May 2025

Note: In this column, for the first time, I relied on ChatGPT, the generative artificial intelligence (AI) platform. For the record, I submitted this inquiry: “Write a 700-word essay on how the shape of the Treasury yield curve affects community banks.” The following was generated in, I guess, three seconds, and most of it appears to be correct. I’ve taken the liberty of adding some commentary in bold, and there really aren’t many changes. In the future, I will only use AI if I fully disclose its assistance. And you’ll be able to tell because there’re no snark in AI-generated documents.

While advocacy has always been a core ICBA pillar, the massive number of new regulations we have faced over the past year serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community bankers taking part in advocacy efforts.

Sometimes in life, we’re fortunate enough to see our labor yield results, and that’s precisely what’s been happening with our advocacy efforts. The first quarter of 2025 has boasted great successes for community banking, including:

Welcome to the 2025 MIB Annual Convention and Trade Show addition of the MIB magazine. I write this article on a beautiful bluebird day in March, one day after the Spring equinox here in the Northern Hemisphere.