Washington, D.C. (March 10, 2021) — Incoming Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) Chairman Robert Fisher encouraged community banks attending ICBA Connect to exercise their political capital—gained through dedicated service to customers and communities—to help enact meaningful policies that benefit local communities.
A fifth-generation community banker, Fisher—who serves as president and CEO of Tioga Bank in Spencer, N.Y.—recounted the bank’s founding more than 150 years ago and the important role of community banks across the nation as financial lifelines for customers during times of uncertainty.
“We all have amazing stories that we need to share, to get involved, get engaged, and together we will move the needle for the benefit of our customers and communities,” said Fisher, who implored his fellow community bankers to become active in the political process to make their voices heard in Washington.
Fisher also echoed the importance of financial literacy to help Americans achieve financial security, technology as a means to stay connected, and engagement with policymakers to ensure fair and equitable treatment of the unique and steadfast community banking business model.
“If our members are engaged and passionate, we will prevail," Fisher said. "When you’re fighting on behalf of a great mission—to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish—it’s hard to lose.”
For more information about Fisher, including his biography, visit www.icba.org.
About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. ICBA is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education, and high-quality products and services.
With nearly 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute 99 percent of all banks, employ more than 700,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties. Holding more than $5 trillion in assets, over $4.4 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.4 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation and fueling their customers’ dreams in communities throughout America. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org.
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