Pub. 6 2017 Issue 2

The CommunityBanker 6 Chairman’s Message M E S S A G E Risks and Changing Technology Dear Fellow Community Bankers, I was inspired by the passion and commitment of 20 bankers representing 16 com- munity banks during ICBA’s 2017 Capital Summit. We filled meeting rooms. When there weren’t enough seats, we stood. When there wasn’t a meeting room, we met in a hallway. Each and every time, our voices were strong and the message was clear: “We need relief to thrive. The communities we support count on us for economic vibrancy.” As this letter is being written, we are seeing significant movement on deregulation for the first time in years. The CHOICE Act, which contains some excellent community banks provisions, has been approved by the House, and the Senate is at work on a variety of bills that provide specific relief for community banks. I am sure that our community banking ad- vocacy efforts will be well remembered as our Senators and House members cast their votes. However, our visits took place more than a month ago. We must persist in our advocacy. Advocacy is a bit like calling on your top prospect. It is rare that you win the business on the first visit. But through consistent touch points, providing the prospect with something of value and being there at the right time when that prospect has a need, a persistent, genuine banker will win the business. Nowmay very well be the “right time” and we need to be there. The VACB is fortunate to have such a well-connected leader as Steve Yeakel. One truly comes to appreciate what Steve brings to our organization after joining him on the Hill visits. Steve, we thank you for all that you do for our banks. Don’t forget, we are celebrating our 40th year as an association for community banks. Please make plans to join us in Williamsburg on October 1-3, 2017. My promise is that you won’t find a better educational and networking value for the investment of time and money. I look forward to seeing you there. I also want to personally thank the bankers who joined us in Washington at the Capital Summit. You are making a difference! D Bank of Botetourt...........................................Lyn Hayth Blue Ridge Bank.............................................Brian Plum Cardinal Bank ................................................Alice Frazier *Chain Bridge Bank, NA................................John Brough EVB....................................................................Joe Shearin Mark Hanna First Bank.........................................................Dennis Dysart *Freedom Bank.................................................Kevin Curtis * Kathleen Johnson * Steve Witt MainStreet Bank..............................................Jeff Dick *National Capital Bank...................................Randy Anderson Oak ViewNational Bank..............................Mike Ewing *Select Bank.......................................................Mike Thomas Skyline National Bank..................................Allan Funk * The Bank of Charlotte County....................Dexter Gilliam Village Bank....................................................Bill Foster Virginia Community Bank..........................Preston Moore Virginia Partners Bank.................................Lloyd Harrison * indicates first-time participants 2017 VACB Delegation to the ICBA Capital Summit By Alice Frazier VACB Chairman Bank of Charles Town