incorporating community bank advocacy and member collaboration to underscore our standing as a valuable organizational resource for community bankers throughout Virginia. Two task forces are now at work analyzing future revenue opportunities and reviewing the Association’s educational offerings. Revenue is becoming so much more important as we face rising costs and fewer Virginia banks, so we want to ensure that our educational programs present relevant topics for your organizations. Are our education topics of value to your bankers? Please let us know. And thanks to each of you for sending in an updated list of your key bankers’ contact information. Please be sure to keep the office updated on any changes to that list. We are counting on our member banks to keep us in touch with the right people. We want to be sure that the correct person is receiving educational material relevant to their work. Long term, we are beginning to consider succession planning as Steve’s retirement is fast approaching. The Association’s long-term operating plan will center around addressing these areas, each of which is important in carrying us forward. In addition to our online programs, our VACB conferences and events provide tremendous value. Spending time away from our desks and cultivating strong relationships with fellow community bankers is an all-too-often overlooked benefit. Some upcoming events you will want to put on your calendar include: • VACB/VBA Director Symposiums — April 18–19 • ICBA Capital Summit — May 15–17 • VACB Golf Tournament — May 22 • VACB Convention in Roanoke — October 1–3 As I write this, I am personally looking forward to going to this year’s ICBA convention. I have never been to an ICBA convention, nor have I been to Hawaii. I’ve heard from several Virginia bankers planning to attend, so we will be well represented. I look forward to providing you with an update and hope to see you at a community banking event soon. My best to each of you as we navigate another successful year at our banks. I am excited about the energy and excitement from our Board members as we tackle these issues facing our industry. I look forward to hearing from you with comments or suggestions on how we can make your association better. Thanks for your investment and support. IS YOUR COMMUNITY BANK THRIVING? Meet Leah. Leah works hand-in-hand with community banks in the Mid-Atlantic to find ICBA member benefits that help them achieve their bank’s goals. Leah is most at home enjoying a crab cake in Annapolis, but thrives on the road, taking trips to Mid-Atlantic states to work with members on making the most of their membership with the only organization dedicated to community banks. As an ICBA member, Leah is helping your bank succeed. Learn more at icba.org/membership 6 The CommunityBanker
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