BankBeat

07/23/2025

“My desire for the bank to succeed is, at the end of the day, what motivates me,” said Bank of Hays Senior Vice President Josh Dreher. I want to make sure we’re taking care of the customers who we have in our community.”

Josh Dreher uses 20 years of experience to build community at Bank of HaysJosh Dreher did not picture himself being a banker. In high school, he thought he woul

07/21/2025

"A local newspaper and a local bank are part of the backbone of many communities," said BankBeat Publisher and President Tom Bengtson. "As digital technology redefines community, bankers — like publishers — need to adapt in order to retain their crucial place, whether “community” is defined by geography or affinity."
https://banknews.com/opinion/community-geography-affinity

07/16/2025

Katelyn Olson is, in many ways, a perfect fit to work in human resources at a local, relationship-focused bank.

Detail-oriented Minnesota banker focuses on relationships to drive growthKatelyn Olson is, in many ways, a perfect fit to work in human resources at a local, re

07/14/2025

BankBeat magazine caught up with 2025-26 ICBA Chair Jack Hopkins to get his thoughts on the current state of affairs on Capitol Hill, as well as among bankers from throughout the country.

Hundreds of bankers participated in a Capital Summit conducted by the Independent Community Bankers of America on May 12-15 in Washington, D.C. Jack Hopkins of

07/10/2025

"There’s no shortage of simple solutions to incrementally protect taxpayer interests in the secondary mortgage market," said Thomas Aiello, senior director of government affairs at National Taxpayers Union. "Congress simply needs to find the will."

President Trump made headlines when he announced his administration was seriously considering taking Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac public after almost 17 years of

07/10/2025

"The Elephant in the Lobby is that our self-perceptions are at odds with customer feelings," said Haberfeld Executive Vice President Robb Rempel. "Rather than expecting customers to understand our banker ways, let’s view the world through their eyes. It will result in happier and more loyal customers — and more profitability, too."

You already know what your vocal customers think. Those who love you tell their friends about you. Those who are frustrated with you tell you so, giving you the

07/09/2025

By the time Matt Jenkins joined Iowa Trust in 2022, he’d already started or enhanced treasury management services for five other community banks.

Banker who ‘connects the dots’ strengthens culture for Iowa bankBy the time Matt Jenkins joined Iowa Trust & Savings Bank in 2022, he’d already started or e