October 31, 2018


In This Issue: 
Message From the President

By John Witkowski, President & CEO

 

 Plan To Attend This Friday's New York Fed MeetingNYFedMeeting

There is an important open house meeting this Friday, November 2 at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The meeting is designed to obtain input from all payments system stakeholders - banks and credit unions of all sizes, merchants, businesses of all sizes (including merchants), consumers and payments networks - and it is critical that the community bank voice is well represented. 
 
During the town hall meetings, the Federal Reserve is particularly interested in receiving feedback on two potential actions under consideration for supporting the real-time interbank settlement of faster payments:  

1. the development of a 24x7x365 Real-Time Gross Settlement Service (RTGS) and, 

2. the development of a Liquidity Management Tool to support RTGS. The Federal Reserve Board issued a request for comment earlier this month seeking input on the potential actions. 

Please visit   www.fedpaymentsimprovement.org to access the  Federal Register Notice containing the request for comment, information about the town hall meetings and other information related to the Federal Reserve's payments system improvement initiative. 
 
IBANYS, like ICBA, is a long-time advocate of the Federal Reserve providing services in support of faster and real-time payments to ensure universal access for community banks.
I encourage New York community banks to register for this meeting ASAP and plan to attend this Friday.

Register Here             Talking Points 

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It's Time to Involved In IBANYS' 
Government Relations Effort!

Each year, there are a number of issues that come before the State Legislature, Congress and our state and federal regulators that can have a major impact on community banks. For example, tax-exempt credit unions have been working overtime for years to enhance their powers in Albany and Washington, D.C. by seeking access to the municipal and public deposits business, increased commercial loan ceilings and expanded investment powers.  If successful, they would make what is already an uneven playing field more difficult for taxpaying community banks. 

IBANYS has fought hard-and successfully- to stop these initiatives. In 2018, we defeated the credit union initiative to gain entry into the state's Business Development Program (a first step into the public deposits business) in the Senate after it had passed the Assembly. Yet looking  to 2019, we may face even greater challenges.  Democrats will most likely capture the majority in the New York State Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. As a result, the political landscape would dramatically change. New leadership would be placed in both chambers, in addition to new appointed chairs of the Banks and Financial Services Committees.

IBANYS is prepared to represent and protect the interests of New York community banks regardless of the political dynamic, but we can't do it alone.  We need the active involvement and engagement of all New York community banks to bring a united, consistent and persistent message to lawmakers about the importance of our industry and member banks to the state and local economies, homeowners, small businesses and the communities we serve. 

IBANYS members can start by getting involved in our Government Relations Committee. We need the participation of every member bank in this process. Stay informed of legislative and regulatory activities and developments, and have full input as we formulate our positions and policies. 


Please sign up to join our IBANYS Government Relations Committee. During the legislative session (January to June), there will be scheduled conference call meetings at 9:00 a.m. every Friday morning to discuss policy proposals important to our membership and industry, monitor developments at the state and federal levels and plan our agendas and responses to the issues of the day.

This is the perfect opportunity to make your voice heard in the political sphere. Voice your ideas in an open and welcoming environment,  drive the policy debate and identify and promote issues vital to your bank and the community banking industry.

IBANYS CEOs: Sign up yourself, or designate someone from your senior team to represent your bank in these efforts! Contact IBANYS' Government Relations Director Steve Rice at [email protected] or me at [email protected] to join. NOW is the time!

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We also have other important committees and peer groups that would greatly benefit from your participation, such as our Compliance Peer Group, CFO/Senior Management Peer Group, and Innovation Committee. Please email me for more information on these committees and how to sign up. 

IBANYS is always open to new ideas. If you have suggestions on other committees you'd like to see established, tell us! IBANYS is  member driven and we work together to make the community banking industry better each day.

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As always, thank you for your support of IBANYS and all you do for community banking in New York State.

Remember: IBANYS is YOUR association. Make it work for you!

- John
SocialMedia
Follow IBANYS On Social Media!

Have you found and followed IBANYS on social media yet? Connect with us today!


 

Facebook: @ibanys1 | Twitter: @ibanys1

Instagram: @ibanys1 | LinkedIn: @ibanys

2018 Convention Recap & 
Looking At 2019Recap18Meetings19


Thank You!

