Expert insights. Personalized for you.
Photo by Aggie Brooks. Les Leskoven. Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer. for the $521 Million-Asset. Community National Bank & Trust of Texas. in Corsicana, Texas. IB: Tell me about Corsicana. Where’s it located? Leskoven: We’re about 45 miles southeast of Dallas. We’re very centrally located on Interstate 45. It’s a town of about 25,000 people. Our county’s about 50,000. We have several large manufacturing facilities and distribution centers, due to its central location. MORE
Photo by Robert Severi. Unlike our credit union counterparts, we pay taxes, and those tax dollars are spent at home to ensure our communities grow. The more things change, the more they remain the same. MORE
“Just as we responded to the PPP loan curveball, so, too, have we been there to address the additional hurdles our customers face.”. When we flip our wall calendars to October, we’re regaled by images of pumpkins, ghosts and black cats. Halloween—the ultimate holiday. MORE
“Community banks work hard to ensure that every day is just a little bit better than the last.”. As community bankers, we strive for excellence. MORE
“When community bankers join their voices, they are a powerful force, taking the industry to new levels.”. We’re in a season of unprecedented industry change, particularly when we look at faster payments. In August, the Federal Reserve announced the launch of FedNow, a round-the-clock, real-time payments and settlement service. For the first time in more than 40 years, the Federal Reserve will be standing up a new payments system, the penultimate example of industry change. MORE
“As the cornerstones of the community, community bankers offer a light in the darkness of hard times.”. September traditionally acts as “back to school” month, where, after the slower-paced dog days of summer, we settle back into our normal routines. MORE
. “Stepping into the unknown can help us accomplish great things.”. It was wonderful to see so many of you at ICBA LIVE a few weeks ago in Nashville, Tenn. It’s always great to be with fellow community bankers, and now, as ICBA president and CEO, our members! What a great time we had—full of learning, inspiration and fun. Our theme this year was all about being bold, in innovation, leadership and life. Stepping into the unknown can help us accomplish great things. MORE
“As community bankers, making the next right choice today will ensure we have a strong, flourishing future.”. We have entered a challenging environment, to say the least. MORE
“With a heart led by compassion, let’s ask ourselves a question: Who do we want to be when we grow up?”. At times in our country, true independence has arisen from points of crisis—critical moments in time that require us to listen and reflect. MORE
“Today’s technology environment opens the door to a world of opportunity for community bankers.”. Welcome to Independent Banker’s ICBA LIVE 2020 issue! It’s amazing that we’re already celebrating our first convention of a new decade. As a child, the concept of the year 2020 seemed so far-fetched. MORE
“A plethora of new digital payments offerings now must factor into business strategies.”. What does “the best” mean? It can be a tricky question, as “the best” of anything is usually subject to interpretation. What I think is the best restaurant may not fit your palate, and vice versa. MORE
“The future is bright, and the opportunities for growth are endless.”. I had the opportunity to read this month’s cover story ahead of writing my column. I’m so glad that I did. I was blown away by the incredible community banks that are featured, and I have a feeling you’ll feel the same way! Even after such a phenomenal ICBA LIVE and the ICBA Capital Summit, which may be happening as you read this, I can still draw such inspiration from our nation’s community bankers. MORE
“From your focus on people to the good that you do, you make a lasting impact, and that’s what makes you uniquely who you are.”. When I consider what I love about community banking, I get a clear visual: overlapping concentric circles with one common center. MORE
Jamey Smith Citizens Bank in Kilgore, Texas. Jamey Smith forges complete partnerships for successful commercial lending. By Judith Sears. As a successful commercial lending specialist for more than 30 years, Jamey Smith, Houston region CEO of Citizens Bank in Kilgore, Texas, has pursued a strategy of getting an in-depth understanding of potential customers and their businesses. MORE
“While community banks could certainly benefit from the tax advantages credit unions have, we flourish despite them.”. There’s something about September that inspires a focus on priorities. Maybe it’s a throwback to back-to-school, or perhaps I’m gearing up for the switch of seasons. But come September, I spend some time reflecting on where I stand against my goals and what still needs to be done. MORE
In addition to spending time with family, Jimmy Rasmussen enjoys sporting activities, including fishing and deer hunting. Photo by Robert Seale. President and CEO for the $543 Million-Asset HomeTown Bank, N.A., in Galveston, Texas. IB: You were recently reelected to serve a second term on the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas board of directors. Rasmussen: Yes, it is an honor to serve the Group 3 Banks in Texas, southern New Mexico and northern Louisiana for three more years. MORE
. “Tim Zimmerman embodies what it means to be a community banker.”. I’m looking forward to seeing you at ICBA LIVE 2019! We’ve been working hard to ensure this year’s convention is the best yet. Our theme is “Community Banks Turn Up the Volume,” and community bankers and our ICBA chairman Tim Zimmerman did just that over the past year. MORE
