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ICBSD Blog

Our blog features the latest news, updates, and insights from the community banking industry.

Modeling Joy in Work to Perpetuate a Family Business

August 18, 2025

Modeling Joy in Work to Perpetuate a Family Business – Maggie (Baker) Groteluschen, Fiduciary Services Manager, First National Wealth Management I look forward to attending the annual Prairie Family Business Conference every year. This year, one of the speakers talked about how he had recently sold his family business. Upon being asked if any of […]

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Why the Black Hills Retreat Matters More Than Ever

July 17, 2025

— 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 […]

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ICBA Capital Summit: A First-Time Experience Worth Sharing

July 17, 2025

— 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 […]

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Flourish: Empowering our nation’s small businesses

July 17, 2025

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 […]

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Grassroots Advocacy in Action: How ACRE Became a Win for Community Banking and South Dakota Ag

July 17, 2025

— Josh Hogue, Immediate Past Chairman of ICBSD & ICBA Federal Delegate, President, Reliabank Dakota Years of persistent advocacy, grassroots engagement, and a commitment to doing what’s right for our customers have led to a remarkable milestone: the inclusion of the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) Act in the current federal tax […]

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From the Top: Meeting the needs of tech-savvy small businesses

July 17, 2025

COVID accelerated the digital banking landscape, and as a result, community banks have embraced front-facing technology that’s user-friendly for our small-business customers, offering a better experience. From remote deposit capture and digital banking to electronic payments, we’re seeing much higher adoption of technological products because they meet the needs of today’s customers. Once our small […]

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High Plains Drifter: Floaters Could Be the Answer to a Flat Curve

July 17, 2025

— James Reber, President and CEO, ICBA Securities We are suddenly mid-decade of the 2020s, and if there’s a recurring theme, it’s “anomaly.” First, record low yields and rates. (Remember the 10-year treasury note hitting 0.55% in July 2020?) Then, record rate hikes of 525 basis points concentrated in a torturous 16-month window, followed by […]

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Advising with Purpose: A Conversation on Valuation, Strategy, and the Future of Community Banks

July 17, 2025

In a rapidly evolving banking industry where foresight and strategic planning are more critical than ever, Michael Klinger stands out as a trusted guide. As Vice President and BankValue Manager at United Bankers’ Bank (UBB), Michael helps community banks navigate complex valuation challenges, ownership transitions, and succession planning with a forward-thinking, people-first approach. While valuations […]

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Behind Every Transaction Is a Team: Karen Powell Ensures Business Debit and ATM Reliability for Community Banks

July 17, 2025

For many community bankers across South Dakota and the surrounding region, the seamless experience of a business debit card swipe or a reliable ATM transaction is something they—and their customers—count on without a second thought. But behind those moments of convenience is a network of dedicated professionals ensuring everything works as it should. One of […]

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Supporting Those Who Serve Others: Mike Kobbervig’s Role in Community Banking

July 17, 2025

For Mike Kobbervig, helping people plan for retirement isn’t just a profession—it’s a passion rooted in purpose, personal connection, and a good dose of Midwestern practicality. As the Senior Vice President and Retirement Plan Services Division Manager at Bell Bank, Mike brings nearly three decades of experience, an innovative approach to financial education, and a […]

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