Independent Banker - June 2021 - 5

FLOURISH
" We must work to remain
optimistic in the face of
adversity and keep in mind that
no matter how difficult that feat
may be, it's worth the effort. "
Rebeca Romero Rainey
President and CEO, ICBA
hen I transitioned from a
community bank CEO to
ICBA president and CEO, my team
gave me a beautiful handmade card
with notes and best wishes. On the
front is a favorite quote of mine from
French writer Anatole France: " To
accomplish great things, we must not
only act, but also dream; not only
plan, but also believe. " To this day,
the card sits on my desk.
I keep it there for sentimental
reasons, but also because that quote
has been a daily inspiration to me
throughout my career. It's a constant
reminder that it's our choice whether
to see the glass half empty or half full.
We must work to remain optimistic in
the face of adversity and keep in mind
that no matter how difficult that feat
may be, it's worth the effort.
Over the past year, community
banks have had a crash course in
this philosophy. We were faced with
shifting requirements around the
Paycheck Protection Program; not
knowing if lobbies would be open
from one day to the next; the health
and safety of employees, friends
and families; and so many other
situations. Despite it all, community
W
bankers remained committed to
the path ahead. We held fast to a
singular focus on getting through
the trials by increasing support for
our communities, by knowing that if
we just stood the course, we would
get through it even stronger. That
unwavering optimism endured even in
the most difficult times.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing.
Challenge after challenge emerged.
Yet, because community banks focus
on the long haul, we were able to see
these difficulties as opportunities
to experiment with new processes,
products and approaches-like
identifying more streamlined
solutions for needs such as document
signature and retention, and enabling
enhanced remote work and banking
capabilities. Thankfully, tenacity,
nimbleness and ingenuity helped us
steer the ship around the storm and
stay on course at our banks, enabling
us to better rise to meet the needs of
our communities.
So, it's no surprise that as we
look at this month's 40 Under 40
winners, it becomes readily apparent
that each of these emerging leaders
demonstrates resiliency. But they
also display a universal sense of
optimism, a willingness to do what
it takes to meet the needs of their
communities. And that can-do
outlook sits at the core of community
banking. No matter the challenge, we
see the light through the storm and
persevere because of it.
Connect with Rebeca @romerorainey
What you need to know
In this time of change, foundational risk and compliance
knowledge will anchor your bank as you navigate new
developments. This month, ICBA's virtual Risk Management
and Compliance Institutes will provide your team with tools in these
areas. icba.org/events
independentbanker.org Q 5
Photo by Robert Severi
http://www.icba.org/events http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - June 2021

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