ICBA Newsroom
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.
Data Breaches Reach New Record in 2017: Report
The number of U.S. data breaches hit a new all-time high in 2017, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. Identified breaches rose 44.7 percent last year to 1,579.
July 30, 2018 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Data Breach Data Security/Fraud
Senate Taking Up Flood Insurance Extension
The Senate this week is scheduled to take up House-passed legislation to extend the National Flood Insurance Program. The House bill would extend the NFIP, which is scheduled to expire on Tuesday, through November.
July 30, 2018 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Flood Insurance
FDIC Needs Better IT Coordination: Watchdog
The FDIC has not developed sufficient strategies for several information technology transitions, the agency’s inspector general said. The Office of the Inspector General said the FDIC failed to adequately address IT security concerns, adequately communicate with agency stakeholders on transitioning to the cloud, or implement an enterprise architecture to guide its IT initiatives. It recommended better coordination and including the agency’s IT plans in its governance processes and framework.
July 30, 2018 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Agencies/Regulators
FS-ISAC Advises Closer Look at Cyber Insurance
Not understanding cyber-insurance policy riders can come back to haunt covered parties, the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center reported. In its latest weekly report for community financial institutions, FS-ISAC cites the rise in claim denials by insurance providers and inconsistencies across carriers.
July 30, 2018 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Cybersecurity
ICBA Names NextGen Scholarship Award Recipients
ICBA today announced the recipients of its 2018 NextGen Scholarship Awards.
July 27, 2018 |
Press Release
Succession Planning
Consumers National Bank Promotes Kennie Baker To Commercial Deposit Specialist
Minerva, Ohio–Consumers National Bank announced today that it has promoted Kennie Baker to Assistant Vice President, Commercial Deposit Specialist. Baker will report to Derek Williams, Senior Vice President of Retail Banking and Operations, and will call on businesses in the eastern Stark, Columbiana and Jefferson county markets.
July 26, 2018 |
News
Keshaun Clark Honored by Alexandria Chamber of Commerce for 40 Under 40
Keshaun R. Clark, Vice President, Business Development Officer, has been recognized by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce as a 40 Under 40 honoree.
July 24, 2018 |
News
CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc. Closes Merger with First Citizens Financial Corporation
CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc. (“CoastalSouth”), the parent company of CoastalStates Bank (“CSB”), announced the closing of its merger with First Citizens Financial Corporation (“FCFC”), the parent company of Foothills Community Bank (“Foothills”). Along with the merger of FCFC with and into CoastalSouth, Foothills merged with and into CSB.
July 24, 2018 |
News
Clinton Savings Bank Employees Donate Over Six Hundred Dollars to the Neady Cats Organization
Clinton Savings Bank (CSB) recently presented over six hundred dollars to the Neady Cats Organization, located in Sterling, MA. Money was raised by allowing CSB’s employees to participate in a “dress down” day after donating to the cause along with a Bank match. All the proceeds collected will benefit the Neady Cats organization directly and help to provide necessities and medical care for the loving animals in their shelter.
July 24, 2018 |
News
FNBC Bank announces LPO in Jonesboro
FNBC Bank CEO and President Marty Sellars has announced the bank’s move into Jonesboro with the hire of Brad Snider as Community President and Brock Fletcher as Vice President and Commercial Lender. Headquartered in Ash Flat, Ark., this move marks FNBC Bank’s entrance into the growing Northeast Arkansas market.
July 24, 2018 |
News
Chelsea Groton Foundation Presents Scholarships to 19 Rising College Students
The Chelsea Groton Foundation recently presented scholarships to a select group of graduating seniors who represent 19 area high schools. Each of the individuals who applied for the scholarships excelled in academia, leadership and extracurricular activities during their high school years, and plans to pursue college degrees.
July 24, 2018 |
News
Regal Bank Promotes Zoraida Duran
Regal Bank recently promoted Zoraida Duran to assistant treasurer and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) administrator at their bank headquarters in Livingston, NJ. BSA administrators work with operations and financial managers to ensure compliance with internal and government regulations.
