From: Richard Clements [mailto:rickc@aebank.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2004 4:31 PM
To: Comments
Subject: Streamlined CRA Exam; RIN number 3064-AC50
Richard Clements
PO BOX 267
Elmwood, NE 68349
September 15, 2004
Dear Comments to FDIC:
As a community banker, I join my fellow community bankers throughout
the nation in strong support of the FDIC's proposal to increase the
asset size limit of banks eligible for the streamlined small-bank CRA
examination. I also strongly support the elimination of the separate
holding company qualification.
The proposal will greatly alleviate unnecessary paperwork and
examination burden without weakening our commitment to reinvest in our
communities. Reinvesting in our communities is something we do everyday
as a matter of good business. My community bank will not long survive if
my local community doesn't thrive, and that means my bank must be
responsive to community needs and promote and support community and
economic development.
Making it less burdensome to undergo a CRA exam by expanding
eligibility for the streamlined exam will free up human and financial
resources that can be redirected to the community and used to make loans
and provide other services.
It is important to remember that the streamlined CRA exam is not an
exemption from CRA.
