July 2023

In the face of mounting economic challenges and fluctuating interest rates, small businesses are on the hunt for reliable financial tools. The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 504 Loan Refinance Program stands out as an impressive solution for owner-occupied commercial real estate. This program delivers more than just immediate financial relief; it offers a sustainable path forward for our local businesses and, by extension, for the bankers who serve them.

The Independent Community Bankers of Colorado’s alliance of community banks offers your customers access to 24 surcharge-free ATMs throughout Colorado.

The dust has largely cleared from the collapses of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), Signature and First Republic, but the policy implications still loom large. Stricter requirements for capital levels, stress testing and resolution planning are in the works, and the FDIC has suggested some changes to the deposit insurance system. On the plus side for bankers, regulators could be softening their stance on M&A.

If your responsibilities include your community bank’s bond portfolio, you’ve been confounded by several elements of its performance in the last 18 months. To the extent your portfolio has mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and government agency bonds, and the clear majority of all bonds owned by banks are in these two categories, they’ve certainly lost value since 2022. It is easy enough to put the “blame” on the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), which as of this writing has taken overnight rates up fully 500 basis points (5%) since March of last year.

Having general counsel is critical for community banks, but what’s the right balance between in‑house and external counsel? Community bankers and legal experts weigh in on how to create the right strategy for your bank.

When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), as the great Wizard of Oz once said, “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.”

Coaching has become an incredibly important and valuable tool for banks to develop their employees’ potential and enhance their performance. According to Gallup’s extensive research, employees who receive regular coaching are 3.5 times more likely to be engaged in their work than those who don’t. This is because coaching not only helps employees identify their strengths and weaknesses but also empowers them to set meaningful goals and receive constructive feedback, ultimately leading to significant improvements in their skills and abilities.

ICBC Preferred Providers are selected by bankers just like you, so give them special consideration when considering their proposals for your bank! To learn more about ICBC’s Preferred Providers contact the ICBC at 303.832.2000. Please note: ICBC endorses the listed companies but not all products offered by the company. Contact: Scott Wintenburg | swintenburg@bbwest.com |

Leslie “Les” Owen Mergelman, 77, passed away at his home in Elm Creek, Nebraska, on Friday, May 12, 2023. He was formerly of Cedaredge, Colorado. Les was born Feb. 8, 1946, to Warren and Margaret Mergelman in Gunnison, CO. Following college at Colorado State University, Les married the love of his life, Dorothy Jean, on March 25, 1972. Two children came from this marriage.

In the current interest rate environment, hedging is proving to be a particularly useful tool to secure the interests of both banks and borrowers: the forward rate lock (FRL) hedge. PCBB’s SVP of Hedging Solutions, Femi Audifferen, explains why now might be a good time for community banks to get started with this lending solution for new and existing loans.