December 18, 2024 the Fed made an announcement that many people did not see coming. So, whenever the Fed does something, we bring on Jim Reber to digest it for us and explain it to the community banking industry.

Be sure to check out ICBA Securities at www.icba.org/icba-securities

That time of the year when we take a look back with our friends at Gerrish Smith Tuck and what they've seen are some of the issues we've faced this past year and what's coming ahead.

To learn more about Gerrish Smith Tuck, check out https://gerrish.com/

And many thanks to ICBA Securities for their continued support.

Well, Barret has a BIG announcement and it's one we've been working on for right at a year-and-a-half. I don't know when I've been more excited to be make an episode!!

Barret has entered partnership with The Banque, a new banking simulation centered around teaching the players actual banking! We've worked with Dave Sidon during the last year or so and have been absolutely amazed at, not just the software, but the usability...approachability...how much bankers enjoy it and actually learn from it! Needless to say, we're excited and you'll be hearing MUCH more about The Banque and Barret's partnership in the future.

Do go and check out The Banque's site to learn more about them at https://thebanque.net/ and many thanks to ICBA Securities for their continued support! (https://www.icba.org/icba-securities)

Well, it's been a slightly busy week and a half hasn't it!? Only a little bit of news that has market impact, right? Seriously, there's been quite a few things moving in the markets and whenever there's news you can use...we bring in Jim Reber, CEO of ICBA Securities to help us get our arms around the material.

Be sure to check out ICBA Securities at https://www.icba.org/icba-securities

Be sure to sign up for ICBA Live in Nashville this coming March https://www.icba.org/events/icba-live/registration

This is sort of a part 2 to the last time we had Eric on discussing collaboration. As you can tell, I love talking to Eric and his insights from his career are always insightful and inspiring to me as I hope they are to you. I love this idea of accountability. It takes a lot of work and a lot of pride swallowing sometimes but that's the point in a way. Asking yourself do you believe enough in yourself, your team, the mission to own a mistake. It's easy to own the wins...there's no shortage of people claiming a piece of a win but it gets awfully quiet when numbers or results don't quite hit the target.

Be sure to check out Eric on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-alexander-58b3005a/

And many thanks to our sponsor, ICBA Securities!

https://www.icba.org/icba-securities

Whenever there's economic news that matters to community banks, why not turn to the experts. Jim Reber, CEO of ICBA Securities, is on today to summarize and contextualize today's economic news.

To learn more about the Balance Sheet Academy referenced in the show, check out https://www.icba.org/events/details/2024/10/28/icba-securities/balance-sheet-academy

Eric Alexander with Six Arrows Consulting is back to talk about collaboration in banking. This will be, likely, a two-part series on tearing down those infernal silos we have in banking. Long time listeners will know that the "silo-ing" in banking is one of my biggest pet peeves and Eric's approach to team building, collaboration, and culture from within the financial area of the bank (not often associated with such terms!!!) is why I really value his input.

You maaaaaay also notice a little different intro on this episode! Eric is another musical banker and he had previously recorded his arrangement of the old hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus". So, in the interest of collaborating with fellow musical bankers, I thought I would share his work.

Finally, in the episode, Eric issues a challenge to you...first, you have to listen for it, but email your responses to me at [email protected] and let's see what happens when we ask those question!

Be sure to follow Eric on LinkedIn and check out his site at https://sixarrowsconsulting.com/

And many thanks to our sponsor, ICBA Securities: https://www.icba.org/icba-securities

You go to a convention or you see a brand new shiny product on LinkedIn and it sounds great. But do you need it?

Truth is...I can't really answer that for you. You make that call.

But the question DOES arise...how do you know if you need it? How do you even know what data can do to figure out if it's even something that strategically works for you.

It's a question that Tim Dively with CliftonLarsonAllen and I have batted around several times over the past few weeks and I wanted to get him on the podcast and help us wade through those waters.

Be sure you check out their digital services at https://godigital.claconnect.com/

And don't forget to check out our sponsor, ICBA Securities at https://www.icba.org/icba-securities

We're continuing our theme around banking with a purpose...what does community involvement really look like? What are some cool stories from community banks that are affecting real change in their local communities?

Danny Kelly is the CEO of Hometown Bank in Oneonta, AL. You may remember him from a previous Main Street Banking episode and their really cool use of YouTube.

Well, being a subscriber, I came across a video about their community partnerships and the projects that they are working on. It's really powerful stuff.

You can watch the video here https://youtu.be/74wWWFsQxXA?si=aHMfReSVZHYz7XAD

And many thanks to our sponsor, ICBA Securites, which you can learn more about here https://www.icba.org/icba-securities

Sharon Anderson is the CEO/President of Williamstown Bank in Williamstown WV. In February of 2020, they implemented a community-driven coffee business similar to what you have seen on this podcast before and, to date, have nearly raised $50,000 that goes directly to charities in the local community. As someone who has watched this from Memphis, it is truly one of those "feel good" stories...but more than that (and to borrow Williamstown Bank's marketing) it's what banking can be.

If you'd like to read more about The Giving Cup, check out https://www.williamstownbank.com/services/the-giving-cup/

And always, thank you to our sponsor, ICBA Securities: https://www.icba.org/icba-securities