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Washington, D.C. (March 31, 2025)—The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) today announced that ICBA Community, its exclusive digital network for ICBA members, has surpassed 5,000 members since its launch in July 2023. Designed as a secure, member-only space for community bankers to connect, ask questions, and exchange ideas, ICBA Community now hosts 13 active discussion boards covering a range of topics from compliance and fraud to technology and marketing.
“This milestone is more than just a number—it represents thousands of conversations, shared solutions, new connections and peer support across every facet of community banking,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “ICBA Community is proving how powerful it is when bankers learn from each other.”
The platform’s growth reflects the strong engagement of ICBA members and has initiated peer-led collaboration inside and outside of the platform. Examples include a self-organized monthly meeting of community bank marketers and coordinated meetups at ICBA events that help bankers navigate day-to-day operations and address evolving market dynamics.
ICBA staff monitors content to preserve the network’s integrity but does not actively participate in discussions. ICBA also limits outside perspectives on its closed network.
Since its launch, ICBA Community has evolved into more than just a discussion forum. It has become a trusted, ongoing resource. Members share templates, policies, vendor feedback, and first-hand advice, creating a growing archive of searchable solutions accessible anytime via desktop or mobile app.
“This kind of organic momentum is what we hoped for,” ICBA Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Rob Birgfeld said. “The platform was built for bankers, but the energy and direction is entirely member driven. It’s a space where community bankers connect on their terms, on the topics that matter to them and can help them and their banks—and that’s why it’s working.”
Beyond supporting peer-to-peer learning, the platform also serves as a feedback loop. ICBA staff observe trends and pain points shared in conversations, helping shape the organization’s advocacy, education, and innovation priorities.
Community bankers can log in at community.icba.org using their ICBA credentials to start exploring or contributing to the conversation.
About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.
As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.