Our 2018 Annual Convention at the Hilton Albany was a success and we can't thank everyone enough for attending and participating! Special thanks to our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, donors to PAC and speakers. A big thank you to ICBA as well for their generous donation for our "one mission" growth to help support community banks in New York. 
  • We elected our 2018-19 officers, witnessed the passing of the gavel from outgoing Chairman Mike Briggs (President & CEO, USNY Bank) to incoming Chairman-elect Tom Amell (President & CEO, Pioneer Bankand, elected two new IBANYS board members: Theresa Phalon (President & CEO,  North Country Savings Bank) and Steven Woodard (President & CEO, Alden State Bank).  
  • Our educational sessions featured outstanding speakers and panelists. All speaker presentations are now available to view/download. We thank everyone for their continued support of IBANYS and believing in the power of community banking.

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Get Ready For Next Year's Convention!

 

SAVE THE DATE

When:  

June 10-12, 2019


Where: 

5218 Patrick Rd, Verona, NY 13478

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Get Ready for 2019 Meetings!

We are currently planning our educational conferences in various subjects. Returning to our calendar in 2019 are: 
  • Compliance Conference
  • Directors Conference
  • Human Resources Conference
  • Lending Conference
  • Security Conference
  • Banking Executive Symposium
IBANYS' meetings provide insight into relevant issues spoken by experts in the field. They are also a great opportunity to network and earn CPE credits.   You can preview when these meetings will be held on our website.

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 at [email protected] or me at [email protected] with your thoughts and/or comments. 

New Feature!
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!

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

IBANYS Education/WebinarsWebinars
IBANYS Webinars IBANYSWebinars


Are you participating in IBANYS' webinars? Your peers are! They provide timely, important information on subjects of interest to New York community bankers. They are valuable not only for their content, but for their convenience. Take part from the comfort and privacy of your office, without leaving the bank.  Our  Webinar Series  offers many topics in the following categories:
  • Audit & Accounting
  • Collections
  • Compliance
  • Directors
  • Frontline & New Accounts
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
  • IRA
  • Lending
  • Operations
  • Security & Fraud
  • Senior Management
We are always adding more programs based on needs and requests of our members,
who drive our focus!  Take a look at the various series of webinars we offer by clicking each of the links below.

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2019 Webinar Schedule 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.

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

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FREE WEBINAR: ICS & CDARS


What the New Law Means for Banks
Thanks to the newly signed regulatory relief bill, most reciprocal deposits are no longer brokered. This comes as banks face intense and increasing competition for deposits.

Join Us for a Webinar
Join Promontory Interfinancial Network-- the nation's leading provider and inventor of reciprocal deposit placement services-- for a free webinar that outlines key provisions of the new law and the impact ICS®, or Insured Cash Sweep®, and CDARS® can have on banks' balance sheets. The webinar will also cover how banks can use ICS and CDARS to capitalize on the opportunities at hand; presenters will discuss cost-effective ways to use the services to attract high-value relationships (even as deposit competition intensifies) and to lock-in more low-cost funding (even as interest rates continue to rise.) This webinar is a "must" for decision-makers at banks of all sizes, especially for community banks that utilize collateralized deposits and/or listing services.

Choose a date and time that works for you!


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Presents a  Complimentary Recorded Webinar for
Our Valued Webinar Participants

GDPR: WHAT IS IT & SHOULD YOUR
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION BE CONCERNED?

GDPR is a hot topic! The General Data Protection Regulation is the European Union's new data protection and privacy regulation that became effective May 25, 2018. Although these EU rules were developed a continent away, don't underestimate how they might affect you.

Privacy is a fundamental human right under the EU Charter. GDPR is intended to protect EU residents' data privacy rights even outside the EU. Mandatory compliance may be closer than you think. A few states have introduced similar legislation and others are following suit. This free webinar will explain how to analyze when and how your institution will be affected by GDPR, and how it differs from your existing privacy rules.

Click the image below to access this complimentary webinar.



This free webinar is available until December 31, 2018.

View full information , including info about the presenters.


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Government Relations
AlbanyAlbanyGR

 

Election Day Is 6 DAYS Away: 
Have You Contributed to NYSIBPAC?

This year's election is one of the most important in recent history for New York community banks. Control of the New York State Senate is very much up for grabs. Traditionally, the Senate - under Republican control for most of the last half-century - has provided a firewall for businesses, the financial services industry and specifically for local independent community banks.  IBANYS' state political action committee, NYSIBPAC, works hard to determine candidates and incumbents for state offices - including the NYS Legislature - who understand the needs, priorities and challenges of New York's community banks. 
  • This is the year to make your voice heard in support of our efforts - it could make all the difference going forward. 


