The Correspondent

January is Financial Wellness Month, and financial wellness for community banks starts with strategic planning. But how can you get more out of your strategic planning process than just checking a box for the regulators? CEO Derek Hetherington, who solidified a...

Dazed and Confused? When Led Zeppelin sang, “Been dazed and confused for so long, it’s not true,” I bet they never imagined it would serve as the opening line for a 2024 economic outlook, but it captures the spirit of the moment.[i]  A combination of factors makes...

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, let's face it, a bit of financial indulgence. There’s a good chance your customers may have splurged a little more than planned during the holidays. Now that the confetti has settled, it's time to shift gears and...

As the year draws to a close, community banks find themselves at the intersection of reflection and anticipation. It's the perfect time to assess the triumphs and challenges of the past year and set the course for a prosperous new one. Just as individuals set personal...

As the holiday season ushers in a spirit of generosity and goodwill, your community bank has a unique opportunity to give a gift that keeps on giving—the gift of financial education. While the festivities bring joy and merriment, they also present an ideal time to...

For many people, their favorite holiday memories involve curling up in the living room and watching their favorite Christmas movie with family and friends. Likely a top contender for many is the 1947 classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” In this Christmas classic, George...

Today, staying competitive as a community bank means more than just offering excellent service—your potential customers have to know about it. Embracing the power of the internet is a key way to connect with your local audience effectively. Local search engine...

Small businesses are the backbone of local communities, and community banks play a critical role in supporting these businesses. As community banks are locally owned and operated, they have a unique understanding of the needs and challenges faced by small businesses...

'Tis the season to be jolly, and for community bankers, it's also the perfect time to demonstrate your unwavering commitment to your customers. As the holiday season approaches, people everywhere prepare to embrace the joy and warmth that comes with this special time...