Also of note, at the end of 2023, CSBS released its very informative annual community banking survey. The survey reinforced what many of your members know will be business challenges in the year before us. Those challenges include the risks related to net interest margins and cost of deposits. Cybersecurity, liquidity and staff retention were other areas identified as being of high risk. As we move forward into the Chinese Year of the Dragon, higher interest rates will continue to have an impact on your bank operations and those of your bank customers. In sum, MIB specifically, and Montana community banking generally, had a very successful year this past year. But there is still more to be done in 2024, and MIB will be right there to support your bank in the months ahead. Thank you again for the honor of serving as MIB’s Executive Director — 12 years and counting. Every year I have been with the organization has been the best one yet for me. From all of us here at your community banking association, we wish you a healthy, prosperous and safe 2024. 2024 brings with it new opportunities, new challenges and a new chance to tell the Montana community banking story. Closing SBA loans keeps doors open. Call 800.340.7304 to start www.holtandmon.com Your customers have never needed capital more than they do right now. Plus you need to offset narrowing margins by increasing noninterest fee income. SBA/USDA lending is the perfect answer. And ICBA recommends just one provider to make the process hassle-free: Holtmeyer & Monson. Give customers exactly what they need, at no net cost to your bank. Small businesses count on your expertise. You can count on ours. Community Banker 9
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