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FLOURISH

“As we enter a new chapter and start a new financial

statement cycle, know that ICBA will be there to
support you with tools, resources, and advocacy efforts.”

The beginning of a new year feels like a step for our bank?” That’s where ICBA can
fresh start, a new chapter in our stories. provide support. Whether it’s the
We have a blank page on which we can information that comes in NewsWatch
write our narrative over the course of the Today or Independent Banker, convening
year, with new milestones filling the pages with other community bankers to discuss
ahead. And with 2023, we have no strategies at ICBA LIVE or proactive
REBECA shortage of adventures awaiting us. engagement with lawmakers at the
ROMERO Capital Summit, we offer opportunities to

RAINEY Consider industry evolution. I’m amazed not just react but respond to this dynamic
environment with your mission and vision
at the pace of change occurring in all
ICBA President and CEO.
ACB is the ICBA state affiliate. areas of financial services, from instant at the center.
@romerorainey payments to more digital solutions and
beyond. This will be a pivotal year for We have increased our offerings to
embracing new opportunities and support you and to further differentiate
exploring how we can set ourselves up to our industry. For example, we have
succeed, even with looming challenges. moved the ThinkTECH Accelerator in-
house to ensure year-round innovation
And think about the uncertainty of the programming and find new fintech
economic environment. It’s a challenge to partners who are bringing to market
be sure, but it’s one that community solutions that respond directly to
banks have previously faced with community bank needs. We’re expanding
strength. Time and time again, you have classes and programs provided by
demonstrated resiliency in the face of Community Banker University, and as the
difficult financial conditions. In fact, this is government relations team prepares to
when community banks shine, bringing welcome new members of Congress to
stability to customers simply by being D.C., they are ready and excited to tell
relationship bankers who see them and your story and ensure your voices are
know them. Looking at it through a heard.
different lens, there’s opportunity in this
economic climate: It's a way to double So, as we enter a new chapter and start a
down on your strengths and unique new financial statement cycle, know that
people-first approach to banking. ICBA will be there to support you with
tools, resources, and advocacy efforts.
Yet, amid these external influences, you Together, we will write our 2023 story,
may be asking, “What actions can we take one that will set community banks up for
to ensure we’re identifying the right next success.

Where I’ll be this month
I’ll be holding down the fort at ICBA headquarters, helping our government relations
team as we welcome new members of Congress and gearing up for ICBA LIVE .

A COMMUNITY BANKER | 25 | Winter 2023
RKANSAS