Pub. 6 2017 Issue 4

The CommunityBanker 6 Chairman’s Message M E S S A G E The Start of a New Era By G. Lyn Hayth, III VACB Chairman Bank of Botetourt O ur association, having just achieved its 40th anniversary, certainly had a wonderful milestone to celebrate. Like 40 years ago, when 27 community bankers from 25 banks across the Com- monwealth first came together to ensure that “Virginia’s independent banks were counted on legislative recommendations” and had a desire to “extend the usefulness and influence of the banking system and to strengthen the economy through closer cooperation and greater uni- formity of action among independent bankers of Virginia”, our association still pursues these goals today. The 35 banks represented at this year’s VACB conference were just as concerned and engaged as to the independence and success of their banks and community banking today as were our fore founders 40 years ago. Our association is certainly positioned to provide our members with the tools and resources to move forward in this highly regulated, technologically advanced, ever changing banking environ- ment. Our mission of “Undiluted Advocacy, Targeted Education, and Quality Collaboration” is crucial to the preservation of community banking and the future of our communities. Never before has it been more critical to have a strong regulatory and legislative presence, which is one of the pillars of VACB, Undiluted Advocacy. Our President, Steve Yeakel, and our Legislative Committee, along with bankers from many of our member banks, have made hundreds of legislative and regulatory visits to ensure Virginia Community Banks have a fair playing field. Please join us at the upcoming state and national legislative visits scheduled in 2018. The pace of technological change as well as the need for a redefined work force are overwhelm - ing challenges for many community banks. VACB is postured to assist through programs and com- mittees such as its standing Technology, Services and Education Committees. One such initiative recently lunched is Performance University. VACB is committed to provide Targeted Education to its members so as to give bankers the tools to be successful in an ever changing industry landscape. VACB offers numerous opportunities to allow community bankers to share and exchange infor- mation through not only the annual convention, but also the Directors Symposium, C-Suite Round- tables and many other opportunities for Quality Collaboration. Our Past Chairman, Alice Frazier, shared a wonderful quote last year, worth repeating: “Every good town needs a good school, good library and a good bank.” While all these institutions are be- ing challenged today, I contend that they are as important as ever, yet evolving and changing right before our eyes. Please join, engage, and let our association help you prepare for the future. Your survival as a community bank depends on you. Be engaged, be proactive, and be involved with VACB as a member and active participant. When your bank is engaged and active, you’ll benefit from working with others who are equally committed to community banking. Two of those great bankers were recently honored at the con- vention with our 2017 awards. Trish Ferrick of First Virginia Community Bank was named “Com - munity Banker of the Year” and Mary Ann Miller of the Bank of Botetourt was named “2017 Rising Star.” Congratulations to Trish and Mary Ann for going the extra mile, and setting a great example for all of us to follow. We also benefit greatly from a VACB staff who is highly engaged, doing their very best to enable our success. “The few and the mighty,” Steve, Katharine and Kelli are constantly focused on fulfill - ing our mission, and we appreciate their significant efforts. Your success depends on a healthy community banking environment. Your community, your staff and your shareholders are dependent on your success. Let the VACB motto, “One Mission, Community Banking,” be part of your strategy. I look forward to seeing you throughout the course of the coming year.