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Updated Analysis: New York State Senate Races-14 Seats "In Play"NYSSenRaces14

An updated "City & State" analysis of next week's New York State Senate elections says that 14 seats are currently in play. Of those seats up for grabs, only two are held by Democrats, which the publication notes could spell trouble for the Republican-controlled body if New York rides what some are calling a national "blue wave." Picking up a single net seat would put Democrats in control of the entire state government for the first time since 2010. Senate Republicans also face challenges holding their majority in due to the demise of their governing coalition with the Independent Democrats Conference and the decision by five of their incumbents whose seats had been considered safe not to seek reelection. The analysis finds 29 "safe" Democratic seats, 19 "safe" Republican seats, with the rest falling under likely or leaning one way of the other - with four seats still viewed as "toss-up" districts, including the seat held by current Senate Banks Committee Chair Elaine Phillips (R-L.I.)

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In State Regulatory News:

The NYS Department of Financial Services Superintendent Maria T. Vullo  announced  the approval of a new  Banking Development District  (BDD) in Bronx Community District 6.

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Washington, D.C.WashingtonGR


*Please Note: The U.S House and Senate are in recess until November 14 & November 15, respectively.

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New Yorkers Would Hold Key Spots In A Democratic House


From left to right: Rep. Nita Lowey, Rep. Jerrold Nadler & Rep. Eliot Engel

If Democrats win the House of Representatives next year, several members of the New York congressional delegation would be in line to chair influential committees.
  • Rep. Nita Lowey (D-Westchester) is in line to become the first woman to chair the influential House Appropriations Committee, which oversees $1.3 trillion in annual discretionary spending.
  • Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-Manhattan/Brooklyn) is in line to take the helm of the powerful House Judiciary Committee.
  • Rep. Eliot Engel (D-Bronx) is in line to chair the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
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A Look At The Most Competitive New York Congressional Races

The publication "City & State" reviews the most competitive congressional races viewed  
as "in play". They include the seats held by Republicans John Faso (Hudson Valley), Claudia Tenney (Central New York), Chris Collins (Western New York), Dan Donovan (Staten Island) and Lee Zeldin (Long Island). Read the full analysis here.

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Regulation Updates:


FDIC Wants Feedback

The FDIC is requesting feedback on its plan to remove Part 350 of its regulations, which requires insured state nonmember banks to prepare and release  annual disclosure statements on financial and other information.  The agency said technological advancements provide more extensive and timely information that render the Part 350 disclosures redundant. Comments on the proposal are due by Nov. 26.


Will Fed Change How They Categorize Banks?

The Federal Reserve is reportedly preparing to propose a change to the way it categorizes banks, a move that may lower regulatory costs for regional lenders but be less beneficial to the largest U.S. banks. The proposal would create new regulatory categories for banks based on size and other factors, and change how the Fed defines a large, internationally active bank.


FHFA Proposes Amendment To FHLB Housing Goals

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) proposed amendments to the Federal Home Loan Bank housing goals. This  would set a single prospective mortgage purchase goal as a share of each FHLBank's total Acquired Member Asset purchases. It would also eliminate the volume threshold, set a goal for participation by small institutions and expand the eligibility criteria to enable federally backed loans to count toward goals.  The FHFA said it will hold a webinar on the proposal at 2 p.m. (Eastern time) on Monday, Nov. 8. You can register for the webinar here. 

The FHFA invites interested parties to submit comments on the proposed rule via www.FHFA.gov within 90 days of publication in the Federal Register or by mail: FHFA, Eighth Floor, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington D.C. 20219.


How To Modernize CRA?

Martin Gruenberg
FDIC Board member (and former Chairman) Martin Gruenberg said in remarks this week that policymakers should consider how to adapt CRA to communities that do substantial business outside of assessment areas (e.g., through online and mobile technologies.) He said the central issue in reforming the Community Reinvestment Act will be preserving its community focus while adapting it to a changing banking environment.  The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in August  requested public comment  on how to modernize CRA regulations. ICBA has met with regulators in recent months on the CRA modernization project to encourage improved consistency and transparency.

Industry Trends & Updates


EGF: 3 Client Success Stories
 
When banks partner with Excelsior Growth Fund (EGF), everyone wins. As a U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), EGF offers responsible and affordable financing options to small businesses.  By partnering with EGF, banks not only help their clients access capital, they also connect them to all the business services and support they need to become eligible for traditional financing in the future. Clients receive the funding they need to grow their business and banks get to help their clients succeed while keeping the door open with them for the future.  EGF values the critical role that their banker partnerships play in their mission. With the support of those partners, they're able to help small businesses and strengthen communities. To show their thanks and demonstrate the power of partnerships, EGF is sharing three success stories that were made possible by their banking partners.

 
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  • The national Case-Shiller home-price index rose at a 5.8 percent annual pace in August, the first annual gain under 6 percent in 12 months. The August increase was down from 6 percent the previous month. Some analysts see it as another sign the slowdown in the housing market is becoming widespread and likely to persist in coming months. 
  • The "Wall Street Journal" noted the U.S. Treasury anticipates issuing more than $1 trillion in debt this year, amid an increase in government spending and static tax revenues - that would drive the highest annual debt issuance since the U.S. economy came out of the recession. Treasury believes net marketable debt will hit $425 billion in the fourth quarter, pushing total debt issuance to $1.388 trillion in the year, compared to $546 billion in 2017. 
  • American households became slightly less confident about the economy in late October, but their overall outlook remained elevated. The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index was 98.6 in October, down from an initial 99.0 reading published earlier this month. Meanwhile, the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index rose in October on the heels of a modest gain the month before. The index rose to 137.9 from 135.3 in September.
  • U.S. consumer spending rose 0.4 percent in September, its seventh straight monthly gain. The metric accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity. However, disposable income rose just 0.2 percent during the month.  
  • Six days away from Election Day, Bloomberg reports the securities and investment industries are spending more on Democrats for the first time in a decade. The article states it may signal Wall Street's desire to find moderate Democratic allies in Congress as some more progressive Democratic members such as Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA, expected to chair the House Financial Services Committee if Democrats win the House) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren may seek tougher oversight. 
 
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Trigen Leasing's Turn-Key Equipment Leasing Product 
& Profit Center For Community Banks



Trigen Leasing offers a Turn-Key Equipment Leasing Product and Profit Center for Community Banks. This program requires no capital commitment from your bank. The Trigen Bank Lease program enables your bank to offer a competitive equipment leasing and finance product without relinquishing control of the process to a third-party or losing your banking relationship to a competitor. 

Trigen is perfectly positioned to offer a carefully-designed equipment leasing program for community banks that builds on your customer relationships, delivers value to your bank and its customers, and uses state-of-the-art technology and a proven platform to offer world-class service and simplicity. To view Trigen's Features & Benefits brochure that was handed out at the IBANYS Annual Convention last month, please click here Click here to read this article in full.

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Fed Wants Feedback On Faster Payments

ICBA and IBANYS urge community bankers to provide feedback to the Federal Reserve on its role in faster payments. The Fed is hosting a series of town hall meetings and accepting comments on facilitating real-time interbank settlement of faster payments and a liquidity management tool to support settlement services. 
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York town hall will be held Friday, November 2 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon at 33 Liberty Street, New York . Town hall attendees will learn about and have the opportunity to ask questions and share views on the potential actions the Fed is considering.  As part of its overall mission, the Federal Reserve has a fundamental interest in ensuring there is a safe and robust settlement infrastructure on which the private sector can provide innovative payment services that serve the broad public interest.  The settlement infrastructure concepts outlined in the Notice are intended to advance public policy goals for faster payments and to help support the modernization of the payment system. They are requesting your feedback to help assess the potential actions under consideration for achieving this.
 
To register for a town hall:
 

For information and to submit comments: 


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OctBreastCancerAwareness   

October marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over their lifetime. That is why it is essential to highlight the importance of self-exams and going to the doctor each year. The statistics below illustrate  how prevalent the battle against breast cancer is: 
  • In 2018, an estimated 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 63,960 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
  • About 40,920 women in the U.S. are expected to die in 2018 from breast cancer, though death rates have been decreasing since 1989. Women under 50 have experienced larger decreases. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness.
  • For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer.
  • As of January 2018, there are more than 3.1 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment.

To learn how you can help or donate to research please visit  www.nationalbreastcancer.org.


