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The ICBA Newsroom collects and centralizes all the NewsWatch Today articles, press releases, Main Street Matters blogs, advocacy letters and other news that impacts community bankers.

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Sunflower Bank is making change for schools

For two decades, Sunflower Bank has empowered customers to raise money for schools in their community. These efforts have generated more than $1.4 million for schools and started financial conversations among students.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Jim Reber: Tighten up

Agency spreads continue to grind lower.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

How your bank can attract and keep diverse talent

Community banks are close to the areas they serve, so it follows that having a diverse workforce that’s representative of their communities would be part of their mission. But doing so often requires a conscious effort to attract talent of various backgrounds. Here’s how experts say banks can appeal to a diverse pool of candidates.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Why community banks are banking on artists

Boosting the arts is a natural extension of the commitment many community banks make to their communities. For some institutions, this work is about championing the work of local creatives. For others, it’s part of their brand. Here’s how several community banks are engaging art and artists in their own ways.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Will 2021 be another banner year for mortgage lending?

Even with the disruption of the pandemic, 2020 was a huge year for mortgage lending, with many community banks seeing record numbers of home loans, refinancings and more. The question is whether that momentum will continue.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Lending 

Aaron Stetter: Congress needs hearings on credit unions

We’re calling on Congress to hold hearings on credit unions’ misuse of their outdated tax exemption. With credit union acquisitions of banks rising, policymakers must re-evaluate and eliminate this exemption.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Advocacy 

Lindsay LaNore: Time for a check-in

Employees thrive when they receive regular, constructive feedback. Some experts suggest that having additional midyear or quarterly check-ins can be more effective than traditional annual reviews alone.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Tenacity drives Stearns Bank

The community bank in St. Cloud, Minn., has cultivated a culture that combines creativity and hard work. The result is an award-winning workplace that fosters growth for both employees and the bank.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Robert Fisher: Lead with integrity

One of my early mentors told me, ‘It’s often easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.’ That piece of advice has … allowed us to be a little more progressive as a bank.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Rebeca Romero Rainey: Staying the course

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.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

Charles Potts: A culture of innovation

Innovation is a high priority for many community bank leaders, so it’s critical that we have a foundational definition of innovation.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Payments 

What you need to know about digital issuance

Instant issue cards are becoming more common at financial institutions, as they can maximize card usage and even attract customers. But another option, digital issuance, combines that speed with increasingly popular digital services.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Payments 

Stop elder financial abuse with data analytics

Elder financial abuse has been on the rise for the past decade, but so has data analytics technology, which banks can use to fight this fraud. Experts share strategies for community banks to protect their customers from identity fraud.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker   Compliance Payments 

40 Under 40: 2021’s Emerging Community Bank Leaders

Our third annual 40 Under 40: Emerging Community Bank Leaders competition highlights young community bankers who stepped up to help their banks navigate a chaotic year. They delivered economic relief. They introduced new technology. They kept their communities close when they had to be distanced. Most importantly, they found opportunities to lead when their banks and their customers most needed them. Meet our 2021 winners and see how they champion community banking across various categories.
June 01, 2021 | Independent Banker  

ICBA updates data privacy guide

ICBA this week released an updated guide for community banks on data privacy laws and regulations. The guide is available here and in the Cyber and Data Security Mitigation section of ICBA’s Operational Risk resource center.
May 28, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Cybersecurity 

CFPB: Manufactured housing borrowers have higher interest rates

Roughly 42 percent of loans for manufactured homes are secured by “chattel” loans secured by the home but not the land, according to a report from CFPB.
May 28, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

Remove GSE product restrictions: ICBA, minority bank council

ICBA and its Minority Bank Advisory Council this week urged the Treasury Department and Federal Housing Finance Agency to reopen negotiations over the Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
May 28, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   MDI Housing Finance/GSEs 

ICBA, Minority Bank Council: Housing Finance Amendments Hurt Low-Income, Minority Borrowers

ICBA and its Minority Bank Advisory Council urged the Treasury Department and Federal Housing Finance Agency to reopen negotiations over amendments to the Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that would limit purchases of certain types of loans.
May 27, 2021 | Press Release   MDI Housing Finance/GSEs 

ICBA urges House to oppose ‘true lender’ repeal

ICBA and other groups today are urging House members to oppose a Senate-passed resolution to repeal the OCC’s “true lender” rule.
May 25, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Lending 

ICBA releases new banklocally.org video

ICBA released its latest video in a series on how community banks have partnered with small businesses during the pandemic to help them navigate the Paycheck Protection Program.
May 25, 2021 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

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