I’m a glass-half-full banker. So, while we can look at 2021 as a year of challenges, we should also take a moment to recognize the opportunities that have emerged in their wake.

The pandemic has led to new possibilities—from the advent of digital solutions to enhanced customer engagement and new acquisitions through initiatives like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). And these developments have fueled community bank growth, both in footprint and in balance sheet.

For example, my bank has doubled in physical size over the past year, as we are finalizing the opening of three new branches to complement the three we already have. We evaluated the needs of our local communities and filled in gaps within our existing geographic footprint. We are set to be the region’s primary agricultural lender with the addition of a new ag lending team and additional branch locations.

As you can imagine, this physical expansion requires an ongoing investment in products, services, and infrastructure. Thankfully, ICBA Bancard has proved once again to be our trusted partner. Having payments solutions for these new clients is vital given their rural location. So, we will be making a real push to not only offer, but educate our clients on our digital solutions like remote deposit capture and mobile deposits. We also will be augmenting our product suite with faster payments, which will be facilitated by our relationship with Bancard partner Finzly.

While we have had much success, I don’t see my bank’s story as an isolated example. Community banks around the country have been able to strengthen their impact by rising to the occasion and supporting the needs of their communities in new and diverse ways.

Yet expansive progress means taking some calculated risks. Fortunately, we can be in a grow-and-protect mode at the same time. For example, solutions like Bancard’s Fraud Loss Protection Plan helps limit exposure resulting from the fraudulent use of credit or debit cards, which provides additional assurance as we look to expand.

This is a new era in banking, so let’s take advantage of our growth opportunities and embrace the possibilities. Let’s continue protecting today’s interests, while innovating to ensure we remain the financial service provider of choice our customers turn to for decades to come. It’s a challenge I know we will all rise to meet.

Greg Deckard is ICBA Bancard’s chairman and is the CEO and chairman of State Bank Northwest, a $240 million-asset community bank in Spokane, Wash.