One of the things I value most about VACB’s relationship with the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) is that it is much more than an affiliation in name only. It is a working partnership that connects our members with additional resources, relationships and expertise. In turn, it strengthens VACB’s ability to serve our member banks.
Over the past few months, we have had several great examples of that partnership in action.
In June, VACB joined ICBA’s Leah Hosmer for visits with member banks. Of course, we spent time talking about the resources available through both organizations. But the most valuable part of the day was simply listening.
There is no substitute for sitting down with community bankers and hearing firsthand what is happening inside their institutions and within the communities they serve. From Richmond or Washington, it can be difficult to stay fully tuned in to the very real, day-to-day issues on the minds of bank leaders. Those conversations help both VACB and ICBA better understand the opportunities and challenges facing our members and how we can best support them.
Our partnership with ICBA was also on display this summer through VACB’s Night at the Ballpark events. With The Baker Group becoming the new institutional broker-dealer partner of ICBA Securities, VACB worked with both organizations to bring bankers together for games in Salem and Lynchburg.
Though baseball provided the backdrop, the real purpose of these evenings was community building. Bankers had an opportunity to connect with peers, spend time with VACB and ICBA partners, and get to know The Baker Group team in a relaxed setting. For an industry built on relationships, there is still tremendous value in simply getting people together.
Finally, ICBA played an important role in helping VACB focus on our own future.
In August, our Board of Directors gathered for a full day of strategic planning facilitated by Gerrish Smith Tuck through ICBA Strategic Planning Services and our state association partnership. Coming on the heels of our member survey, relationship audit and other work over the past year, the session gave our Board an opportunity to take a step back and think intentionally about where VACB can provide the greatest value in the years ahead.
Bank visits, baseball games and strategic planning may not seem to have much in common. But together, they illustrate what strong state and national partnerships can provide.
VACB brings an understanding of Virginia, strong relationships with our members and a focused voice for community banks here at home. ICBA brings outstanding national-level advocacy, deep expertise and an extensive network built specifically around the community banking model. When we combine those strengths, our members benefit.
As we prepare to gather in Charlottesville for VACB’s 49th Annual Convention and Trade Show, I am grateful for the partnership we enjoy with ICBA and for the many ways it continues to help us better serve Virginia’s community banks.