“There’s an undeniable sense of connection among us, and I’ve seen how community banks have responded.”. What a different August this will be than in previous years. MORE
“A plethora of new digital payments offerings now must factor into business strategies.”. As Winston Churchill said, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” That sentiment rings true for digital payments. Today, community bankers hold a place at the digital payments table, both as drivers of change and as witnesses to the flurry of activity. MORE
“After a very challenging 2020, I encourage you and your loved ones to end the year strong and fill up with hope for what 2021 may bring.” MORE
“We are poised to lead the charge in striking the right balance of technology and connection for our customers and communities.”. Remember when video conference calls were a novelty? A year ago, I had a smattering of them. Now, not a day goes by without at least eight. MORE
“When our customers’ needs take center stage, we identify creative solutions to help them achieve their dreams.”. When I think about how the lending market has changed over the past decade, there is one consistent theme—community banks have been, and continue to be, the backbone of our nation’s financing. Despite regulatory hurdles and increased competition from nonbank providers, community banks thrive in both consumer and commercial lending. MORE
“Well-executed leadership is less about marching to your own beat and more about creating a well-choreographed team play.”. Remember that childhood game follow-the-leader where one person directed, and the others walked in line? MORE
“After a very challenging 2020, I encourage you and your loved ones to end the year strong and fill up with hope for what 2021 may bring.” MORE
“Community service is a timeless tradition that’s core to every community bank.”. By Rebeca Romero Rainey, President and CEO, ICBA. As I work on this column, I’m in Santa Fe, preparing to speak at the Independent Community Bankers Association of New Mexico’s annual convention. I was chairman of this great organization 10 years ago, and the theme of that convention was “Independent Community Banks—A Timeless Tradition.” MORE
“We stand the test of time as pillars of our communities.”. I recently attended an ICBA Services Network meeting where a group of us started reminiscing about the evolution of banking over the past few decades. We collectively wondered at how much has changed for the better. From new products and services to digital strategies and internal efficiencies, we’ve evolved our business to support our customers’ growing needs. Thankfully, we’re no longer filing checks and stuffing statements! MORE
Our marketing efforts as community banks often center on the stories we tell, and they resonate because they unveil the beauty of our joint community experience. The art of storytelling began as a way to solidify cultural history and preserve details for future generations. MORE
“Our resolution is to continue to bring you the very best support for your prosperity, growth and success in the new year.”. As we enter a new year, we’re filled with a sense of anticipation for everything that will unfold in the coming 12 months. MORE
“Leadership lies not in the position you hold but in what you do with it.”. After college, I moved back to my hometown of Taos, N.M. I was driven by the goal of doing whatever I could do to make a difference in my community. At the young age of 22, I became the third generation of my family to take the helm as president of Centinel Bank of Taos. I was given a significant opportunity by the board and bank management—one I didn’t take lightly. MORE
“You’ve got an incredible story to tell, and ICBA is honored to help you tell it.”. Community Banking Month holds a special place in my heart. It began early in my career at Centinel Bank of Taos. Every April, I would visit local elementary schools to speak about community banking. MORE
Independent Banker
MARCH 31, 2021
Photo by Robert Severi. Unlike our credit union counterparts, we pay taxes, and those tax dollars are spent at home to ensure our communities grow. The more things change, the more they remain the same.
Independent Banker
JANUARY 31, 2021
“From your focus on people to the good that you do, you make a lasting impact, and that’s what makes you uniquely who you are.”. When I consider what I love about community banking, I get a clear visual: overlapping concentric circles with one common center.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Independent Banker
MAY 31, 2020
“Well-executed leadership is less about marching to your own beat and more about creating a well-choreographed team play.”. Remember that childhood game follow-the-leader where one person directed, and the others walked in line?
Independent Banker
NOVEMBER 30, 2020
“After a very challenging 2020, I encourage you and your loved ones to end the year strong and fill up with hope for what 2021 may bring.”
Advertiser: Data Robot
How are organizations using machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to derive business value? Renowned author and professor Tom Davenport explains the rise of automated machine learning, its benefits, and success stories from businesses that are already using it.
.png)
Independent Banker
JULY 30, 2020
“There’s an undeniable sense of connection among us, and I’ve seen how community banks have responded.”. What a different August this will be than in previous years.
