As I write my last column for The Community Banker as Chair of the VACB, it’s hard to believe that a year has passed since I wrote my first column. Looking back on the year, I am proud of all that our community banking association has accomplished, yet we still have so much more to do!

The staff and the board of directors have been working diligently on aligning priorities for the association’s future. We have received and evaluated feedback from our member roundtables (thanks to the many of you who participated in these!), conducted internal assessments, and discussed new organizational opportunities during our alignment planning. Know for certain that our priorities include, to name only a few:

• Strategies to limit credit union expansion;
• Education of policymakers and regulators on our issues and distinctions;
• Comprehensive evaluation of current educational offerings to align with member needs and identify any gaps;
• Establishment and promotion of need-based peer collaboration;
• Reciprocal member feedback and member value proposition discussions; and
• Continued internal operational improvements.

I’d like to give a huge shout-out to Corey for his hard work on this alignment planning process. Corey has worked tirelessly during his first year in the areas of advocacy for community banks, streamlining internal processes and procedures and increasing new sources of revenue for the association. He has effectively transitioned into the executive role with much success!

I would like to thank all who participated in the convention by actively listening to our motivating speakers, attending the exhibitor events, or networking while discussing the scores of the latest games and playing heads or tails! I would also like to thank Katharine and Kelli for all of the work that they put into the convention once again this year. It was indeed another successful event!

As we conclude another hectic year for our association, our community banks, and our nation, please take time to reflect on our many blessings and show kindness to your neighbors. Let’s carry the positive momentum and energy from the convention into our communities!