Chairman Sanders’ Bank Tour Concluded In Albany. This past Monday was another successful meeting of State Senate Banks Chairman Sanders' Bank Tour across NYS —this one hosted by Tom Amell, Pioneer President & CEO.  Chairman Sanders is interested in supporting financial institutions in NYS and is working on his legislative agenda for the start of session in January. He and his staff were open to hearing the voices of community banks and listening to what our issues are, and we appreciate their traveling the state to hear our concerns. We discussed a number of topics including:

1. Enhancing the Community Bank Deposit Program;
2. Addressing NYCLASS bidding on municipal deposits;
3. DFS issues for state-chartered banks and the impact on New York of the loss of state-chartered banks;
4. Affordable housing;
5. Artificial IntelleigenceI;
6. Fraud. 
7. The need to continue educating the Legislature on differences in financial institutions (Large Banks, Community Commercial Banks, Thrifts and Savings Banks, and Credit Unions).
8. Ray Sallaberios, SVP/Small Business Capital Access at Empire State Development, also provided information on a new loan guarantee program for small businesses across the state. 

Among the outcomes from the meetings: IBANYS will seek to meet with DFS to review the differences between state regulatory exams and federal exams, and with the State Comptroller's office to discuss overhauling the Community Bank Deposit Program to better serve community banks' needs and to limit NYCLASS taking municipal deposits outside of New York State. IBANYS will be responsible for prioritizing issues and providing language to help enhance existing programs, while introducing new legislation on issues that impact community banks. 

. . . .

Have You And Your Team Registered Yet For IBANYS' Executive Leadership Symposium? It's all set for October 5-7, 2026 at the 1000 Island Harbor Hotel in Clayton, NY – in the heart of the beautiful Thousand Islands! We hope you'll join us and experience a mix of timely educational sessions... A fishing excursion on the St. Lawrence… Golf at Thousand Island Country Club (one of New York's most scenic golf courses - registration includes greens fees, cart, lunch, and drink tickets.)…Evening networking receptions & dinners…Monday Night Football...and, a Sunset Boat Cruise with open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Remember: You can earn up to 10 CPE credits as you gain valuable insights into today's most important banking topics, including  A.I., economic trends, executive leadership, and the future of community banking. Register today Secure your sponsorship before opportunities are gone!

Registration Deadline is September 18, 2026. (Register Early & Save! "Early Bird" Deadline: August 14, 2026.)

• Click here to register online
• Click here to sponsorship

 . . . .

CSBS Community Bank Survey: Community bankers nationally are broadly optimistic about future economic conditions, according to the Conference of State Bank Supervisors’ latest quarterly poll. The profitability indicator returned to its peak level and continued to signal higher future profitability, but the results showed a continued decline in the monetary policy and regulatory burden indicators. Community bankers identified cyberattacks, bank fraud, competition, labor cost and availability, and the federal debt/deficit, as their top concerns for the fourth straight survey. 

IBANYS EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM

Don't Miss the Banking Leadership Event of the Year!

2026 IBANYS Executive Leadership Symposium

October 5–7, 2026 | 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel | Clayton, NY

The future of community banking is evolving rapidly. Are you ready?

Join banking executives, senior leaders, and industry experts from across New York State for three days of timely education, strategic conversations, and unparalleled networking at the 2026 IBANYS Executive Leadership Symposium. Earn up to 10 CPE credits while gaining practical insights on the issues shaping today's banking industry.

What You'll Learn

Hear from nationally recognized speakers covering today's most important topics, including:

• Artificial Intelligence & Banking Innovation
• Cybersecurity & Emerging Threats
• Economic & Regulatory Outlook
• Executive Leadership & Board Communication
• Technology Modernization
• Community Banking Strategies
• Executive Talent & Succession Planning

More Than Great Education

Enjoy meaningful networking with peers while experiencing everything the Thousand Islands has to offer, including:

• Welcome receptions and dinners
• Sunset cruise on the St. Lawrence River
• Optional golf outing and fishing excursion
• Countless opportunities to connect with fellow banking professionals

Become a Sponsor

Put your company in front of New York's community banking decision-makers! Sponsorship opportunities include event recognition, logo placement, website and newsletter exposure, podium recognition, and more. Sponsorships are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register Early & Save!

