Independent Banker - January 2024 - 5

FLOURISH
Continuing the climb
for our communities
ecently, I came across a quote
from the Pulitzer Prize-winning
poet Theodore Roethke: " Over
every mountain, there is a path,
although it may not be seen from
the valley. " As an avid hiker myself,
it resonated, because as you look up
toward the climb ahead, you may
not see the route, but you know it's
there-not unlike the situation we
face in community banking today.
As we enter 2024, we see a steep
climb amid so many headwinds,
including volatile interest rate and
supervisory environments, emerging
regulatory reforms, constant
pressure on margins and more. Yet,
with every step on the journey, we
just get stronger.
As we look back on 2023, we felt
the impact of numerous challenges-
failures of large, risky banks,
fluctuating interest rates, increased
competition and more-and we
not only survived but thrived. We
championed new solutions like
FedNow. We successfully advocated
for the vast majority of community
banks to be exempted from the
FDIC's proposed special assessment.
We expanded our innovation
programs, creating a center for
community bank innovation.
These previous experiences
have positioned our strength,
and today, as we climb toward
that next peak, we're honing new
skills. Each step is an investment
in the future to further fuel the
community banking model.
Our national campaign goes hand
R
in hand with this work. By telling
the compelling stories of the ways
in which you make a difference,
we'll continue to bolster the work
you do. In advocacy, education
and innovation, we are working
alongside you to power your
potential and help you surmount
the trials you face along the journey.
And while this climb may
be difficult, it will lead to new
opportunities. As I reflect on
my career, I realize some of
the greatest learning moments
were in the most challenging
situations. That's how I know
community banks will find a way
as an industry, as a network of
community bankers, to find the
right next step to provide for
our communities.
Hikers will stand at the bottom
of the peak and realize it looks a
lot higher than it did when they
were farther away, but they made
the climb. As we take our first
steps into 2024, it's that same
" bring it on " mentality that will
continue to bring us strength and
guide us. We're ready to see what
lies ahead, embrace the challenge
and create forward momentum.
Because while the path from
the valley to the summit may be
circuitous, community bankers
will always continue the climb
for the good of their customers
and communities.
Connect with Rebeca @romerorainey
Rebeca Romero Rainey
President and CEO, ICBA
" In advocacy,
education and
innovation, we are
working alongside
you to power your
potential and help
you surmount the
trials you face along
the journey. "
Where I'll be
this month
I'll first meet with the ICBA
Nominating Committee to
continue our leadership
journey, and then I'll head
to Atlanta for a showcase
from ICBA's sixth ThinkTECH
Accelerator program.
independentbanker.org // 5
Photo by Chris Williams
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - January 2024

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