FDIC Community Banking Conference – Photo Essay
FDIC Community Banking Conference Focuses on 'Strategies for Long-Term Success'
Community bankers and other industry participants from around the country gathered April 6 for the FDIC's Community Banking Conference at Virginia Square. Discussions covered topics of interest to community bankers, including innovative ways to attract and retain customers, recent regulatory developments, management of technology challenges, and various approaches to ownership structure and succession planning
The indispensable role of community banks. In opening remarks, FDIC Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg emphasizes the importance of community banks to the financial system and the economy.
Information kits for attendees at registration desk.
A spotlight on creative success stories. In a panel discussion, community bankers point to a variety of ways their institutions are responding to challenges. President and CEO Alden J. McDonald, Jr. (second from right), says his Liberty Bank and Trust in New Orleans, which serves primarily low- and moderate-income customers in eight states, consistently seeks different business strategies to sustain its high-volume, low-balance business model.
A great future for community banks. President and CEO David J. Hanrahan, Sr., of Capital Bank of New Jersey in Vineland (center), says, “I think we community bankers have been dealt a great hand.” He adds: “If we simply manage our organization to our strengths, we’ve got a great future.”
Serving a unique business community. Chairman of the Board and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey (third from left) says Centinel Bank of Taos, New Mexico, serves the business community, which includes artists, architects, and other creative professionals, by finding innovative approaches and solutions to their business needs and by building long-term relationships.
The adaptability of community banks. Scott E. Hein, Professor of Finance at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, notes that community banks are an important part of the financial system and a primary source of economic growth for the country.
Jack Hartings, President and CEO of The Peoples Bank Co., Coldwater, Ohio, also a member of the FDIC’s Advisory Committee on Community Banking, asks a question.
News on regulatory activities. Moderator Doreen Eberley, FDIC Risk Management Supervision Director, leads a panel on regulatory developments.
Generating interest in community banking among young people. David J. Cotney, Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks and Chairman of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) (second from left), describes a competition launched by CSBS in which college students submit case studies about community banks.
A proposal for regulatory relief. FDIC Vice Chairman Thomas M. Hoenig delivers luncheon remarks.
How technology is helping community banks. CEO and Founder Shaza L. Andersen (second from left), says that WashingtonFirst Bank, Reston, Virginia, offers a wide variety of banking options, including online banking, mobile banking, remote deposit capture, ACH wire transfer, and deposits via smart phones and mobile devices. Technology helps community banks compete because they do not have to rely on as many branch locations, she adds.
Keeping pace with rising expectations. Michael Seifert, Vice President of Fiserv (right), notes the pressure on banks from customers. “We have evolved to a culture where we want everything now,” he says.
Various strategies for ownership structure. FDIC Chief Economist Rich Brown (second from left) summarizes findings of a recent FDIC study on the financial performance and management structure of closely held banks.
Focusing on niche sectors. CEO and Co-founder Timothy J. Schneider (second from right) says that Investors Community Bank, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, focuses primarily on agricultural and commercial lending.
A program to help with succession planning. Sorin M. Sorescu, Head of the Department of Finance at the Mays Business School, Texas A&M University in College Station (right), describes a program that educates undergraduate students in commercial banking with an emphasis on community banking. Students are selected based on their credentials and an interest in working in community banking. An advisory board sponsors the program, and board members come to the campus each year to deliver guest lectures. Every student in the program is offered a summer internship with an advisory board member.
Chairman Gruenberg chats with an attendee.
The FDIC’s ongoing commitment to community banks. At the end of the conference, Chairman Gruenberg affirms the FDIC’s lasting commitment to community banks, noting that these institutions are at the core of the agency’s mission.