Early Bird Deadline: August 14, 2026

Registration Deadline: September 18, 2026

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and lead. Join us in beautiful Clayton, NY, for an unforgettable leadership experience that will inspire new ideas and strengthen valuable industry relationships.

Register today—and secure your sponsorship before opportunities are gone!

IBANYS JULY WEBINARS

Member Bank News

BALLSTON SPA NATIONAL BANK WELOMES NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERS

Aaron Flach, Carl Florio, Donald Persico, and Joseph Warren expand BSNB Board following strategic merger

BALLSTON SPA, NY- July 14, 2026… Richard P. Sleasman, Board Chair of Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc., parent company of Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB) welcomed four new members to the Board of Directors following the strategic merger of BSNB and National Bank of Coxsackie (NBC) in April. Aaron Flach, Carl Florio, Donald Persico, and Joseph Warren bring diverse business and leadership experience and share a vision for expanding BSNB’s strategic direction and setting new goals for the combined institution.

“I’m pleased to welcome Aaron, Carl, Donald, and Joseph to their new roles,” says Mr. Sleasman. “Their business acumen and leadership expertise combined with their strong connection to the communities NBC serves will be indispensable as BSNB works to expand opportunities for our customers following the merger of our two banks.”

Aaron Flach co-owns a property management group and brokerage in addition to other small businesses and has been actively investing in real estate in upstate New York for over 25 years. He was elected to the NBC Board of Directors in 2018. 

Mr. Flach has built commercial and residential investment properties from the ground up and is passionate about restoring historic buildings through adaptive reuse, a passion ignited after witnessing the deterioration of historic buildings in his hometown. His first project was financed by an NBC loan. Since then, he has rejuvenated his community by transforming Victorian homes and old schools. 

After interacting with numerous banks throughout his career, Mr. Flach believes only community banks can foster deep relationships and connections with community members. He is optimistic about BSNB’s growth potential and its ability to meaningfully contribute to the housing and business development of upstate New York.

“When I met the other Board members, I was struck by our connection and had a sense that the culture and the values were on the same wavelength,” he notes. “This Board is interested in more than banking – they have a vision for the future and are committed to taking strategy and community development to the next level. I look forward to more collaboration with these great business minds.” 

A graduate of Pepperdine University, Mr. Flach enjoys spending time with his family, including attending Little League and soccer games. 

Carl Florio brings decades of banking and leadership experience to the BSNB Board. He currently serves as Vice Chairman at Paradigm Funds Advisor LLC, Chair of AAA Hudson Valley, President of the Hudson River Bank & Trust Foundation, and Trustee at Paradigm Funds. He previously served as the President and Chief Executive Officer at Hudson River Bancorp, Inc. from 1995 to 2005, and as the President-Eastern New York Region at First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. from 2005 to 2008. 

Mr. Florio will provide critical perspective on successful integration – a vital component of the first year following a merger – as well as navigating an evolving community banking industry. Throughout his career, he has been guided by the philosophy that leaders must try to be fair and equitable, balancing the needs of employees, customers, and shareholders alike. As he puts it, “It’s a three-legged stool, and if one leg isn’t working well, the others are out of balance.” 

Mr. Florio was drawn to BSNB following the combined impact of its strong leadership team, actionable integration plan, and commitment to continued expansion. “This is a good market with a lot of opportunity for growth,” he notes. “When I looked at this merger, I saw the strong leadership that is essential for success.” 

Outside the office, Mr. Florio is an avid reader and golfer who feels just as comfortable on the Floridian greens as he does in a New York boardroom. 

Donald Persico has served as President of home heating company Persico Oil Co since 1979 and is also the owner of Persico True Value Hardware in Ravena, New York, a company founded in 1982. Mr. Persico was elected to the NBC Board of Directors in 1991 and was elected Chairman in 2018. 



