Independent Banker - November 2020 - 5

FLOURISH
" We are poised to
lead the charge in
striking the right
balance of technology
and connection for
our customers and
communities. "
Rebeca Romero Rainey
President and CEO, ICBA
Remember when video conference calls were a
novelty? A year ago, I had a smattering of them.
Now, not a day goes by without at least eight. I'm
grateful for the technology, but, as social creatures,
we're also hardwired to seek connection.
So, as we become more digital, what becomes of
the relationship?
This conundrum presents a signifi cant opportunity
for community bankers. Our business
model has always been a combination of high
tech and high touch. As we move to a more technology-forward
environment, retaining that
personal component will be paramount. Given
our relationship banking approach, we are poised
to lead the charge in striking the right balance of
technology and connection for our customers
and communities.
Because what we do is personal. When we can
work with small business owners to make their
dreams come true or help those fi rst-time homebuyers
close on their perfect house, it creates a
link that can't be replaced. It also builds trust,
creating a unique bond that allows us to become
a partner and advisor. Any technological solution
we have in place simply off ers the mechanism to
cement that relationship; it's the partnership
with our customer that provides the true value.
Take our work this year on Paycheck Protection
Program loans. While small businesses
turned to community bankers in need of capital,
they also were looking for understanding and
What you
need to know
ICBA off ers
resources
to support
community
banks in telling
their stories.
Beyond the
Marketing and
Communications
Toolkit, consider
our Community
Bank Virtual
Marketing
Seminar later
this month (icba.
org/education)
or use the ICBA
Social Media
Monitor as a
no-cost member
benefit (icba.
socialassurance.
com).
support. With branches closed and social distancing
in eff ect, community bankers answered
their needs with a combination of technological
innovation and human compassion.
The stories in this Independent Banker issue
highlight our continued eff orts to innovate in
ways that allow us to build relationships. As you
read this month, I hope that you'll think about
using our Marketing and Communications
Toolkit (icba.org/marketingtoolkit) to share
your community bank's successes with your
customers. The country needs to know what differentiates
community bankers: You lead with
your hearts, rising to respond to the needs of
your communities.
While the pandemic has been horrifi c, this
time of year gives us an opportunity to count
our blessings. I, for one, am thankful for technological
solutions that allow us to pivot and serve
our customers in new ways. I am thankful for
the resilience of community bankers, who never
give up when it comes to providing for their
communities. Above all, I am thankful to work
with such a passionate, empathetic industry that
puts their communities fi rst.
In that spirit of gratitude for all that you do,
we at ICBA wish you a happy Thanksgiving!
Connect with Rebeca @romerorainey
independentbanker.org Q 5
http://www.icba.org/marketingtoolkit http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - November 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Independent Banker - November 2020
