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September 2015
9
Bank
notes
C
ommunity banks are in
dire need of regulatory
relief
today,
and
a
promising campaign has
been mounted by those organizations
dedicated to achieving that goal
in Washington. The Independent
Community Bankers of America (ICBA),
the Community Bankers Association
of Illinois (CBAI), and other state
community-banking associations across
America are supporting ICBA’s Plan for
Prosperity. If enacted into law, the Plan’s
comprehensive provisions could ensure
a vibrant future for community banking.
Members of Congress, however, are
wrestling with many competing interests
as they weigh the merits of regulatory
relief measures. These competing
interests range from consumer groups to
many organizations within the financial-
services profession itself.
Attaining meaningful regulatory relief
for community banks will require
two essential components: grassroots
lobbying by community bankers, and
representation dedicated to the interests
of community banking.
ICBA and CBAI are responsible for
developing consensus positions on key
issues and then advocating for those
positions. Advocacy includes crafting
legislation, responding to proposed
regulations, and direct contact lobbying
with elected officials. For community-
bank officers, directors, owners, and
employees to be effective at grassroots
lobbying, they need guidance and
direction from their associations.
Grassroots Lobbying Made Easy
Community banker’s participation in
the lobbying process is vital to CBAI’s
governmental-relations
program.
Grassroots lobbying has many aspects
ranging from personal visits with
lawmakers to providing campaign and
financial support. Communication
with elected officials has never been
easier. When CBAI and ICBA send
Action Alerts to community bankers,
the electronic delivery of a prepared
message can be completed in seconds.
Messaging can also be personalized.
CBAI urges community bankers to
engage in all Action Alerts as an effective
way to influence a lawmaker’s decision.
Effective Governmental
Relations Requires
Grassroots Lobbying and
Autonomous Representation
