A strategic plan developed last October is guiding the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota to build on three “strategic anchors,” explained Rick Gobell in a speech that concluded his service as 2016-17 ICBM chairman. Gobell delivered his comments at the award luncheon that closed the ICBM’s convention, conducted Aug. 10-12 in Bloomington, Minn.
Gobell is president of the $100 million, St. Paul-based Drake Bank, which he helped found in 2002. He announced shortly after the ICBM convention that he would be leaving the bank by Aug. 31 to pursue other interests.
Citing member services as the first anchor, Gobell said one of ICBM’s “premier” services is its peer networks. These are meetings specifically designed for chief credit officers, compliance officers, human resource professionals and marketers to exchange ideas. In the spring, ICBM launched a peer network for CEOs. Two groups were formed; one meets in Mankato, the other in St. Cloud. Each group will meet three times during the year. In addition, the association is launching a conference for future leaders. In September, the association will host a LEAD conference, focused on Leadership, Education And Development of mid-career and emerging industry leaders.
Gobell also mentioned the recent hiring of Greg McCurry, the former executive of the Independent Community Bankers of South Dakota. McCurry, who joined ICBM on Aug. 1, will help develop relationships with partners, associate members and vendors.
Gobell called events and education the association’s second strategic anchor. He said the association provides more than 150 educational opportunities per year to it members, including the annual convention. Other events include an agricultural conference, member appreciation events and electronically delivered education such as webinars.
“Our final strategic anchor is powerful advocacy,” Gobell said. The association’s Day at the Capitol conducted during the legislative session in the winter is an annual membership highlight. In 2017, fifty-two bankers participated, he said. In addition, Gobell said the association’s trip to Washington, D.C., attracted 30 bankers.
“It is evident that our efforts are paying off as our association is building trusting relationships with our national lawmakers, to the point that our national lawmakers are now calling us asking for counseling when voting on these specific issues,” Gobell said.