April 18, 2019


In This Issue: 
Message From the President

By John Witkowski, President & CEO



Since 1974, IBANYS has worked hard to live by our mission statement: "To promote and strengthen the vitality of community banking throughout New York state." IBANYS is proud to live by this statement every day, as the only trade association in New York that exclusively represents the interests of local independent community banks. Our work is centered around our mission, and as the celebration of Community Banking Month continues, we are reminded why the services community banks provide are significant to both local communities and our nation:
  • A 2013 New York State Department of Financial Services study found: "... in the area of small business and farm lending, while community banks hold about 22% of all the assets of the Federal Deposit Insurance banks in the state, they provide nearly 55% of all small business loans and approximately 90% of small farm loans in the State. 
  • Smaller community banks (those with assets of $1 billion or less) made almost 28% of all small business loans, including 43% of small farm loans, in New York, despite holding just 6% of all FDIC insured banking assets in New York. We understand and embrace local businesses."
  • Nationally, community bank loan growth has outpaced that of non-community banks for six straight years. According to a study by the 12 Federal Reserve Banks, small businesses that apply for loans with community banks are the most successful and most satisfied. 
  • Community banks are "high tech and high touch" institutions. They offer high-tech service to provide consumers access to modern-day conveniences - while maintaining the reliable, dependable high-quality customer service for which they are known. 
  • Governor Cuomo has stated: "Community banks represent a strong economic engine that drives growth in New York and their performance is remarkable. Small business is the engine of job growth and most small business loans come not from the big national banks, but from community banks." 
  • Former Financial Services Superintendent Lawsky noted: "Community banks focus on the unique needs of their communities. They build strong customer relationships which help attract local retail deposits. These banks take deposits from their communities and then typically recycle them back into their communities in the form of loans."
In addition, IBANYS has a full calendar of conferences that are designed for bankers by bankers including directors, compliance, security, lending and bank leadership . Upcoming meetings include the Security Conference on May 7 in Rochester, NY and May 8 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Next is the Lending Conference, co-sponsored by T. Gschwender & Associates, on May 21-22 at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen, NY. The final meeting will be our Banking Executive Symposium in September at the Harbor Hotel 1000 Islands. Full brochures and registration forms are now available for the Security and Lending conferences, with more information to be released soon for the Banking Executive Symposium. Don't forget to register for our biggest event of the year, the 2019 Annual Convention! This year's convention will be on June 10-12 at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino and features sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, as well as recreational activities such as golf and a Paint & Sip. Don't wait to sign-up! Be sure to save the dates, submit your registrations and book your hotel room as soon as possible to secure your place.

There's much to celebrate during Community Banking Month - and throughout the year! With the help of ICBA, IBANYS will continue to provide ways to help you celebrate Community Banking Month throughout April. Learn more at www.icba.org and watch IBANYS' social media accounts each week. 

__________________________________________


Deadlines Are Near for Two Nominations:
  • ICBA is accepting nominations for the 2019 ICBA National Community Bank Service Awards, sponsored by FIS. These annual awards recognize community banks that provide outstanding, hands-on volunteer community service efforts to their local communities. All types of service, from community development to financial literacy to disaster relief and beyond, are recognized. Nominations close April 30. Learn more or to make a nomination.
  • ICBA's Independent Banker magazine is recognizing member banks that are embracing new technologies, fintech partnerships and sheer creativity for the betterment of their customers and businesses. To nominate your community bank: Outline the details of your strategy or solution and its benefits (such as differentiation, risk management, revenue, customer experience or efficiency) in no more than 1,000 words by Friday, April 26.
__________________________________________



Meet  With Our  New York Congressional Delegation
at the ICBA Capital Summit

In less than two weeks, the ICBA Capital Summit takes place in Washington, D.C. New York community bankers will have the chance to advocate for our industry's top federal issues and priorities with the members of our New York Congressional Delegation.  IBANYS is lining up these "hill visits" for Tuesday, April 30.  Your presence and your voice will help demonstrate to our federal lawmakers how important community banks are to the state and local economies, as well as communities. There will also be a   wide assortment of speakers from the regulatory and legislative fields. 
  • Join us Monday night, April 29 for the IBANYS dinner at the Cure Bar & Bistro Restaurant in the Grand Hyatt Hotel, featuring a briefing on the following day's activities - co-hosted by IBANYS' preferred partner Luse Gorman, P.C. and The Bonadio Group
  • Register to attend by clicking the link below. Then, email us the names of the Representatives with whom you'd like to meet.


__________________________________________


If there is someone at your bank who is not currently receiving the e-newsletter, send us their names and email addresses and we will add them to our list! Email  Linda Gregware or Natalie Rowan to add additional recipients or for more information. In addition, ensure everyone is following IBANYS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date with all IBANYS news.
SocialMedia
Follow IBANYS On Social Media!

 Connect With Us Today!


 Facebook: @ibanys1 | Twitter: @ibanys1

Instagram: @ibanys1 | LinkedIn: @ibanys

2019 Meetings

Get Ready For 2019 Annual Convention!Convention19

 

SAVE THE DATE

When:

June 10-12, 2019


Where:

5218 Patrick Rd, Verona, NY 13478

                                         
                                    Brochure                    Registration Form

__________________________________________________________________


Attend One of Our Educational Meetings! Meetings2019


Our 2019 Meeting dates and locations are now available! These educational conferences cover various subjects that are important within the community banking industry, spoken by the experts. T hey are also a great opportunity to network and earn CPE credits. Here is what we have planned for 2019:


SecurityConf
                   
                           May 7, 2019                                         May 8, 2019
                 RIT Inn & Conference Center                     Hampton Inn Poughkeepsie
                      5257 W. Henrietta Road                                   2361 South Rd.
                         Henrietta, NY 14467                              Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

                           View Brochure                              View Registration Form
                        

CPE Credits Available  = 7

__________________________________________________________________

LendingConf 

Co-Sponsored By:


May 21-22, 2019
16 North Franklin Street
Watkins Glen, NY 14891

            View Brochure                              View Registration Form


CPE Credits Available  = 10

__________________________________________________________________


Banking Executive SymposiumBankExecSymposium

September 9-11, 2019
200 Riverside Drive
Clayton, NY 13624

CPE Credits Available  = TBD

__________________________________________________________________

Have an idea for one of our meetings? Want to see a meeting or forum on a different subject? We want to hear from you! 
Contact Linda Gregware or John Witkowski with your thoughts and/or comments.

IBANYS Education/WebinarsWebinars
  WebinarSchedule2019

The 2019 Webinar is now available! The Independent Bankers Association of NYS (IBANYS) partners with CBWN to bring you more than 150 webinars each year covering compliance, lending, regulations, security, operations, new accounts, collections, fraud, security and other topics. Even better, each time you purchase a webinar, you support IBANYS, because a portion of your registration comes directly to us. Thank you!  

You can view the 2019 Webinar Schedule here or by category here. In addition, CBWN has made some recent updates to provide better service to its consumers. Unfortunately, some changes may have caused you to miss important webinar announcements. Please read the IBANYS letter to view the updates and ensure that you do not miss another webinar.

NEW WEBINARS ADDED FOR 2019NEWWebinars19

CBWN has added more than 140 webinars to the IBANYS webinar calendar, covering all the essential topics. Start the new year off right by gaining the knowledge and tools to make 2019 the best year yet! 


CBWN and IBANYS thank you for your continued support of the education in the community banking industry. 

Government Relations
AlbanyAlbanyGR

 

2019 Legislative Session Begins The Final Stretch Next Week
 
The Legislature remains out on its annual April recess until next week. Once it returns to Albany on Monday, there are only 26 session days planned over the final eight weeks until its scheduled June 19 adjournment.  Legislative committees are gearing up for final push, and the process will begin moving more quickly. 

IBANYS held a Government Relations Committee conference call late last week, and sent a comprehensive summary of that meeting to all IBANYS member banks. The call focused on the current status of state and federal issues and the political environment, as well as IBANYS strategic approach for the final weeks of session in Albany and the spring and summer in Washington.  




Latest Siena Poll A "Mixed Bag" For Budget, Governor

According to a new Siena Poll released Monday, a majority of New York voters ( 64% to 22%) support  the state budget provision to make permanent the state's cap on property tax increases. 

Governor  Cuomo's favorability rating was mostly unchanged since the last poll  in March. The Governor's favorability was "under water" - 47% favorable, and 48% unfavorable. Meanwhile, 62% of t he voters opposed the budget resolution to increase Cuomo's pay from $179,000 to $200,000. Voters are split on the overall quality of the state budget: 39% said it is "good for New York,"while 35% think it is "bad for the state."