Mr. Persico joins the BSNB Board with a lifelong commitment to building and maintaining relationships with customers and employees. He is dedicated to ensuring each bank maintains its community identity as it expands, fostering a deep understanding of customer needs and empowering employees to make informed decisions to support their customers and communities. 

Mr. Persico recognized significant potential in the combined organization and the opportunities it creates for stakeholders across the region. “I'm amazed at the synergy of this union,” he says. “After looking at the combined size of the bank, I thought, 'This is incredible.' It's good for the communities, employees, and shareholders. It really was a perfect union.”

When he’s not engaging with customers or attending board meetings, Mr. Persico can be found fishing or watching the sunrise at Galway Lake. 

Joseph Warren is an attorney who served as the President of State Telephone Company until his retirement in 2025, overseeing the company’s growth from a small phone provider to a competitive internet provider. He was appointed to the NBC Board of Directors in 1992. He is deeply involved in his community through his professional experiences and joins BSNB’s Board with a desire to protect and expand local decision-making capabilities. 

After guiding his own company through the technology revolution, Mr. Warren will offer critical perspective on navigating change at the institutional and industry levels. His vision for BSNB’s future is grounded in community stewardship and integrity. 

Mr. Warren believes the merger creates new opportunities to expand service and enhance offerings in the NBC area. “This strategic combination allows us to offer much more,” he says. “Additional products, bigger loans, more resources...I look forward to better serving customers in NBC communities as a result.”

Mr. Warren is an alumnus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (MBA) and Albany Law School. In his spare time, he enjoys walking, windsurfing, bike riding, and ice skating. 



“Aaron, Carl, Donald and Joseph each bring a unique perspective shaped by years of leadership, service and involvement in their communities,” noted Christopher Dowd, President & CEO of Ballston Spa National Bank. “Their experience and knowledge of the markets we serve will be an important asset to our Board as we continue to build on the strengths of both organizations to serve our customers with the personal relationships and local decision-making that define community banking.”  

Solvay Bank Announces Caitlin Wynn’s Appointment to UnitiEast Executive Committee.

(Syracuse, NY): Solvay Bank, the oldest community bank in Onondaga County, is pleased to announce the appointment of Caitlin Wynn, Banking Officer and Retail Operations Leader, to the Executive Committee of UnitiEast. This prominent role highlights Caitlin’s leadership, and retail operations expertise to support the ongoing advancement of modern banking technology.

UnitiEast is a collaborative network that unites financial institutions to exchange insights, share ideas, and implement best practices within the digital product and software space. Its diverse membership ranges from small community banks to institutions with assets exceeding $6 billion, serving communities all along the Eastern Seaboard.

Composed entirely of users from member banks, the Executive Committee plays a vital role in shaping the organization's future. In her new position, Caitlin will foster industry collaboration and shared experiences, including assisting with the planning of the annual conference. Her appointment reflects her strong professional track record and her drive to advance fintech innovations within banking.

Founded in 1917, Solvay Bank is the oldest community bank established in Onondaga County. Solvay Bank has ten branch offices located in Solvay, Baldwinsville, Camillus, Cicero, DeWitt, East Syracuse, Liverpool, North Syracuse, Westvale, downtown Syracuse in the State Tower Building, and a commercial lending presence in the Mohawk Valley. Solvay Bank’s Insurance Agency, Inc. is a full-service general insurance agency. For more information about Solvay Bank, visit solvaybank.com.

Associate and Preferred Partners

Employee Recruitment, Selection, and Placement

• Recruitment standards for effective hiring
• Training importance for less-qualified applicants
•  Selection tools and testing methods
•  Behavioral traits for role alignment 

Situational and Behavioral Interviewing

• Purpose of employment interviews
• Job analysis improves interview success
• Using structured interviews
• Situational and behavioral questions
• Individual vs. panel interviews 

Driving Employee Engagement

• Engagement vs. satisfaction and commitment
• Engagement’s impact on performance
• How engagement evolves over time
• Key drivers of engagement
• Strategies to boost retention and performance 

Creating an Accountability Culture



• Accountability issues and impact
• Barriers to accountability
• Improving individual accountability
• Strategies for mutual accountability 

This program has been pre-approved for 12 HR (General) recertification credit hours toward aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®).“ The content of the program submitted has met the criteria for Recertification Provider Program.

