2025’s Top Challenges and Opportunities for Community Banks
By Allison Maddock Continued adoption of open banking, enhanced cybersecurity and evolving regulatory concerns shape what financial institutions must consider when developing their strategies. However, these areas also represent a tremendous opportunity for those who adapt. CSI’s Banking Priorities Survey—which asked a cross section community bankers nationwide about their strategies and priorities for 2025—explored both,…
Great Lake Banker Magazine
Unlocking SMB Growth: Why Banks Need a Dedicated Loan Origination System for SMB Success
By Adam Bieser Over 33 million businesses in the US are categorized as Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs). These SMBs are the backbone of the economy, employing 35% of the private-sector workforce. However, a recent OnDeck survey reported that 70% of these SMBs had less than four months of operating cash on hand. Furthermore, a…
Section 1033 Final Rule Provides Community Banks with the Perfect Innovation Opportunity
By Bradley Wallace After more than a year of debate and uncertainty, the Notice of Final Ruling on section 1033 is finally here. The vast majority of community banks—with the exception of those with fewer than $850 million in assets—now face a compliance timeline of about two to five years depending on asset size. But…
Havana National Bank Approaches 150th Anniversary
The Havana National Bank, opened for business on May 17, 1875, has proudly served west-central Illinois for almost 150 years. Located along the east banks of the Illinois River in Havana, Illinois, the Bank ended that day with $95,082.31 in total assets, approximately half of which came from capital stock purchased by its nine original…
Horizon Chairman Craig Dwight Retires
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind.,—Horizon Bancorp, Inc. has announced that Craig Dwight, Chairman of Board, will retire from the Board of directors effective at the expiration of his current term on May 1, 2025. The board of directors has elected Eric Blackhurst to serve as an Independent Chairperson, effective upon Dwight’s retirement. Blackhurst has served as a…
QCR CEO Retires, Transition Planned
MOLINE, Ill.,—QCR Holdings, Inc., has announced that, effective immediately following the annual stockholders meeting on May 22, 2025, Larry J. Helling will retire from his role as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and of Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust Company, one of the Company’s wholly-owned bank subsidiaries. Additionally, Helling will also retire at that…
Consumers Appoints Bickerton Director
MINERVA, Ohio—The board of directors of Consumers Bancorp, Inc. approved the appointment of David R. Bickerton as a Class I director, effective March 13, 2025. Mr. Bickerton was also appointed as director of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Consumers National Bank, effective March 13, 2025. He will also become a member of the Audit Committee,…
F&M Bank Names Peter Schork Regional President, Welcomes Carly Buchanan as Chief People Officer
ARCHBOLD, Ohio,—F&M Bank, subsidiary to Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. has added Peter Schork as Regional President of the Toledo, Ohio, and Southeastern Michigan regions. F&M has also named Carly Buchanan Chief People Officer. Peter brings 25 years of banking and financial experience to F&M. Prior to joining the company, he served as the Ann…
Susan Campfield Retires from Norwood, Wayne Boards
HONESDALE, Pa.—Susan Campfield has retired from the Board of directors of Norwood Financial Corp and its subsidiary, Wayne Bank. After serving the companies for 19 years, Campfield announced her retirement stating, “I have enjoyed supporting this great bank and all of the good it has done and is doing in the communities that we serve….
Wes Reynolds Joins OCB Advisory Board
OREGON, Wis.,—One Community Bank is excited to welcome Wes Reynolds, Principal and Owner at OPN Architects, to the One Community Bank Advisory Board! “Wes is an excellent addition to our board, and I look forward to working with him. As we look to the future, Wes’ business background and leadership skills will help shape One…