June 2, 2021

The payments industry is abuzz with excitement as one topic continues capturing headlines, with profound implications for community banks: Bitcoin.

Consider the valuable accomplishments of VACB bankers and associates over the last several weeks: an in-person four-hour leadership conversation; 100 VACB members enjoying the Spring Creek Golf Course and time with each other; and productive and engaging education sessions. It would be easy to take a couple of victory laps. But it’s better to use these “high points” as rich fuel for the challenges that lie ahead.

With summer just around the corner, vaccination rates rising, and restrictions easing, everyone is looking forward to life, mainly returning to the pre-pandemic normal. Interestingly, a lot of what we miss so much now we would likely have considered mundane 16 months ago. The lesson here is to enjoy life in the moment. The truth is the COVID pandemic will forever change our lives, our businesses, our industry, and our country. Community Bankers have always found ways to meet the needs of their customers and communities during previous life-altering seminal events in the past. As always, we will Improvise, Adapt and Overcome, again.