July 24, 2018 |
News
Fleetwood Bank awards $8,000.00 scholarship to Reese R. Kauffman from Oley Valley High School
Fleetwood Bank is pleased to announce that Reese R. Kauffman, a 2018 Oley Valley High School graduate, has been awarded the 2018 Fleetwood Bank Scholarship. Fleetwood Bank is committed to provide scholarships in the local communities to help families offset the cost of post-secondary education; as well as demonstrate its commitment to the communities we serve.
July 23, 2018 |
News
5-Star Chelsea Groton Bank Among the Top 10% of the Nation’s Banks
BAUERFINANCIAL, the Nation’s Premier Bank Rating Firm, is proud to announce that Chelsea Groton Bank, has once again secured its highest, 5-star rating. A 5-star rating indicates the bank excels in areas of capital adequacy, profitability, asset quality and much more. By earning and sustaining this top 5-star rating for 97 consecutive quarters, Chelsea Groton Bank has also procured a “Top 10%” designation. This means that Chelsea Groton Bank has maintained Bauer’s highest rating consistently for longer than 90% of the industry.
July 23, 2018 |
News
CHELSEA GROTON FOUNDATION Awards Over $189K in Grants to Area Organizations
The Chelsea Groton Foundation awarded $189,585 in grants to 67 non-profit organizations from Connecticut and Rhode Island this spring. This dollar amount marks the greatest total awarded to area organizations in a single giving cycle since the Chelsea Groton Foundation was founded. Inclusive of these donations, the Foundation has provided over $2.8 million in total grants to the community since 1999. The Foundation reviews applications and awards grants two times per year.
July 13, 2018 |
News
THE STATE BANK PROMOTES VICE PRESIDENT
The State Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Linda Gregory to
Vice President. Linda joined the bank in April 1991 as a teller before moving to the credit department, and during her tenure has consistently grown in her role, going from Information Coordinator to Department Manager. In her new position, Gregory will be responsible for overseeing staff workflow on an ongoing basis, compiling various management reports, and managing regulatory and compliance requirements for the loan servicing department, among many other duties.
July 13, 2018 |
News
THE STATE BANK PROMOTES OFFICER
The State Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Stephanie Domina to Officer. Stephanie joined the bank is November 2015 as a branch manager in Birch Run, and more recently moved to The State Bank Chesaning branch to serve as manager there. During her tenure, she has consistently grown in her role. In her new position, Domina will be responsible for normal day-to-day branch activity and employee growth, as well as the facilitation of mortgage renewals.
July 13, 2018 |
News
THE STATE BANK PROMOTES ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
The State Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Brooke Jansen to Assistant Vice President. Brooke joined the bank in December 2002 as a part-time teller while attending college, and by 2006 was a full-time financial service representative. In 2009, Jansen completed all licensing and certifications to become an associate advisor in the wealth management division before becoming a branch manager as well. She is well versed in all facets of The State Bank’s retail operations, and in her new role will manage all retail operations in the Great Lakes Bay Region branches.
July 13, 2018 |
News
Electronic Payments Exceeds $1 Billion in Monthly Aggregate Payment Volume
ICBA Comments on Real-time Monitoring of Fedwire Transfers
The pros and cons of niche lending
In niche lending, your community bank’s fate comes down to expertise and passion for the work.
July 01, 2018 |
Independent Banker
Lending
ICBA’s 2018 top lenders: Who made the cut?
Every year, ICBA calculates the top community bank loan producers in the agricultural, commercial and consumer categories, broken down by asset size. This year’s lending leaders can point to many different success factors, but at the heart of it all is second-to-none customer service. Read on for their stories.
July 01, 2018 |
Independent Banker
Lending
Provident Bank Expands Financial Wellness Center
Stearns Bank Named #1 Top Performing Bank in the Nation
Report Offers Steps to Mitigate Cybersecurity Threats
A new report from the Department of Commerce and Homeland Security offers guidelines to help reduce the threat of botnets and similar cyberattacks.