Independent Banker
FEBRUARY 28, 2021
Our marketing efforts as community banks often center on the stories we tell, and they resonate because they unveil the beauty of our joint community experience. The art of storytelling began as a way to solidify cultural history and preserve details for future generations.
Independent Banker
SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
“Just as we responded to the PPP loan curveball, so, too, have we been there to address the additional hurdles our customers face.”. When we flip our wall calendars to October, we’re regaled by images of pumpkins, ghosts and black cats. Halloween—the ultimate holiday.
Independent Banker
JUNE 30, 2020
“With a heart led by compassion, let’s ask ourselves a question: Who do we want to be when we grow up?”. At times in our country, true independence has arisen from points of crisis—critical moments in time that require us to listen and reflect.
Independent Banker
FEBRUARY 29, 2020
“Today’s technology environment opens the door to a world of opportunity for community bankers.”. Welcome to Independent Banker’s ICBA LIVE 2020 issue! It’s amazing that we’re already celebrating our first convention of a new decade. As a child, the concept of the year 2020 seemed so far-fetched.
Advertiser: ZoomInfo
Every sales forecasting model has a different strength and predictability method. It’s recommended to test out which one is best for your team. This way, you’ll be able to further enhance – and optimize – your newly-developed pipeline. Your future sales forecast? Sunny skies (and success) are just ahead!
|
Independent Banker
AUGUST 31, 2020
“As the cornerstones of the community, community bankers offer a light in the darkness of hard times.”. September traditionally acts as “back to school” month, where, after the slower-paced dog days of summer, we settle back into our normal routines.
Independent Banker
MAY 1, 2020
“As community bankers, making the next right choice today will ensure we have a strong, flourishing future.”. We have entered a challenging environment, to say the least.
Independent Banker
DECEMBER 31, 2020
“After a very challenging 2020, I encourage you and your loved ones to end the year strong and fill up with hope for what 2021 may bring.”
Independent Banker
JANUARY 31, 2020
“Community banks work hard to ensure that every day is just a little bit better than the last.”. As community bankers, we strive for excellence.
Advertiser: Data Robot
This report explores why it is so challenging to choose an AI vendor and what you should consider as you seek a partner in AI.
Independent Banker
DECEMBER 31, 2019
“Our resolution is to continue to bring you the very best support for your prosperity, growth and success in the new year.”. As we enter a new year, we’re filled with a sense of anticipation for everything that will unfold in the coming 12 months.
Independent Banker
MARCH 31, 2020
“You’ve got an incredible story to tell, and ICBA is honored to help you tell it.”. Community Banking Month holds a special place in my heart. It began early in my career at Centinel Bank of Taos. Every April, I would visit local elementary schools to speak about community banking.
Independent Banker
DECEMBER 1, 2019
“A plethora of new digital payments offerings now must factor into business strategies.”. What does “the best” mean? It can be a tricky question, as “the best” of anything is usually subject to interpretation. What I think is the best restaurant may not fit your palate, and vice versa.
Independent Banker
JUNE 30, 2019
“When our customers’ needs take center stage, we identify creative solutions to help them achieve their dreams.”. When I think about how the lending market has changed over the past decade, there is one consistent theme—community banks have been, and continue to be, the backbone of our nation’s financing. Despite regulatory hurdles and increased competition from nonbank providers, community banks thrive in both consumer and commercial lending.
Advertiser: ZoomInfo
Sales enablement is the strategic process of providing sales teams with the content, guidance, and mentorship needed to engage targeted buyers. It’s all about equipping sales professionals with the tools they need to put their best-selling foot forward. And if sales teams want to continuously sell better -- and faster -- their sales enablement process must have a game-winning strategy. It's time for you to start selling smarter - and hitting your sales number - with the best B2B database in the market. Get started today.
Independent Banker
AUGUST 26, 2018
“Community service is a timeless tradition that’s core to every community bank.”. By Rebeca Romero Rainey, President and CEO, ICBA. As I work on this column, I’m in Santa Fe, preparing to speak at the Independent Community Bankers Association of New Mexico’s annual convention. I was chairman of this great organization 10 years ago, and the theme of that convention was “Independent Community Banks—A Timeless Tradition.”
Independent Banker
OCTOBER 31, 2019
“A plethora of new digital payments offerings now must factor into business strategies.”. As Winston Churchill said, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” That sentiment rings true for digital payments. Today, community bankers hold a place at the digital payments table, both as drivers of change and as witnesses to the flurry of activity.
Independent Banker
SEPTEMBER 30, 2019
“When community bankers join their voices, they are a powerful force, taking the industry to new levels.”. We’re in a season of unprecedented industry change, particularly when we look at faster payments. In August, the Federal Reserve announced the launch of FedNow, a round-the-clock, real-time payments and settlement service. For the first time in more than 40 years, the Federal Reserve will be standing up a new payments system, the penultimate example of industry change.
