Pub. 7 2018 Issue 2

The CommunityBanker 10 F E A T U R E W ill we be able to look back on 2018 as the year when community bankers began a series of success- ful campaigns to reduce regula- tory excess? That remains to be seen and is heavily dependent on our continuing efforts. However, progress is not made without a starting point, and 2018 provides us with a solid starting point on which we can build in the passage and approval of S. 2155. Virginia’s community bankers, and the association that serves them ex- clusively, played a unique and significant role in the successful effort. I’d like to offer you a first-person look back at this most memorable campaign. In February of 2013, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) released their first legislative agenda, the “Plan for Prosperity.” Ironically, I had as- sumed the role of VACB President a month earlier. At VACB, we took the plan a step further. Our board of directors vetted the plan for its specific value to Virginia’s com - munity banks. Plan initiatives were scored and ranked, providing a valuable tool for advocacy in a variety of settings. In 2015, the CLEAR Act (Community Lending Enhancement and Regulatory Re- lief) was introduced – a natural evolution from the “Plan”. Many of the provisions in CLEAR were later incorporated into S. 2155. I then made a commitment to the VACB leadership to spend two days monthly in Washington, DC. The idea was to have a monthly visit with a chief of staff, legislative director or financial services staffer for each member of Virginia’s Con- gressional Delegation. It’s been a challenge to hold to that goal. On average, I’m fairly close to the mark. But the numerous visits have built an identity for VACB member banks that permeates. Almost from the first of those meetings I “campaigned” on a simple mantra: there are so many areas where we need relief but Regulatory Relief – A Critical First Step is Taken Your VACB leadership is extremely grateful for your commitment and engagement. Steve Yeakel, CAE, VACB President & CEO