China-U.S. retains strong trade tries amid tension
U.S.-China trade relations remain strong despite ongoing tensions between the two countries, according to former ambassador Terry Branstad and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. [Continue]
Ag professor: More workers needed to tame inflation
Growing the U.S. workforce either through more immigration or a higher birthrate will tame any future problematic inflation rates, according to a Purdue University professor. [Continue]
ABA Chair: Credit union deals at ‘inflection point’
Credit union purchases of community banks are at an “inflection point,” American Bankers Association Chair Jim Edwards said, bankers must advocate for the industry as they continue. [Continue]
SBA: Outreach during pandemic sparked economy, community banks
SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said her organization has strengthened its relationship with community banks by increasing its number of preferred lenders and helping bankers navigate a sometimes complicated lending process. Guzman’s Aug. 16 comments came during a roundtable in downtown St. Paul as part of a nationwide tour intended to highlight the nation’s economic recovery from the pandemic and emphasize the importance of vaccinations to ensure further growth. [Continue]
Credit union discussion percolates at IBA convention
Leadership of the Iowa Legislature gathered for a panel discussion at the 133 rd annual convention of the Iowa Bankers Association. Meeting at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines on Sept. 24, credit union competition dominated the conversation among five elected officials, all Republicans. [Continue]
New ICBM chair wants to grow advocacy, mentoring efforts
Prioritizing industry advocacy efforts and mentoring the next generation of community bankers tops the lists of priorities for Bernie Gaytko, newly elected chair of the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota. [Continue]
Mentorship, peer networks key to women’s success
The importance of mentorship and women helping other women in their careers was a key refrain offered by a panel of three veteran female bankers recently. Mary Kay Bates, president and CEO of Bank Midwest, Spirit Lake, Iowa; Laurie Nordquist, lead regional president for the Upper Midwest for Wells Fargo, and Del Mari Runck, chief operating officer for Neighborhood National Bank, St. Cloud. [Continue]
True tales of ownership succession
The sometimes painful process of bank ownership succession planning was highlighted at the recent Nebraska Bankers Association annual convention by a panel of CEOs who became new owners when presented with the opportunity by previous owners. [Continue]
Iowa officials update bankers on flooding at IDoB event
Spring flooding was on the minds of Gov. Kim Reynolds and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig as they updated bankers on conditions on the ground in southwestern Iowa during the 26th annual “Day with the Superintendent,” held April 18 in Des Moines. The event was hosted by the Iowa Division of Banking. [Continue]
Regulatory compliance burden eases some as industry conditions strengthen
The banking industry’s financial performance is generally strengthening at a time when regulatory demands seem to be lightening [Continue]