ICBA Information

Author: Dale Sheller

Managing Director & Director of Financial Strategies Group, The Baker Group 

Featured Insight



In today’s evolving interest rate environment, community financial institutions are facing a critical question: What if the expected Fed rate cuts never materialize? In this month's featured article, Dale Sheller, Managing Director and Director of Financial Strategies Group at The Baker Group, examines how changing economic conditions could impact net interest margins and why institutions should focus on building resilient balance sheets rather than relying on future rate cuts. His timely analysis offers practical strategies to help financial institutions protect earnings and position themselves for success—regardless of the Fed’s next move. 

ICBA 2026 Educational Offerings

Thank you for your continued support of both IBANYS and ICBA Education. As we work together to serve the community banking industry, our shared goal is to deliver comprehensive, high-quality training solutions that empower community banks to succeed.

To further streamline processes and enhance the overall experience for our bankers, we are retiring the State Affiliate code from transaction purchases. While this change also eliminates the associated revenue share, ICBA remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting our state association through a variety of educational programs and collaborative initiatives.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to achieve shared goals and create meaningful impact.

Click here to learn more about ICBA offerings including:

• Certification Courses
• Live Events
• Online Courses
• Resources

ALBANY UPDATE

Economy, Budget, Taxes & Politics

• Impact on NY Of New Canada Tariffs. The day after President Trump announced 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods ranging from Canadian alcohol imports to cement, New York contractors are evaluating the potential impacts, State of Politics reports. The head of the Associated General Contractors of New York noted: “We’ve been going through a web of tariffs that are on again, off again by the whim of the president or the intercession of the courts…It’s certainly an unwelcome development in an environment where there have been a lot of different, potentially unrelated, unwelcome developments for the construction industry.”

• More Pressure From The Left  To Raise Taxes. At a rally in the Bronx today, a coalition of left-leaning groups “will press state officials to boost taxes on rich people,” noting federal health care spending reductions that are forcing some 450,000 people off New York’s Essential Plan, Nick reports. The rally is a harbinger of what’s expected to be yet another fight over taxes in the next state budget. This past legislative session, Gov. Hochul resisted calls from the Democratic Legislature for a broad income tax hike on wealthy New Yorkers and on large corporations. 

• High Earners Still Leaving State. State Comptroller DiNapoli's taxpayer migration dashboard tracks the number of personal income tax filers moving in and out of New York. Total outmigration from 2015 through 2024 was 351,447. The rate of outmigration for high earners is slowing, but remains the highest level of outmigration by income level. https://www.observertoday.com/news/local-region/2026/07/despite-progress-high-earners-still-leave-state-at-highest-rate.

• NYC Jobs Up -- Wall Street Boom Continues. New York City added 40,000 jobs in the first half of the year, far more than expected, as a boom on Wall Street continues to support the economy, The City Reporter reports.

• DiNapoli: State Budget On “Shaky Ground.” NYS Comptroller DiNapoli, according to a report released by his office, said the estimated $277 billion State Budget is an increase of 7% from last year, and that the State Division of the Budget is projecting disbursements will exceed receipts in each year of the Financial Plan, raising questions about long-term fiscal sustainability.

• State Tax Receipts Up, But…. State tax receipts totaled $37.2 billion through the first quarter of State Fiscal Year were $2.4 billion higher than the Division of the Budget had estimated. State tax collections were also $4 billion higher than the first quarter of 2025, according to the monthly state cash report released by NYS Comptroller DiNapoli, who added: “Caution is warranted as geopolitical conflicts and changing trade policies have contributed to higher inflation, financial market volatility, and slowing employment growth.”

