Pub. 7 2018 Issue 1

21 s p r i n g | 2018 In today’s diverse financial sector, the “one-size-fits-all” model of represent- ing dual interests simply does not work. ICBA has recognized that fact since our founding in 1930, when 28 community bankers literally passed a hat to resist two large, power-hungry financial institutions intent on a stated mission to vacuum up every local bank in the Ninth Federal Reserve District. Our community bank founders stood up for the community banking indus- try’s relationship banking principles and our nation’s ideals of independence and community. Those ideals have served us well over the years, and they still bind us together today. While the community banking industry continues to evolve, our mission and our commitment to community banking remain steadfast. ICBA advocates for policies that dis- tinguish community-focused commer- cial banks from the large, systemically complex financial firms that have grown increasingly powerful nationally and globally. Community banks organize under the umbrella of ICBA and our state and regional partners to preserve our independence, maximize our col- lective strength and restore free-market principles to our banking system. While the financial services indus- try’s largest entities work to realign their Washington lobbying infrastructure, we can’t forget the role we serve as indepen- dent institutions. Our very presence as competitors to the forces of consolidation and concentration is an essential part of maintaining our American tradi- tions of independence, self-reliance and entrepreneurship. And by upholding our dedication to these timeless values at the national and state levels, we community bankers can ensure our independent voice will never be silenced. Follow Camden R. Fine on Twitter, @Cam_Fine President & CEO Camden R. Fine Washington camden.r.fine@icba.org @cam_fine F I N E P O I N T S It’s an ancient truth: No one can serve two masters. ICBA is fortunate that our voice is not diluted by the various competing segments of the financial services industry. Rather, we are driven by our unique mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish.