— 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 also want to take a moment to recognize and thank Jodi Eich, our Immediate Past Chairwoman, for her outstanding leadership and service to the board. Jodi’s steady guidance and commitment to our industry have left a lasting impact, and I’m grateful for the example she has set.
I come to this role as someone who’s spent his career in community banking. At The Farmers and Merchants State Bank in Scotland, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have a team that puts people first. I’ve also seen how quickly our industry is changing. Technology, regulation, cybersecurity, staffing, they all require our constant attention. But what hasn’t changed, and what won’t, is our commitment to doing what’s right for our communities.
That’s why ICBSD matters. This organization is our voice in Pierre and Washington, D.C. It’s our resource for education, networking, and staying ahead of the curve. Most importantly, it’s our support system made up of peers who understand the challenges and opportunities we face.
Over the next year, I look forward to listening, learning, and advocating on your behalf. Whether it’s addressing regulatory pressure, recruiting the next generation of bankers, or strengthening the partnerships between banks and vendors, our work together will shape the future of independent banking in South Dakota.
To the vendors and business partners reading this: thank you for being part of our association. Your solutions and services help us better serve our customers, and we value your role in this industry.
If I haven’t had the chance to visit with you yet, I hope to do so in the months ahead. I’m looking forward to a year of collaboration, advocacy, and progress.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
“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.”
— Michael Behl