Pub. 6 2017 Issue 3

The CommunityBanker 8 President’s Message By Steve Yeakel, CAE VACB President & CEO The Enthusiasm of the Community Banker . . . Contagious! M E S S A G E W hile it would be so much easier to look at what’s negative and challenging in our lives today, the community bankers we work with through VACB continually focus on the opportunity ahead and the potential for success that lies before us. The Chairman’s final column, found earlier in this magazine, is a perfect example of this enthusiasm. That’s why I am so encouraged by the interest in our newest program offering, Performance University. Dozens of bankers have told us that these “playbook sessions” come at the perfect time, a time when bankers are considering more options to increase their quality of interaction with small businesses and consumers in their communities. That’s why we are persistent in our lobbying for regulatory relief, in Congress and with federal regulators. We’ll continue to make calls on members of the Virginia Delega- tion and continue to tell our story, until the merit of our plea becomes undeniable and the timing is right. That’s why it is so uplifting to work with our Executive Committee at this time each year to identify new leadership for the association. So many of you respond so positively to our call for the investment of your time and talent, and it is a joy to watch your positive energy at work through our committees, at our convention, and elsewhere. So, thank you for being who you are. Your enthusiasm inspires your VACB staff, and many oth- ers, every day.