TITLE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CELEBRATING ONE YEAR: Reflecting on Progress and Commitment To Advocacy By Dexter Schrodt, President and CEO, NICB A s I reflect on my first year serving as the President and CEO of the Nebraska Independent Community Bankers, I am filled with a sense of gratitude, pride, and accomplishment. It has been an incredible year advocating for the needs and interests of our community bank members, and I am thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone. When I assumed this position a year ago, I knew that I had a significant responsibility on my shoulders. Community banks are the backbone of our state’s economy, providing essential financial services to agriculture, local businesses, and individuals; they play a vital role in fostering economic growth and stability in our communities. Therefore, it was imperative for our association to amplify their voices and ensure that their concerns were heard at all levels of government. Advocacy has been the cornerstone of our association's mission, and over the past year, we have intensified our efforts to champion the causes that matter most to our members and represent the interests of our member banks. Through our collective efforts, we have made substantial progress in shaping policies and regulations that directly impact community banks and the communities they serve. One of our key achievements has been fostering a stronger relationship with legislators and policymakers. We have actively engaged with policymakers at all levels of government, providing them with valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by community banks. By establishing open lines of communication and cultivating meaningful partnerships, we have been able to effectively advocate for policies that promote a thriving community banking sector. Our association has also been at the forefront of addressing regulatory burdens on community banks. We have tirelessly advocated for regulatory relief, emphasizing the need for tailored regulations that consider the distinct nature and size of community banks. Through our advocacy efforts, together with our partner state associations and the ICBA, we have successfully influenced regulatory agencies to look at more proportionate and reasonable rules, allowing our member banks to focus on what they do best — serving their local communities. In addition to shaping policies and regulations, we have been committed to promoting the vital role community banks play in supporting economic growth and development. We have actively participated in advocacy efforts that highlight the community impact of our member banks' lending activities, job creation, and financial literacy initiatives. By effectively communicating the value of community banking, policymakers more clearly see the importance of making decisions that do not negatively impact our industry. Looking ahead, I am filled with optimism for the future of community banking and our association's role in shaping it. Our commitment to advocacy remains unwavering, and we will continue to be the resolute voice for community banks across the state. We will strive to strengthen our relationships with policymakers, deepen our engagement with regulators, and ensure that our member banks have a seat at the table where decisions affecting them are made. As I celebrate my first year with the NICB, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to our Board of Directors, our member banks, and all those who have supported the association in our advocacy endeavors. I am confident that with our collective efforts, we will continue to make a lasting impact on the community banking industry. I am immensely proud of the strides we have made in the past year, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. The success of our community banks is not only crucial for their individual growth but also for the prosperity of the communities they serve, and therefore our state. We have actively participated in advocacy efforts that highlight the community impact of our member banks’ lending activities, job creation, and financial literacy initiatives. 6 NEBRASKA INDEPENDENT BANKER
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