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Main Street Matters Blog

Find out what's happening in communities across America, from grassroots advocacy efforts, to fintech innovations and everyday successes of Main Street banks.

Main Street Matters

Feed your focus

Jun 3, 2020
When I really need to focus, I’ve noticed the process usually starts with decluttering both my mind and my environment. I love the quote, “Starve the distractions. Feed your focus.” To clear my mind before starting a project, I know that I have to be purposeful with my attention.

Now is the time to act on PPP reform

Jun 2, 2020
If community bankers were waiting for the right time to contact Congress and urge needed reforms to the Paycheck Protection Program, the wait is over.

Tell the Senate to Pass PPP Reforms

Jun 1, 2020
With the Senate considering Paycheck Protection Program reforms after the House passed its reform bill last week, now is the time for community banks to urge lawmakers to enact our recommended changes.

Cybersecurity in the time of COVID-19

Jun 1, 2020
During the pandemic, three types of attacks and scams have risen sharply, and bankers should anticipate seeing more of these threats throughout the pandemic’s duration. This blog explains them and how you can protect your community bank.

How Banks Can Embrace the “Next Normal” in Payments and Digital Experiences

May 27, 2020
With the pandemic representing a turning point in payments, community banks must take steps now to embrace digital channels without sacrificing the personal support customers expect from their community bank relationship.

SBA Issues New Guidance on PPP Lending

May 23, 2020
The Small Business Administration last night issued two interim final rules on Paycheck Protection Program requirements.

SBA Issues Needed Guidance on Processing Fees, Form 1502

May 21, 2020
The Small Business Administration just released long-sought guidance on submitting the initial SBA Form 1502 for Paycheck Protection Program loans. Lenders are required to submit the form to report on PPP loans and collect the processing fees on fully disbursed loans.

PPP Solutions Showcase: Fintechs Support Calculating, Tracking, and Reporting Forgiveness

May 19, 2020
Necessity truly is the mother of invention. Community banks have all felt that over the past few weeks as they’ve implemented new innovations in response to the Paycheck Protection Program. But now we’ve moved into phase two: servicing these loans, which presents a new set of challenges.

Partnering for Innovation During the Pandemic

May 15, 2020
Community banks had to beef up what they had in place and get creative to adequately address how to serve their customers amid a shutdown. And as the pandemic’s reach expanded, so too did the need to highlight the utility and usage of their digital offerings.

The New Normal: Getting Back to Work During COVID-19

May 14, 2020
As parts of our country prepare to “reopen for business” what constitutes the new normal for our nation’s community banks will depend on several parameters. These include local pandemic conditions, state and federal guidance, business requirements and the needs of the local communities they serve.