As we approach the close of 2025, I am filled with gratitude and pride for what we have accomplished together. This season is a time for reflection, celebration, and anticipation; a chance to honor the progress we’ve made and to look forward with confidence to the opportunities ahead.

This year, community banks have continued to demonstrate why they are the backbone of local economies. In the face of economic uncertainty, regulatory changes, and rapid technological evolution, you have shown resilience and adaptability. You’ve proven that even in challenging times, our mission to serve our customers and strengthen our communities remains unwavering.

Every loan approved for a small business, every conversation that helped a family achieve its financial goals, and every investment in local growth — these are not just transactions; they are stories of impact. They are the reason community banking matters. And they are the reason we celebrate today.

Our association exists to amplify your voice and support your success. This year, we have worked tirelessly to advocate for policies that protect the unique role of community banks. We’ve expanded educational programs and provided resources to help you navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape.

The results speak volumes: stronger relationships, smarter strategies, and a renewed sense of purpose. Together, we have not only weathered the storms but also seized opportunities to innovate and grow. That is worth celebrating.

As we turn the page to a new year, let’s carry forward the momentum we’ve built. The challenges of tomorrow will require creativity, collaboration, and courage, but I am confident that we are ready.

Here are a few priorities that will guide our work in the coming year:

• Advocacy with Impact: We will continue to champion fair and balanced regulation that empowers community banks to thrive.
• Innovation with Integrity: Technology is transforming banking, and we will help you adopt solutions that enhance efficiency without compromising the personal touch that defines our industry.
• Education and Leadership: Our commitment to professional development remains strong. Expect new programs designed to equip leaders at every level with the tools they need to succeed.
• Community Engagement: We will deepen our efforts to showcase the vital role community banks play in local prosperity, because your story deserves to be told.

The holiday season reminds us of what truly matters: relationships, trust, and shared purpose. As you gather with family and friends, I encourage you to take pride in the work you’ve done. You have strengthened communities, supported dreams, and built a legacy of service that will endure for generations.

From all of us at NICB, thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to the values that make community banking extraordinary. May your holidays be filled with peace, joy, and the warmth of those you hold dear.

Here’s to a bright, prosperous, and purpose-driven 2026. Together, we will continue to make a difference: one customer, one community, one success story at a time.