 Have You Contacted Your New State & Federal  Legislators? ReachOutCongressMembers

There are 39 freshman members of the state legislature - many of whom are not that familiar with community banking.  IBANYS has provided lists of new State Senators, Assembly Members and Congressional Representatives, as well as talking points to help them understand and appreciate the importance of community banks to New York's state and local economies and communities (see below) as part of our  outreach program. The program materials include:
  •  Talking points for your use in your meetings, emails and phone calls to introduce yourselves and to help inform them about New York's community banks.
Please contact your new state and federal lawmakers, then let us know the results by emailing  John Witkowski and Steve Rice 

Washington, D.C.WashingtonGR


I CBA: "Community Banks Are The Megabank Alternative" ICBAMegabankAlternative 

Rebeca Romero Rainey
ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued a statement on last week's House Financial Services Committee hearing on holding megabanks accountable. 

"Community banks comprise 99 percent of U.S. bank charters and make 60 percent of the nation's small-business loans and 80 percent of agricultural loans. And these locally based institutions continue to find new ways to spread economic prosperity throughout their communities, adding more than 700 bank offices between June 2017 and June 2018 while larger institutions shrank their office footprint. Through it all, community banks operate within the strenuous regulatory requirements and economic fallout often provoked by the misbehavior of the megabanks." 



New FHFA Director Calabria: Don't Miss Opportunity For 
Housing Finance Reform

Mark Calabria
Mark Calabria has been sworn in as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate earlier in April.  Calabria said he enters office with a "sense of urgency" to address vulnerabilities in the housing-finance system. In his first public remarks since taking office, he said Washington "must not let this opportunity for reform pass" concerning the mortgage finance system.  Last week, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin said he wants Fannie and Freddie to be overhauled in the next six months. Calabria  has said he will follow the lead of Congress, but also cited a recent memo on the subject by President Trump at his swearing-in. 

Meanwhile, Adolfo Marzol was appointed principal deputy director of FHFA. He previously was senior advisor for housing to HUD Secretary Ben Carson, focusing on the FHA, Ginnie Mae and housing-finance reform. 



Kraninger Lays Out Her Vision For CFPB  

Kathy Kraninger
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Kathy Kraninger said she is approaching the CFPB differently from her predecessor and previous boss Mick Mulvaney, who is now White House Chief of Staff as well as Budget Director. 
"He and I agree completely that we have very different responsibilities and goals as we approach this job." Kraninger said she is " focused on managing the institution to conduct the mission that Congress gave us effectively, efficiently and appropriately." However, c onsumer protection experts noted her actions on policy have not differed greatly from Mulvaney's, citing the CFPB's pursuit of a proposal to do away with an underwriting rule for payday lenders. 

Kraninger, who laid out her vision for the bureau after a listening tour,  said her approach emphasizes 1) using available tools to prevent consumer harm, 2) empowering consumers through education, 3) ensuring clear rulemaking and guidance instead of regulation through enforcement actions, 4) using supervision to support compliance, and 5) focusing enforcement on bad actors. She  discussed the challenges of basing judgments of the agency's performance on outcomes, noted effective oversight should mean fewer complaints, and said the CFPB will develop appropriate ways to measure its progress in preventing consumer harm.



Cannabis Banking "Safe Harbor" Bill Introduced In Senate 

The bipartisan "Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act" (S. 1200) has been  introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Gardner (R-CO.) and Merkley (D-OR.). There are 20 additional original co-sponsors. On March 28, the House companion bill was approved by a committee vote of  45-15. Both bills would establish a cannabis-banking "safe harbor" for financial institutions and ancillary companies that serve cannabis-related businesses in states where cannabis is legal. 

ICBA supports legislation to establish a cannabis-banking safe harbor and will continue working with Congress. Banking regulators from 24 states and Puerto Rico (including Acting New York Superintendent Linda Lacewell) called on congressional leaders to advance safe harbor legislation. In a joint letter, they said a safe harbor would reduce the risk associated with these largely cash-based businesses and bring their operations into the compliance framework.



White House Interviewing Potential  Replacements  For Cain, Moore

Lawrence Kudlow

According to the President's top economic advisor Lawrence Kudlow, the White House is interviewing additional candidates to potentially replace current nominees Herman Cain and/or Stephen Moore to fill vacancies on the Federal Reserve Board. Kudlow noted: "At the end of the day, it will probably be up to Herman Cain if he wants to stay in that process or not. As far as we are concerned he is still in the process and it is proceeding. . ."We are talking to a number of candidates. We always do.



