Alex Okerman

From hosting the America 250 flag unveiling to opening a one-of-a-kind Community Room, Security Bank continues to deepen its commitment to South Dakota communities under the leadership of President John Baumiller.   When Security Bank opened its new Lennox branch on July 28, 2025, the occasion marked far more than a new location. It represented […]

— Megan Olson, President & CEO, ICBSD As we turn the corner into a new year, many of us are setting goals, reviewing plans, and preparing our institutions for what’s ahead. At ICBSD, that means gearing up for another legislative session; one that brings both opportunities and challenges for community banks across South Dakota. The

— Michael Behl, ICBSD Chairman, Compliance Officer, The Farmers and Merchants State Bank As I take on the role of Chairman of ICBSD, I want to begin with a simple message: thank you. It’s a privilege to serve an industry I believe in, alongside the bankers and partners who make South Dakota’s communities strong. I

— Josh Hogue, Immediate Past Chairman of ICBSD & ICBA Federal Delegate, President, Reliabank Dakota Fraud isn’t slowing down and neither can we. As community banks, we pride ourselves on being proactive when it comes to protecting our customers and our institutions. But with fraud schemes growing more complex and aggressive, even the best internal

— Jack Hopkins, ICBA Chairman, President and CEO, CorTrust Bank, Sioux Falls, SD While I may be biased, I believe that being a community banker is the best profession there is. There’s just something about watching your customers realize their dreams—whether buying their first home, opening a small business or starting their kid’s college fund—that

Since 2014, First Bank & Trust’s FOCUS event has grown into one of South Dakota’s most anticipated business gatherings, a platform dedicated to inspiring innovation, elevating leadership, and strengthening rural communities. More than a conference, it’s a commitment to advancing local businesses by creating space for connection, strategy, and bold ideas. Held bi-annually, FOCUS brings

— Preston J. Tetzlaff and Charles D. Gullickson, Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP The attorney-client privilege protects communications between attorneys and their clients from compelled disclosure. This well-established privilege is deeply rooted in both common law and statutory frameworks across the country. Banks occasionally receive requests from regulators to produce communications protected by this

— Megan Olson, President & CEO, ICBSD As we approach the summer months, many of us eagerly anticipate a change of pace—a time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect. For South Dakota’s community bankers, there’s no better place to do that than at the Black Hills Retreat. This year, as we prepare to gather once again

— Jodi Eich, Vice Chairwoman of ICBSD, Chief Operating Officer, Rivers Edge Bank Attending the ICBA Capital Summit in Washington, DC in May as a first-time attendee was a valuable experience. The passion, energy and support for community banks and bank customers in South Dakota as well as across the nation was astounding!  In addition

When it comes to community banking, we are a nation unto ourselves. When I traveled to the World Savings Bank Institute Conference, attendees from other countries were shocked to hear about the number of community banks we have and how our model fuels the success of our small business economy. Globally, no other country can