First for Your Success'" ubb.com • Member FDIC Your Full-Service Bankers' Bank As the nation's first Bankers' Bank, UBB has earned the trust of over 1,000 community banks by never competing against them. UBB is not a division or department of a large retail bank but rather a dedicated community bank ally committed solely to the success of every customer we serve. To Request Pricing or Additional Information Visit ubbRequest.com paths forward, and on Friday, August 11, your board of directors made the commitment to remain independent. That being said, I believe expanding the board to its maximum number and finding bankers willing to roll up their sleeves and put in the work that is needed for the longevity of our association is critical. Because last but not least is the impending retirement of our President and CEO, Steve Yeakel, at the year-end of 2024. That will undoubtedly be the main challenge next year. In addition to recognizing the contributions of our members this past year, I also want to acknowledge the work of our board, especially the Executive Committee, including Chair-Elect Tara Harrison, Vice Chair Joe Witt, ICBA federal delegates Mark Hanna and Jeff Dick, President and CEO Steve Yeakel and immediate past Chairman Dennis Dysart. This group has worked tirelessly on the initiatives mentioned above. Until my retirement from the bank on Dec. 31, 2023, I look forward to working with Joe Witt and the entire Executive Committee. I met Joe and his wife, Kathy, at a VBA function several years ago, and Joe and I have formed a great friendship. His bank provided some assistance to my bank in developing a Treasury Services Program earlier this year. This demonstrates the value of collaboration between our banks and bankers. Joe is a passionate community banker, thoughtful, engaging and collaborative, and will do an excellent job leading our association in the coming year. In closing, serving as your VACB Chairman this past year has been an honor and so rewarding to me. I’ve learned so much more about the ICBA this year and realize even more now what an impact this association has on our banks. The bank failures in March and the fight to keep us from paying an FDIC surcharge is one fine example. I enjoyed getting out and making some visits around the state and getting to know more of you. Thank you for your time, encouragement and support. I hope each of you will become even more engaged with the association, which will help not only your bank but the industry as a whole. I can’t wait to get “On to Roanoke” and see each of you. Jay Stafford I hope each of you will become even more engaged with the association, which will help not only your bank but the industry as a whole. 6 The CommunityBanker
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==