 

Industry Trends & Updates

April Is "Community Banking Month" CommunityBankingMonth

Community banks continue to expand and innovate to meet the needs of consumers and local communities - whether rural, suburban or urban. In honor of  ICBA Community Banking Month in April, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) is shining a spotlight on the nation's community banks and their role in fostering local economic prosperity.  "As local small businesses themselves, community banks only thrive when their customers and communities flourish," ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said.

 "Local market knowledge, relationship-based lending, and civic-minded service are community banking hallmarks and the cornerstone to our industry's success and longevity. ICBA is proud to represent America's favorite lenders and support their ongoing efforts to create stronger, more vibrant communities-one loan at a time."   Community banks take in local deposits and redistribute them back into the community-making roughly 60% of small-business loans and 80% of agriculture loans from the banking sector. They also contribute tax dollars that help maintain local municipalities and keep local neighborhoods viable and vibrant because serving the best interests of customers is fundamental to their business philosophy. 

Community banks:  
  • Are robust lenders. Community bank loan growth has outpaced that of noncommunity banks for six consecutive years.
  • Offer high-touch, high-tech service. This gives consumers access to modern-day conveniences while maintaining the high-quality customer service for which community banks are known.
  • Understand and embrace local businesses. Small businesses that apply for loans with community banks are the most successful and most satisfied, according to a study from the 12 Federal Reserve Banks. ICBA celebrates local entrepreneurship on the third Wednesday of every month with Go Local Wednesday by supporting and promoting local businesses on social media. 
Follow the ICBA Community Banking Month conversation on social media with #BankLocally.

____________________________________



April Cyber Security Tips Newsletter Now Available


This month's NYS Office of Information Technology Services Chief Information Security Office "Cyber Security Tips" Newsletter is now available. This month's issue discusses the importance of keeping information safe or private as it relates to cyber hygiene. The monthly newsletter, developed by the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), is located on the ITS CISO website.

_________________________________________



Fed's Beige Book Update Includes Latest From New York FedBeigeBook

The latest Federal Reserve Beige Book shows that economic activity expanded at a slight-to-moderate pace nationally in recent weeks, as some regions reported strengthening. Loan demand grew steadily, home sales were generally stronger, manufacturing activity was solid, consumer spending was sluggish, agricultural conditions remained weak, and tourism reports were more upbeat.

In the New York district:
  • Economic activity grew slightly, labor markets remained exceptionally tight and wage growth was steady.
  • The pace of both input price and selling price increases slowed considerably.
  • Consumer spending and tourism were somewhat weaker.
  • Rental markets for both residential and commercial real estate picked up.
  • Banks reported somewhat stronger loan demand and no change in delinquency rates.


__ _______________________________________



The Economy By The Numbers
  • The Federal Reserve reported that Industrial production declined 0.1% in March, after a 0.1% gain in February. The Fed's index declined 0.3% over the first quarter, but was up 2.8% from March 2018. Economic activity grew slightly in the latest reporting period. Labor markets remained exceptionally tight and wage growth was steady. The pace of both input price and selling price increases slowed considerably. Consumer spending and tourism were somewhat weaker. Rental markets for both residential and commercial real estate picked up. Banks reported somewhat stronger loan demand and no change in delinquency rates.
  • According to the National Association of Home Builders, builder confidence in the market for new, single-family homes was up slightly in April. The NAHB's Housing Market Index rose one point, to 63. Despite affordability concerns, builders reported solid demand, and sentiment levels have remained in the low 60s for the past three months.
  • The U.S. Commerce Department reported that U.S. retail sales surged in March at the fastest pace since late 2017. Sales increased a seasonally adjusted 1.6% from February, the strongest increase since September 2017.Spending on autos, gasoline, furniture, and clothing all increased.
  • The number of Americans who filed for unemployment benefits fell to more than a 49-1/2-year low last week. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 192,000, the lowest level since September 1969. Claims have declined for five straight weeks.
_________________________________________



