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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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
ICBA’s best-performing community banks of 2020
Independent Banker’s annual listing of America’s best-performing community banks shows that nimble thinking and an adherence to good old-fashioned customer service can bring success, whatever the...
A community bank guide to cloud migration
Many community banks are moving their software, hardware and even core systems to the cloud in search of more flexible, scalable and affordable services.
Charles Potts: Innovation drives performance
With the advent of new, innovative solutions like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, community banks have opportunities to eliminate or reduce inefficient manual processes and...
ICBA’s 2021/22 executive committee: Close the distance
The 2021/22 ICBA executive committee understands that community banks are at a turning point due to changing customer expectations and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. They tell us why...
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...
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.
How your bank can build its construction loan portfolio
The pandemic significantly changed the landscape for construction lending, but with the possibility of economic recovery on the way, there are opportunities to grow your community bank’s...
Lindsay LaNore: Making effective meetings
Meetings are a great opportunity to reinforce a team’s collective identity and establish a leader’s personal presence. They also offer participants a chance to find their voices. When organized and...
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Lead with purpose
Our approach to service is not about checking something off the list for today. It’s about making incremental positive change over time.
Robert Fisher: Creating strong culture
Culture is more than just how bank staff interact with one another; it’s about how we convey who we are to our customers.
Mark Scanlan: Fighting for ag and rural tax relief
ICBA is pushing for the Enhancing Credit Opportunities in Rural America Act, legislation that would help rural borrowers and level the playing field against unfair competition.
4 ways to conquer compliance challenges
For community banks, regulatory burdens and compliance costs are constant challenges. But by taking steps including building a culture of compliance, they’re challenges that can be met.
Fighting fraud with education
COVID-19 has exacerbated vulnerabilities to fraud. To combat this trend, Tompkins VIST Bank has been delivering valuable education to its small business customers to keep them informed and protected.