Independent Banker
AUGUST 31, 2019
“While community banks could certainly benefit from the tax advantages credit unions have, we flourish despite them.”. There’s something about September that inspires a focus on priorities. Maybe it’s a throwback to back-to-school, or perhaps I’m gearing up for the switch of seasons. But come September, I spend some time reflecting on where I stand against my goals and what still needs to be done.
Advertiser: Data Robot
Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) allows organizations to alleviate many of the issues on the path to AI with ROI by providing a technological backbone for managing the machine learning lifecycle through automation and scalability.
Independent Banker
FEBRUARY 28, 2019
. “Tim Zimmerman embodies what it means to be a community banker.”. I’m looking forward to seeing you at ICBA LIVE 2019! We’ve been working hard to ensure this year’s convention is the best yet. Our theme is “Community Banks Turn Up the Volume,” and community bankers and our ICBA chairman Tim Zimmerman did just that over the past year.
Independent Banker
JULY 31, 2019
“We stand the test of time as pillars of our communities.”. I recently attended an ICBA Services Network meeting where a group of us started reminiscing about the evolution of banking over the past few decades. We collectively wondered at how much has changed for the better. From new products and services to digital strategies and internal efficiencies, we’ve evolved our business to support our customers’ growing needs. Thankfully, we’re no longer filing checks and stuffing statements!
Independent Banker
AUGUST 27, 2015
Photo by Aggie Brooks. Les Leskoven. Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer. for the $521 Million-Asset. Community National Bank & Trust of Texas. in Corsicana, Texas. IB: Tell me about Corsicana. Where’s it located? Leskoven: We’re about 45 miles southeast of Dallas. We’re very centrally located on Interstate 45. It’s a town of about 25,000 people. Our county’s about 50,000. We have several large manufacturing facilities and distribution centers, due to its central location.
Independent Banker
MAY 31, 2019
“Leadership lies not in the position you hold but in what you do with it.”. After college, I moved back to my hometown of Taos, N.M. I was driven by the goal of doing whatever I could do to make a difference in my community. At the young age of 22, I became the third generation of my family to take the helm as president of Centinel Bank of Taos. I was given a significant opportunity by the board and bank management—one I didn’t take lightly.
Advertiser: ZoomInfo
This eBook highlights best practices for developing a pipeline management process that helps sales leaders and their team C.L.O.S.E (you’ll see what we mean in this eBook) more revenue through data-driven prospecting, stage analysis, and subsequent sales enablement.
Independent Banker
JULY 1, 2015
Jamey Smith Citizens Bank in Kilgore, Texas. Jamey Smith forges complete partnerships for successful commercial lending. By Judith Sears. As a successful commercial lending specialist for more than 30 years, Jamey Smith, Houston region CEO of Citizens Bank in Kilgore, Texas, has pursued a strategy of getting an in-depth understanding of potential customers and their businesses.
Independent Banker
APRIL 30, 2019
“The future is bright, and the opportunities for growth are endless.”. I had the opportunity to read this month’s cover story ahead of writing my column. I’m so glad that I did. I was blown away by the incredible community banks that are featured, and I have a feeling you’ll feel the same way! Even after such a phenomenal ICBA LIVE and the ICBA Capital Summit, which may be happening as you read this, I can still draw such inspiration from our nation’s community bankers.
Independent Banker
APRIL 28, 2016
In addition to spending time with family, Jimmy Rasmussen enjoys sporting activities, including fishing and deer hunting. Photo by Robert Seale. President and CEO for the $543 Million-Asset HomeTown Bank, N.A., in Galveston, Texas. IB: You were recently reelected to serve a second term on the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas board of directors. Rasmussen: Yes, it is an honor to serve the Group 3 Banks in Texas, southern New Mexico and northern Louisiana for three more years.
Independent Banker
MARCH 31, 2019
. “Stepping into the unknown can help us accomplish great things.”. It was wonderful to see so many of you at ICBA LIVE a few weeks ago in Nashville, Tenn. It’s always great to be with fellow community bankers, and now, as ICBA president and CEO, our members! What a great time we had—full of learning, inspiration and fun. Our theme this year was all about being bold, in innovation, leadership and life. Stepping into the unknown can help us accomplish great things.
Advertiser: Data Robot
Capitalizing on the incredible potential of AI means having a coherent AI strategy that you can operationalize within your existing processes. Learn how organizations are overcoming hurdles and realizing the enormous rewards that AI can bring to any organization.
127 
Let's personalize your content