Vining Sparks & ICBA Securities Balance Sheet Academy BalanceSheetAcademy


Registration is now open for Vining Sparks and ICBA Securities' Balance Sheet Academy seminar in Memphis, Tennessee from Monday, April 29 to Tuesday, April 30 2019. This  advanced seminar is designed to expose seasoned community bank portfolio and balance sheet managers to advanced products and concepts.  The objective is to enable the attendees to consistently outperform their peers. The dynamics of a community bank balance sheet require an investment professional to be versed in a wide range of topics.  Balance Sheet Academy  provides discussion and practical classroom exercises to equip the attendees for these demands. Examples of these topics include: 
  • Advanced interest rate risk management strategies;
  • Low cost funding strategies; and
  • Strategies for serving bank customers while managing interest rate risk.  
Attendees will learn how the changing economic data impacts market interest rates from Vining Sparks' Chief Economist. The Balance Sheet Academy is structured for more experienced investment managers, particularly those who have attended Bond Academy.  
It incorporates balance sheet strategies into the day-to-day management of an institution's investment portfolio, wholesale funding and interest rate risk management. Bank personnel with an intermediate level of understanding of investments who are integral to the investment and balance sheet management process will benefit the most from this advanced course. New directors serving on the investment or asset-liability committee will also find this course beneficial. 


Contact:  Kert Johnson,  SVP/Marketing at (901) 762-5340 or [email protected].

Banking News

Further Your Education at Barret Graduate School of Banking BarretGradSchool


Barret and IBANYS are aligned with a common interest: to represent the interests of the industry through effective advocacy and high quality educational offerings.

Located in Memphis, TN, Barret Graduate School of Banking offers a comprehensive graduate learning program for professionals in the financial services field. IBANYS has established partnerships with key industry educators including the Barret Graduate School of Banking. The school provides community bankers with an opportunity for a graduate degree in banking. 

We are currently endorsed by ICBA, ICBA Securities, Arkansas Community Bankers, CBAofGA, Indiana Bankers Association, CBAofKS, MIBA, CBAofOH, CBAofWV - with a couple more on the way. 

To learn more about Barret Graduate School of Banking, please visit   www.barret.ws.

__________________________________________



Keep The Door Open For Your Small Business Customers

Excelsior Growth Fund (EGF) is NYBDC's nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution and IBANYS' exclusive online lending partner. Join the growing number of banks that work with EGF to offer their customers an affordable and responsible option when they do not qualify for traditional financing. EGF offers loans up to $500,000 with a convenient, digital process. Loans under $100,000 are disbursed within 5 business days.

 EGF's experienced team can work hand-in-hand with yours to develop a customized process to make referring seamless. To learn more about offering your customers a second look through EGF contact Bryan Doxford, SVP, at [email protected] at at (212) 430-4512.

Spotlight Bank of the WeekSpotlightBank

Generations Bank traces its heritage back to 1870, since that time we have been serving the financial needs of people and businesses across the Finger Lakes region. In addition to being a full service bank, Generations Agency provides insurance services to families and businesses. We employ a unique blend of traditional service and technology to deliver an experience available when, where and how the customer wants to do their banking.

Our products and services often go beyond what you might expect. For example, our MyGenMortgage is specifically designed to help enable home ownership in our communities. The GO PREMIUM and GO PREFERRED checking accounts offer extra benefits to customers by delivering value added features like ID Theft Aid / Credit Monitoring, Roadside Assistance, Cell Phone Protection and EZ Saver account rounding at no additional cost. GO PREMIUM and GO PREFERRED customers also have access to discounts at retailers, shops and restaurants locally and nationally.

Generations believes it is important to give back to the communities where we work and live, we support many local causes and charities with special emphasis on affordable housing and benefitting children. In addition to financial support, bank employees donate their time to charitable causes with more than 62% participating.

Headquartered in Seneca Falls, one of our neighbors is the National Women's Hall of Fame. For the past three years, the Bank has been the organizing sponsor of the "Right to Run" 19k - celebrating the women's movement. The race's unusual distance - 19 kilometers, is a nod to the 19th Amendment whereby women secured the right to vote. Proceeds from the event support the Women's Hall of Fame.

Generations also hosts "Tastes and Tunes" an annual event featuring Finger Lakes wineries, breweries, food and music. The event supports local food banks and charities that fight hunger in our community.

The Bank also takes pride in being named one of Central New York's "Best Places to Work" each of the last four years.

As Generations continues to grow, we never lose focus on opportunities to strengthen our communities - through the products and services we offer as well as corporate involvement.

To learn more about Generations Bank, please visit www.mygenbank.com.


__________________________________

About Spotlight Bank of the Week

Spotlight Bank of the Week is a new feature that we have added to our website and e-newsletter. It is an opportunity to promote anything about your organization, such as fun facts, organization news, special events, etc. The Spotlight Bank of the Week will be featured on our homepage slider, e-newsletter, and our social media platforms for one week. So don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to showcase your bank to thousands of people!