June 04, 2018 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Data Security/Fraud
FS-ISAC Highlights Calls to Reboot Routers
This week’s community institution risk summary report highlights calls by federal government agencies and private sector organizations for citizens to reboot their home and office network routers and storage devices, update the firmware, and reset the administrative password.
June 04, 2018 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Data Security/Fraud
Giorgio Shares Finovate Observations
In a new blog post, ICBA Bancard President and CEO Tina Giorgio recaps the latest financial technology innovations showcased during last month’s Finovate conference.
May 31, 2018 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Payments Fintech Regulation
How to Create a Successful Fintech Partnership
As more community banks look for ways to deliver innovative solutions to their customers, they will most likely have to find ways to work with financial technology companies.
May 29, 2018 |
Payments Quarterly
Fintech Innovation
A Eulogy for the Static Password
Last month, Visa eliminated the use of static passwords for its Verified by Visa cardholder authentication service. Static passwords were once thought to be an easy and secure way to verify a consumer’s identity, but with more than 1.8 billion compromised accounts floating around on the Dark Web, these stolen credentials are now said to be responsible for more than 80 percent of all hacking-related breaches.
May 08, 2018 |
Payments Quarterly
Community Bankers Raise $10K With Charitable Giving Platform
Community bankers raised more than $10,000 for the youth non-profit Project 150 with ICBA Bancard’s new charitable giving platform, powered by FIS at the ICBA Community Banking LIVE this past March. ICBA Bancard’s new charitable giving platform helps move charitable donations to the web and can help banks drive organic portfolio growth while raising awareness for qualifying local charities or disaster relief programs.
May 07, 2018 |
Payments Quarterly
Roselle Savings Bank Donates $1,000 to The Arc of Somerset County
Mound City Bank Teaches Kids About Finance
Revealed: ICBA’s best-performing community banks 2018
Our annual coast-to-coast roster of high achievers is here! Read on to see the 75 community banks that made the cut, and hear from nine we’ve highlighted for their consistent high performance and innovative strategies.
May 01, 2018 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
10 tips to boost cross-selling
Throw your sales goals out the window. Help customers get what they want, and your bottom line will take care of itself.
May 01, 2018 |
Independent Banker
Growing the Community
5-Star Chelsea Groton Bank Among the Top 10% of the Nation’s Banks
Chelsea Groton Bank has once again secured BauerFinancial’s highest, 5-Star rating. This rating indicates the bank excels in areas of capital adequacy, profitability, asset quality and much more. Earning and sustaining this top 5-Star rating for 96 consecutive quarters, Chelsea Groton Bank has also procured a “Top 10%” designation. This means that Chelsea Groton Bank has maintained Bauer’s highest rating consistently for longer than 90% of the industry.
April 27, 2018 |
News
ICBA Seeks One-Year Delay in ‘Beneficial Ownership’ Rule
ICBA is calling on the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to delay the implementation of a rule requiring community banks and other financial institutions to identify the individuals that own controlling interests in their corporate or business customers.
April 24, 2018 |
Press Release
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
SOUTHERN FIRST BANK EXPANDS TO GREENSBORO / TRIAD MARKET JOE DEPASQUALE, MELISSA BEANE, AND JUSTIN COMBS WILL PROVIDE LEADERSHIP
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST), holding company for Southern First Bank, announces its expansion to Greensboro, North Carolina and the greater Triad market. The Bank intends to establish a full-service retail office upon regulatory approval.
April 23, 2018 |
News
First International Bank & Trust Heather Gillihan Wins Odin Award
First International Bank & Trust (FIB&T) is proud to announce that Heather Gillihan, of our Minot Broadway location, was the recipient of the 2017 Odin Award, from First International Bank & Trust.
April 23, 2018 |
News
North American Banking Company Offers Super IDs to Protect Its Customers’ Identities and Privacy
North American Banking Company, a bank committed to leadership in technology, security and customer service, today announced that it is offering Super IDs to its customers to protect their identity and privacy at no charge.