• The median home price in New York hit $475,000 last month — a record high – as the increase marks an 8% year-over-year rise. Metropolitan region counties led the way, with Suffolk, Rockland and Staten Island showing values above $700,000.

• Two Key Appointments By Mamdani? NYC Mayor Mamdani reportedly plans to announce today that Lina Khan, “a progressive antitrust regulator,” will serve Chair the city’s Economic Development Board. She chaired the Federal Trade Commission during the Biden administration and has been an ally of Mamdani. The Mayor was also reportedly expected to announce Anthony Shorris, a former McKinsey partner who was First Deputy Mayor in the de Blasio administration, as EDC president – a move viewed by some as “a nod to the business community.” https://gothamist.com/news/mamdani-to-appoint-antitrust-crusader-lina-khan-as-chair-of-nyc-economic-development-agency

. . .

A REMINDER: THE ’26 NY LEGISLATIVE SESSION FOR COMMUNITY BANKS. Have you read IBNYS’ summary? The State Senate and Assembly won't return Albany until January 2027, when a newly elected Legislature will be seated. IBANYS provided a detailed report on relevant legislation passed – and did not pass — this session. Read IBANYS’ Summary here. You can also visit https://ibanys.net/newsletters/ to read the June 10 IBANYS newsletter for more coverage.

FEDERAL UPDATE

• Advocacy “Dashboard” Updated. ICBA updated its “Advocacy in Action” government relations dashboard for the third quarter with the latest community banking advocacy successes and priorities. It highlights hot-button community banking issues, such as ACRE Act implementation, artificial intelligence, community bank regulatory relief, a regulatory framework for digital assets, and more. Access the dashboard.

Congressional News

• House Passes Main Street Capital Access Act. The House yesterday passed the Main Street Capital Access Act (H.R. 6955) – the ICBA-advocated legislation to provide regulatory relief targeted to community banks. IBANYS thanks the N.Y. community banks who responded to our Action Alert and contacted their Members of Congress to urge their support.  Read IBANYS' Action Alert. . .In a national news release after passage, ICBA commended the House and noted the Act would transform the regulatory environment to support community banking and locally based economic growth.The Act was sponsored by House Financial Services Chairman Hill (R-Ark.) and Financial Institutions Subcommittee Chair Barr (R-KY.) Barr noted: “The Main Street Capital Access Act means putting our small banks and local communities first. Less red tape. More opportunity. Stronger local economies.” H.R. 6955 contains many items advanced in ICBA’s open letter to the 119th Congress. H.R. 6955 includes provisions to:

1.     Tailor regulations to the lower risk profile of community banks.

2.     Ease excessive capital requirements.

3.     Support the formation of new community banks.

4.     Ensure fair reviews of agency examinations.

5.     Raise thresholds for holding custodial and reciprocal deposits.

6.     Require the appointment of an FDIC board member with experience in small depository institutions.

7.     Modernize the Federal Reserve's discount window lending programs.

8.     Offer relief at the holding company level.

9.     Promote bank-fintech partnerships.

Latest On Clarity Act

• Contact Senate About Amending Clarity Act. The Senate may bring the Clarity Act digital assets bill to a vote possibly as soon as this week. An ICBA economic data analysis shows that failing to extend the prohibition on stablecoin yield could reduce community bank lending by $850 billion due to a $1.3 trillion reduction in the industry’s deposits. ICBA and IBANYS continue to encourage community bankers to contact their senators about strengthening the bill’s prohibition on stablecoin yield. IBANYS is asking community bankers in the state to reach out to U.S. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand regarding amending the Clarity Act. Read IBANYS' Action Alert.

• How Stablecoin Growth Could Put Small Business Credit At Risk. As Congress debates the Clarity Act, a new interactive map from ICBA shows how stablecoin growth could put small business credit at risk. For each state the interactive map shows the number of small businesses that could lose credit, and the share of small businesses and small business lending capacity at risk. In New York: 8,773 small businesses could lose credit…1.9% of small businesses would be at risk, and $4.3 billion in small business lending capacity could be at risk. 

