Independent Banker - January 2025 - 7

FROM THE TOP
Why advocacy should be
a top priority in 2025
he start of the new year brings
with it a fresh slate and a
collective reset on priorities. As we
develop annual objectives, we need
to be mindful of what is transpiring
within our banks, but also what is
transforming the industry around
us and how we can effect positive
change. That's why advocacy must be
a priority this year.
T
ICBA is nonpartisan and has a
long history of working with both
sides of the aisle, and we have a new
administration and elected officials
who need to fully understand the
community bank difference.
Our voices need to be heard on
a wide range of issues, including
Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act,
the Secure and Fair Enforcement
(SAFE) Banking Act, the Access
to Credit for our Rural Economy
(ACRE) Act and more. In addition,
with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of
2017 set to expire at the end of
2025, it's going to be a big year to
discuss taxes-and with them, credit
union disparities.
The odds are in our favor:
Following a significant election
year, Congress is fired up to get
new legislation on the table. This is
our opportunity to drive home the
importance of the high-tech, hightouch
community banking model.
It's our chance to demonstrate
how community banks prioritize
a legislative and regulatory
environment that keeps the banking
system safe and sound, creates
a level playing field in financial
services and allows for the flexibility
necessary to serve the distinct
interests of communities across
the nation.
But it takes the power of this
entire community to amplify those
messages and bring them to life.
Members of Congress need to
hear specific examples from their
constituents about how community
banks meet their districts' needs.
Members of Congress need more
than platitudes and big-picture
ideas; they need to understand
how what we do every day makes
a difference in their constituents'
lives and strengthens their
communities. In short, they need to
hear our stories.
So, as you set your intentions for
2025, I hope that one of them is to
attend ICBA's Capital Summit (icba.
org/capital-summit), slated for May
12-15 in Washington, D.C. Mark
your calendars now to join your
colleagues in raising your voice for
community banking.
This will be a pivotal year
for us as community bankers,
where collectively, we will make a
difference. Now's the time to make
sure advocating for community
banks is among your top priorities.
Lucas White is president of The
Fountain Trust Company in
Covington, Ind.
Lucas White
Chairman, ICBA
" We have a new
administration and
elected officials
who need to
fully understand
the community
bank difference. "
My top 3
In addition to remaining
a vocal advocate for
community banking, here
are my three New Year's
resolutions for 2025:
1. Spend more time at
home, in my bank and
with my community
2. Be more present with
my kids
3. Continue running
for health
independentbanker.org // 7
Photo by Chris Williams
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - January 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Independent Banker - January 2025
