Chair’s Message A STRONG START TO 2025! As I wrote in the fall of 2024, my aspirations as Chair during the upcoming year are an effective executive transition, identification of new sources of revenue for the association, and relentless support of and advocacy for community banks. With respect to an effective executive transition, Corey has embraced his new role as President and CEO with enthusiasm and full steam! He has worked diligently over the last few months on getting up to speed on the most pressing issues facing community banks in Virginia. He has made many important contacts in his first 100 days, contacts that will prove valuable over the years. Corey is equally focused on advocating for our community banks and attending to internal association matters. I believe wholeheartedly that our executive transition has been a success! Pertaining to new sources of revenue for the association, we are beginning to make strides. As we continue to experience increased M&A activity within our industry, our revenue from member dues is negatively impacted. Therefore, we must think outside of the box in how to generate sufficient revenue and/or reduce our operating expenses to properly support our members. I once again encourage you to explore the educational offerings of the VACB. Many hours are spent on selecting the best instructors and the most appropriate and relevant curriculum needed in the community banking space. Please utilize the VACB for your educational needs! Regarding relentless support of and advocacy for community banks, we continue to be active within the General Assembly, including challenging legislation that is misguided and duplicative, opposing a credit union’s ability to hold public deposits, and creating state-level crime and strong criminal penalties for mail theft, among other issues. Our collective voice is critical to our future and it is so important for that voice to be heard in Richmond and in D.C. I hope to see you and your fellow bankers at one OR ALL of the following 2025 events: • May 12-15: ICBA Capital Summit, Washington, D.C. • May 19: VACB Golf Tournament, Spring Creek Golf Club, Zions Crossroads, Virginia • October 5-7: VACB 48th Annual Convention, Hotel Roanoke We are also actively organizing Member Roundtables, where we bring together leaders of community banks within specific geographical regions to share a meal and discuss issues and potential solutions. Stay tuned for more information and your invitation! Together with Corey, Katharine, Kelli, your Board, and your Executive Committee, I am excited for what 2025 has in store for our association and our Virginia community banks! Tara Y. Harrison, Chair, VACB, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Virginia National Bank, Charlottesville 6 The CommunityBanker
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==