• ICBA’s Main Street Over Crypto resource center shows how pending crypto policies could harm local communities, features ICBA’s grassroots alert on the Clarity Act, and includes a messaging playbook and social media toolkit. An ICBA economic data analysis shows failing to extend the prohibition on stablecoin yield in the Clarity Act could reduce community bank lending by $850 billion due to a $1.3 trillion reduction in the industry’s deposits.

• ICBA Supports Velazquez SBA 7(a) Act. In a letter to Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-Brooklyn) on her 7(a) Program Risk Oversight Act, ICBA supported her bill to promote transparency in the loan guarantee program. Community banks are important users of the 7(a) program and have a strong stake in a program that is healthy and free of fraud. Read what the Velazques legislation would do. 

• House Approves Short-Term Bill To Extend Government Funding. The House moved to head-off a potential federal government shutdown before this fall’s critical midterm elections by passing a bill to fund the federal government through Dec. 4, the AP reports.  However, the House bill is unlikely to be the final version. Senate Republicans believe it lacks many “anomalies” or deviations from current spending sought by the administration. https://rollcall.com/2026/07/21/funding-extension-passes-house-heads-for-senate-rewrite/?utm_source=morningheadlines&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletters&utm_content=07/22/2026

• Meet Your Representatives In The District! With Members of Congress preparing to leave Washington for their annual August recess, it offers community banks a chance to strengthen relationships with your local Representatives, continue your dialogue on our issues. . . AND, emphasize the vital role your banks play in the local and state economies. Why not invite them to your banks during August? ICBA’s “Meetings on Main Street” toolkit explains the whole process. . .and, ICBA’s Take Action Center offers tools to contact officials, ways to follow-up after the meetings, track bills, and the latest “Meetings on Main Street” materials. Visit icba.quorum.us. There’s also a detailed article on grassroots process: https://www.independentbanker.org/w/how-to-advocate-for-the-industry-during-the-august-recess.

Federal Regulatory News

• FDIC’s Proposed GENIUS ACT Implementation. The FDIC published new information on its recent proposed rule to implement requirements under the GENIUS Act. Comments on the proposed forms and instructions are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

• ICBA: NCUA Should Join Other Regulators’ GENIUS Act Efforts. In a joint letter, ICBA and other groups urged the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to work with the Federal Reserve, OCC, and FDIC to ensure requirements for permitted payment stablecoin issuers are substantially similar and appropriately rigorous. ICBA and 44 state banking associations (including IBANYS)  urged regulators to “ensure regulatory parity, proactively address systemic risks, address tokenized deposits, and ensure tokenized deposit policy is technology-neutral and accessible to community banks.”

• Fed Balance Sheet & Bank Deposits. According to American Banker (subscription required), in order for the Federal Reserve to shrink its balance sheet it will need banks to hold fewer deposits at the central bank. Achieving that reduction starts with regulatory reform, analysts and academics say. They believe liquidity reforms will be key to the process. The Last Independent Regulator? American Banker has also noted that U.S. Supreme Court rulings have made the Fed the last remaining independent regulator in Washington.”The durability of that independence remains to be seen and could shape the Fed's approach to bank oversight.”

• The FDIC, Fed and OCC announced they’re instituting a coordinated approach for handling highly sensitive information during examinations of supervised banks, and are committed to protecting and handling sensitive data in accordance with applicable confidentiality laws, regulations, and data security standards. 

• CFPB Nears Finalizing Section 1033 Rule. Presenting the CFPB’s Semi-Annual Report to Congress at a House Financial Services Committee hearing last week, Acting Director Vought said the bureau is close to finalizing its Section 1033 rule on sharing consumer financial data, and said he would like a newly confirmed director to be able to finalize the rule. President Trump has nominated Brian Johnson to be CFPB director. ICBA has called for the CFPB to exempt all community banks with assets under $10 billion from the 1033 rule.

• SBA Raises 7(a) Cap. The SBA announced it has officially raised the amount that qualified borrowers can access through its 7(a) and 504 loan programs and has enhanced its online tools for lenders.