Fellow Community Bankers,

It was great to see everyone at the VACB Annual Convention in Roanoke last October. Being in the presence of many dedicated Virginia Community Bankers was humbling as I heard many stories about the great things each of you are doing for our communities every day. Thank you for supporting your local community, providing financial resources and expertise and enriching the lives of your customers. I would also like to thank Jay Stafford, the Executive Committee and the Board for an outstanding job this past year. Jay directed our team through a tough leadership process, providing a vision for the years ahead.

As I stated at the convention dinner on Monday evening, I have three broad themes for the coming year: Building Unity, Recruitment and Development of Leadership and Execution of Our Value Proposition. Today’s column will focus on our first theme: Building Unity. As community bankers, we are stronger when unified with our voices, in our actions, with the sharing of ideas and expertise, in our educational efforts and with our support of the VACB.

Our unified voice matters. It matters locally, it matters in Richmond and it matters in Washington, D.C. Whether we are fighting the unwarranted expansion of untaxed Credit Unions, FDIC assessments of Community Banks, or an excessive regulatory environment, our unified voice makes a difference. At the VACB, we are unapologetic about our advocacy for Community Banks. We must continue to come together with one voice to be successful. I urge each of you to support the VACB and the ICBA with this effort.

I have attended the ICBA conference for many years. The first time I attended, my eyes were opened wide to the mission of the ICBA. It is through the ICBA that we, as Community Bankers, have a national voice. And that voice is unique to Community Banking. If you have not attended an ICBA conference, I encourage you to attend. I promise you will return with your eyes wide open. If you have attended in the past, Kathy and I hope to see you in Orlando this spring, March 14-17 at the Marriott Resort.

Another opportunity to have our unified voices heard is the ICBA Capital Summit in Washington, D.C., April 28‑30. This is an excellent time, with other Community Bankers, to examine the issues and challenges facing our industry, visit with our elected officials, establish new relationships with fellow bankers and influence new legislation on Capitol Hill. I also encourage you to attend this important event and be a part of our unified voice. The more bankers that attend, the more of a collective voice will be heard.

Please look at your calendars and consider attending both important events. As this year progresses, I will continue to update you on the progress of the VACB as we deliver on our Value Proposition to our membership. In the interim, I wish each of you a blessed holiday season.

Best Regards,

Joseph Witt
Chair