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06-25-2010 Independent Community Bankers of America
Independent Community Bankers of America
WHO WE ARE:
The Independent Community Bankers of America, the nation's voice for community banks, represents nearly 5,000 members, the largest constituency of community banks of all sizes and charter types in the nation. It provides proactive advocacy, quality education and business solutions that benefit community banks and the communities they serve. ICBA supports fair competition for financial institutions, maintaining the separation of banking and commerce, and a balanced financial system to prevent the concentration of economic and financial-services resources, and is committed to providing the highest professional standards in community banking through educational courses, certification options and continuing education programs.
Whether located in small towns, suburbia or big city neighborhoods, community banks grow our towns and cities by funding small businesses and using local dollars to help families purchase a home, finance college and build financial security. Community banks create symbiotic relationships with the communities they serve, and favor local decision-making while adhering to the highest business practices and ethical standards.
WHAT WE OFFER:
Financial Literacy Programs
ICBA has an ongoing commitment to promoting financial literacy. ICBA supports federal efforts to promote financial literacy and forges partnerships with like-minded organizations on initiatives that provide financial literacy resources to community banks and their communities.
Community banks engage in a wide range of financial education efforts, many in conjunction with local schools and civic groups. Whether showing students how to manage credit responsibly, helping a family understand the home buying process or teaching foreign-born residents the benefits of having a checking account, financial literacy builds a stronger future for all.
Each April, during ICBA Community Banking Month, community banks throughout the country further increase their efforts to reach consumers with special programs and information on a variety of financial topics, including saving for college, planning for retirement, or just balancing a budget every month. ICBA recognizes community banks with outstanding financial literacy efforts through the annual ICBA National Community Bank Service Awards Financial Literacy award.
Consumer Education
Knowledge is empowering. Managing money wisely and making effective financial decisions is critical to excelling in life and enjoying a secure financial future. Too many Americans lack the skill and knowledge to make appropriate financial decisions, and millions of Americans do not have a relationship with a depository institution because they do not understand the system.
To address this gap, every month ICBA distributes news releases on topics that promote financial education and offer tips and information to help consumers better understand their financial choices. Some topics include: tips for how to avoid loan scams, keeping money safe while traveling, guarding against identity theft online, and establishing and maintaining a good credit rating.
During National Homeownership Month each June, ICBA also distributes weekly news releases with financial tips to educate homebuyers and homeowners, including suggestions on how to prepare to purchase a home, avoid mortgage fraud and prevent foreclosure.
ICBA continues to remind consumers that community banks are an excellent resource for financial information and they can turn to their community banks for reliable answers to help in making informed financial decisions.
WHAT’S NEW:
ICBA Minority Bank Council
In 2010, ICBA established the ICBA Minority Bank Council to help minority banks and the communities they serve identify the unique challenges they face, including providing financial education and serving unbanked and underbanked populations.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Karen Tyson
Senior Vice President, Communications
Independent Community Bankers of America
1615 L Street, NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20036-5623
Phone: (202) 821-4454
Fax: (202) 659-1384
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www.icba.org
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