Cybersecurity Awareness MonthCyberAwarenessMonth

Cybersecurity Awareness Month Tips: Risks of File-Sharing Technologies

Every Thursday during October, IBANYS will post cyber security tips on our social media platforms. They can also be seen in our e-newsletter, the following Wednesday.



Risks of File Sharing Technologies:

1. Installation of malicious code - It is difficult to verify that the source of the files is trustworthy. These applications are often used by attackers to transmit malicious code. Attackers may incorporate spyware, viruses, Trojan horses, or worms into the files. When you download the files, your computer becomes infected.

2. Exposure of sensitive or personal information - By using these applications, you may be giving other users access to personal information. Whether it's because certain directories are accessible or because you provide personal information to what you believe to be a trusted person or organization, unauthorized people may be able to access your financial or medical data, personal documents, sensitive corporate information, or other personal information. Once information has been exposed to unauthorized people, it's difficult to know how many people have accessed it. 

3. Susceptibility to attack - Some applications may ask you to open certain ports on your firewall to transmit the files. However, opening some of these ports may give attackers access to your computer or enable them to attack your computer by taking advantage of any vulnerabilities that may exist in the P2P application. There are some P2P applications that can modify and penetrate firewalls themselves, without your knowledge.

4. Denial of service - Downloading files causes a significant amount of traffic over the network. This activity may reduce the availability of certain programs on your computer or may limit your access to the internet.

5. Prosecution - Files shared through P2P applications may include pirated software, copyrighted material, or pornography. If you download these, even unknowingly, you may be faced with fines or other legal action. If your computer is on a company network and exposes customer information, both you and your company may be liable.


How To Minimize Risks: 

1. Use and maintain anti-virus software  - Anti-virus software recognizes and protects your computer against most known viruses. However, attackers are continually writing new viruses, so it is important to keep your anti-virus software current

2. Install or enable a firewall - Firewalls may be able to prevent some types of infection by blocking malicious traffic before it can enter your computer 

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.

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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




Empire National Bank is a Long Island-based independent bank that specializes in serving the financial needs of small and medium sized businesses, professionals, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, real estate investors, and consumers.  The bank has four full-service banking offices located in Islandia, Shirley, Port Jefferson Station, Mineola as well as a private banking branch office in Manhattan. Our bankers take pride in understanding the needs of each customer so the bank can deliver the highest quality service with a sense of urgency. 

Empire National Bank's locations

Empire National Bank is pleased to have the opportunity to offer both the SBA 7A and 504 products so that customers are afforded additional financing solutions for business growth, machinery, equipment or commercial real estate acquisitions. Our SBA loan applications receive prompt, personal attention.


SBA 7A term loans offer flexible options and wide criteria for businesses that may not qualify for conventional lending, such as companies that have been in business as few as two years.

They offer amounts ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000 so that borrowers can use the funds to:
  • Refinance existing business debt
  • Purchase or refinance existing real estate
  • Purchase inventory
  • Purchase machinery and equipment
  • Expand an existing business
  • Purchase a franchise
  • Obtain working capital
  • Acquire an existing business
Terms have maturities up to 25 years, which are fully amortized as well as a Loan to Value that can be as high as 90%. The benefits of a SBA 7A include: wide lending criteria; loans with higher LTVs; companies in business as few as two years; longer terms that conventional loans; lower monthly payments based upon longer amortizations, etc.

With a SBA 504 term loan, borrowers can purchase owner occupied commercial real estate or refinance owner occupied real estate with loan amounts up to $5,000,000. Terms include the commercial portion up to 25 years, with five (5) year interest rate resets; and the SBA portion to 25 years with a fixed interest rate. The Loan to Value has a maximum combined as high as 90%.

For more information or to apply for your SBA loan today, please call Phil Amico, SBA Specialist at 631-533-9940 or visit empirenb.com/SBA.

Phil Amico


Let's build together.


 
IBANYS Spotlight Is On...





The Kafafian Group  is a finance, strategy, and operations consulting firm specializing in performance management, profitability outsourcing, strategic and business planning, regulatory assistance, profit/process improvement, board and management advisory services, and investment banking advisory services.

For details, contact: Robert Kafafian, President & CEO

Phone: (973) 299-0300

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 o ver the past 100 years the Democratic party has held power nearly twice as long as the Republicans in both the Senate and the House? Democrats have cont rolled the House of Representatives for 65 years to Republicans 35 years, and have controlled the Senate for 66 years to Republicans' 34. 


 
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