JANUARY 2025 5 Flourish 7 From the Top IN EVERY ISSUE CURRENCIES Photo News: Community Bank Delaware salutes space heroes The Checklist: 4 helpful tools for keeping customers happy Rising Interest: Community banks with notable architecture News & events: ICBA experiences 12 26 PORTFOLIO 18 2025 lending outlook Falling interest rates may boost community bank lending. 22 4 regulatory shifts coming in 2025 Learn how to prepare for regulatory developments such as Section 1071. 68 CONNECTIONS 60 Trailblazer Stearns Bank opens a bank location to serve Minnesota's vibrant Hmong community. 64 Community Spirit Commercial Bank of Mott spearheads the financing and development of a community center built for local residents. 66 Powering Potential A certification Q&A with Arlene Cooper, internal audit off icer at CNB Bank 68 Out of Off ice Kati LeBreton co-hosts a podcast with her brother about Louisiana true crime, urban legends and other lore. 24 Innovation Station Fueling change through demand, accessibility and collaboration 26 Chatbots: Finding the perfect balance Which responsibilities can your bank delegate to chatbots? 28 Leadership at All Levels 8 healthy habits for conflict resolution 30 The path to digital wallet success Boost card usage and deposits. 32 Portfolio Management What's in store for portfolio management in 2025? 34 Checks & Balances Stay ahead of cyber threats with these federal resources. Connect with ICBA @icba facebook.com/icbaorg linkedin.com/company/icba youtube.com/user/ communitybankchannel @banklocally @myicba 2 // ICBA Independent Banker // January 2025http://www.youtube.com/user/communitybankchannel http://www.youtube.com/user/communitybankchannel http://www.facebook.com/icbaorg http://www.linkedin.com/company/icba