:
Community banks serve the needs of
their communities.
Our goal at ICBA is to pave the way
for you to do just that by creating and
promoting an environment where
community banks can fl ourish. With
a new administration in the White
House and a new Congress, know that
we'll continue to fi ght on your behalf in
Washington in 2021. We'll work toward
a level playing fi eld, advocate for
regulatory fl exibility as we manage the
impact of COVID-19 on communities
and portfolios, and continue to
promote and diff erentiate the business
model of community banking and its
importance to this country.
Because in today's landscape, our
business model is more important than
ever. Based on personal connections
A
and relationships, it speaks to the
needs of our society today. And, while
relationships may look diff erent in
a virtual world, the links they create
between people hold fi rm. No matter
if you're serving your customers in a
lobby, on the phone or via a web chat
feature, you are working hard to exceed
their expectations.
And ICBA walks beside you on
that journey. For example, we know
that innovation-both for your
customer experience and your internal
processes-allows your bank to
introduce new products and services.
So, on Jan. 6, we'll launch the ICBA
ThinkTECH Accelerator 3.0 to present
you with community bank-centered
fi ntech off erings.
Beyond innovation, ICBA strives
to support you and your teams as you
expand your knowledge and connection
with one another. To that point, we
will be off ering a new virtual event
called ICBA Connect this year. While
we won't be able to come together
in person, we've reimagined our
annual convention to bring you new
opportunities to learn, network and
engage with colleagues. This program
will allow for the same relationship
building and knowledge sharing as
ICBA LIVE, and we're excited to engage
with you and your entire team in this
new way.
So, while this early 2021
environment remains tumultuous, I
encourage you to focus on the stability
in your continuous attention to the
needs of your communities. You have
unwavering dedication to those you
serve, and that remains true no matter
the circumstances. 
Connect with Rebeca @romerorainey
What you need to know
This year's convention has a new name and format. The allvirtual
ICBA Connect on March 9 and 10 will off er a dynamic
community experience. Visit icba.org/connect to register and to sign
up to receive updates.
independentbanker.org Q 5
http://www.icba.org/connect http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - January 2021

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