View banks that have been featured as our Spotlight in the past!

To apply, just fill out our registration form and email it to Natalie Rowan at [email protected].

IBANYS Spotlight Is On...











Owned and managed by community bankers for community bankers, ACBB/Compliance Anchor has been serving financial institutions since 1983. We provide correspondent services to over 300 shareholder banks in addition to many non-shareholder banks. From our full product and service lineup to banking expertise with a personal touch, we help our customers meet the needs of their communities. 

ACBB can satisfy the correspondent needs of community banks of all sizes, including regional financial institutions.  In today's ever-changing compliance  environment, it can take significant resources to stay on top of current regulations. Compliance Anchor offers you a lifeline with education and resources to see you through the compliance storm. 

For more information, contact:

Nancy LakeDirector of Compliance Anchor

Phone: (717) 441-4507
IBANYS Endorsed Services
IBANYS identifies offers products and services that provide value to your banks, companies, employees communities. These brief summaries provide links for information. Please contact IBANYS President John Witkowski with questions.

Health & Wellness

My Wellness Resource & TELADOC

The health and wellness landscape continues to evolve. "My Wellness Resource" can be a nice addition to your existing benefit package. 

Teladoc can save your banks time and money, and provide real value to your employees as this testimonial from a New York community bank CEO proves:
HERE'S WHAT YOUR FELLOW NEW YORK
COMMUNITY BANKER SAYS. . .
"I wanted to let you know that some of our employees and I have been using "Teladoc" and it is one of the best things we have done for the bank. We all love it: We are saving time, avoiding waiting in an urgent care center or a doctor's waiting room for non-emergency related illnesses . . .and it is easy to use and convenient. Once you use it, you are hooked! This was a great find! Would recommend it to all banks."

Mario Martinez 
Chairman & CEO
Catskill Hudson Bank

Contact Alan Justin: (716) 907-5500. 




"Cure the Blue" Helps Banking Industry Battle Prostate Cancer!

The "Cure the Blue" program sponsored by the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation allows New Yorkers to participate in one of the most comprehensive efforts to help promote prostate cancer awareness and research in the United States.  Lake Shore Savings Bank has provided prostate cancer literature and Cure the Blue information at all eleven of its branches and their headquarters in Dunkirk. The bank also offered Cure the Blue ceramic lapel ribbon pins for a $5.00 donations to Cure the Blue to all their customers. "We fully understand the severity of this disease and the devastating effect it can have on families" said Lake Shore Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Reininga. "Our support of the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation's "Cure the Blue" initiative is something that we are taking very seriously and are proud to support." Buffalo Bills Wall of Famer and Alumni Foundation President Booker Edgerson, a two time prostate cancer survivor, said the bank has been a tremendous longtime supporter, noting: "They have really stepped up to the plate with their unwavering support of our Cure the Blue initiative." 

IBANYS urges all of our member banks, associate members and allies to join the effort. Cure the Blue" raises funds and awareness regarding prostate cancer in New York State. Visit  curetheblue.com  to get involved! Of all new cancer cases in the nation, prostate cancer represents 9.6%. In 2017, there were an estimated 161,000 new cases, and more than 26,000 fatalities due to the disease. Support IBANYS' "Cure the Blue" campaign to help New Yorkers participate to promote prostate cancer awareness and research.


Secure, Enhanced Internet Presence

The .bank program by fTLD operates trusted, verified, more secure, easily-identifiable internet locations for financial companies and  customers. www.icba.org 

Did You Know?



. . .That a report  from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis examined three years of the annual Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) community bank survey, which compiled responses from more than 1,000 banks from 2014 through 2016? C ompliance costs across all banks in the three-year period averaged about 7% of their non-interest expenses, but the burden was much greater for smaller banks with assets of less than $100 million. Their compliance costs averaged nearly 10%. Expenses for banks with assets of $1 billion to $10 billion averaged just over 5%.

 
New York community banks play a key role in our state and local economies. Help spread the good news among our customers, business, elected leaders and the media!



John J. Witkowski
President & Chief Executive Officer

Stephen W. Rice
Director of Government Relations & Communications

Linda Gregware
Director of Administration & Membership Services

William Y. Crowell III
Legislative Counsel

Natalie Rowan
Marketing & Social Media Assistant