Chair’s Message Charting Our Course for a THRIVING FUTURE LISA E. KILGOUR EVP and Chief Operating Officer, MainStreet Bank It is with immense gratitude and enthusiasm that I write to you today in my first official communication as Chair of the VACB. I am deeply honored to serve alongside such a dedicated community of leaders, and I look forward to working collectively to ensure the long-term health and vitality of our institutions and the communities we serve. The board and staff, under Corey’s leadership, are committed to continuing to maximize value to every member as we continue our momentum during 2026. KEY UPDATES AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES I am pleased to share a few highlights that underscore the forward momentum of the VACB: 1. NEW HOME FOR A NEW ERA In a key step toward improving our operational efficiency and member engagement, I am thrilled to announce that the VACB corporate headquarters has relocated to a new office space in the Richmond area. This move reflects our commitment to modernizing our resources, ensuring we have a collaborative, efficient hub to support the critical work of our committees and staff, and positioning us for the future. 2. LAUNCHING OUR PREFERRED VENDOR PROGRAM To enhance your bank’s operational strength and reduce costs, we are finalizing the details for the new VACB Preferred Vendor Program launching soon. This program will connect you directly with thoroughly vetted, best-in-class industry partners. Look for a detailed launch announcement and vendor directory within the next 60 days. 3. NAVIGATING THE LEGISLATIVE LANDSCAPE The regulatory environment continues to challenge community banking, but our advocacy efforts are stronger than ever. On the Virginia state level, we achieved a significant win with the increase in General District Court jurisdictional limits up to $50,000. This change provides our members with a faster, more cost-effective avenue for handling smaller commercial disputes and debt collection matters. Federally, we remain laser-focused on advocating for comprehensive regulatory relief and strategies to limit credit union expansion. In conjunction with ICBA, we are advocating for the repeal or substantial revision of the CFPB’s destructive Section 1071 small business data collection rule. We are making the case in Washington that this unnecessary burden is costly, complex, and hinders our ability to deliver capital efficiently to local small businesses. As your Chair, I promise to foster an environment where every member’s voice is heard, where we champion smart regulation, and where we continue to be the essential resource for navigating our unique market. I look forward to connecting with you throughout 2026 and working together on behalf of the Commonwealth’s community banking sector. 6 The Community Banker
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