April 18, 2018 |
News
Kids Bank 20th Anniversary
Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust Kids Bank is celebrating their 20th anniversary during the month of April.
April 18, 2018 |
News
ICBA Endorses Miki Bowman for Fed Governor
ICBA today thanked President Donald Trump for nominating Kansas Bank Commissioner Michelle “Miki” Bowman for the Federal Reserve Board. Bowman would fill the ICBA-advocated position dedicated to individuals with experience in community banking.
April 16, 2018 |
Press Release
Federal Reserve
Stearns Bank has been selected as one of this year’s 100 Best Companies to Work For
Two approaches to overdrawn accounts
What community bankers should know about overdraft and sweep account rules.
April 01, 2018 |
Independent Banker
Advocacy
Operation HOPE Honors Wolters Kluwer with Longstanding Partnership Award
For-purpose Organization Recognizes Company for over 10 years of Helping Provide Financial Literacy to Young People in Underserved Communities.
March 29, 2018 |
News
F&M Bank Announces Promotions
F&M Bank Announces Promotions March 21, 2018
March 22, 2018 |
News
United Bankers’ Bank Announces Promotions
William C. Rosacker, President and CEO of United Bankers’ Bank has announced the
promotion of five employees.
March 20, 2018 |
News
Mary Jepperson Named to Stearns Bank Board of Directors
Award-winning financial strategist brings unique qualifications to Stearns Bank.
March 19, 2018 |
News
ICBA Announces 2018-19 Executive Committee
ICBA today announced the election of its 2018-19 Executive Committee during its 2018 national convention, ICBA Community Banking LIVE, in Las Vegas.
March 16, 2018 |
Press Release
New ICBA Chairman’s Message to Community Bankers: Build on Our Strong Foundation
Timothy K. Zimmerman, CEO of Standard Bank in Monroeville, Pa., who becomes chairman of ICBA, encouraged ICBA Community Banking LIVE 2018 national convention attendees to leverage their political might to fight for additional reforms.
March 16, 2018 |
Press Release
ICBA/Travelex Celebrate 35 Years Serving Community Banks
ICBA today recognized the 35th anniversary of its strategic relationship with Travelex during the 2018 ICBA national convention, ICBA Community Banking LIVE®.
March 13, 2018 |
Press Release
Farmer Mac Reports 2017 Results and Announces 61% Dividend Increase
The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A) today announced its results for the fiscal quarter and year ended December 31, 2017, which included $1.6 billion in net new business volume growth that brought total outstanding business volume to $19.0 billion as of December 31, 2017.
March 08, 2018 |
ICBA NewsWatch Today
Inside the new style of leadership
Successful community bank leaders inspire from the top while putting the team first. Here’s how.
March 01, 2018 |
Independent Banker
Focus: The Right to Financial Privacy Act
What community bankers need to know about protecting and disclosing customers’ financial records.
March 01, 2018 |
Independent Banker
Compliance
Independent Banker
Independent Banker is the award-winning monthly member publication of ICBA. Continually rated the best news source by community bankers, IB provides timely, relevant information and insights to help community banks continue to flourish.
Marketing Resource Center
Visit this page regularly for new customizable press releases, opeds, tutorials, sharable videos, tip sheets, and sample social media posts which are available exclusively for ICBA members.
Access the toolkit
Example Text
ICBA NewsWatch Today
ICBA offers numerous specialty newsletters related to the community banking industry. Sign up for ICBA's daily email news bulletin for current and breaking industry news
Read Articles
Example Text
Subscribe to Independent Banker Magazine
Independent Banker® is the monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America, recognized as the number one source ICBA members rely on for community banking news.
Subscribe Now
Example Text
Manage Your Email Notifications and Subscriptions
Sign up to receive or manage your email messages from ICBA. Questions? Contact ICBA.
Subscribe Now
Example Text