March-April 2009
Perspectives
The Mixed-Message Syndrome
Banks of all sizes are striving mightily to debunk the myth that they aren’t lending. They range in asset size from the trillion-dollar Bank of America and Citibank to community banks in the billion-dollar and under category. Geographically they span the country from Northwest to Midwest to Southeast. >>more
Trend Lines
Maybe You Should See A Doctor
Software as a service basically means paying a subscription fee to use software instead of purchasing the software. >>more
Earnings
InterviewPoint
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INTERVIEWPOINT: Small Business Lending
NAME: David Rahn
OCCUPATION: President and CEO of First Foundation Bank
LOCATION: Irvine, Calif.
BACKGROUND: Prior to joining First Foundation, a $130 million asset de novo, Rahn served as the senior vice president, Southern California regional manager for wealth management at Bank of the West, headquartered in San Francisco. Rahn also previously served as the statew... >>more
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Online-Only Feature Article
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Five Steps for Building a Strong Brand
As competition among community banks continues to grow, the need to create a stronger brand identity increases. This brand identity must not only help community banks communicate their core values, but also educate customers about the differentiating value and benefits over other banks. It’s no longer enough to simply offer great rates, the most convenient hours or free checking accoun... >>more
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Feature Articles
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Stay Ahead of the Competition With Mystery Shopping
Consumers are becoming more discerning than ever when choosing where to bank. And while it’s a challenge for smaller banks to compete with some of the services larger banks provide, the customer experience at your bank can make a big difference in gaining new customers and retaining loyal ones.
One effective way to ensure your service is top-notch is to implement a mystery shopping program. Posi... >>more
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Commitment to Community
Like most institutions in the financial industry, Intermountain Community Bancorp in Sandpoint, Idaho, is feeling the effects of the economy. “In our market, loan demand is significantly down,” said Rick Youngblood, president of community development at Intermountain Community Bancorp. “A slow economy creates cost cutting, which creates higher unemployment and, of course, less demand for loans.”
... >>more
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Cover Story
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Reform and Resolution
The first component of regulatory reform is “systemic risk,” it was declared by the U.S. Treasury in late March. While the initial focus will be on this component, the announcement said, the broad plan also includes three more components: protecting consumers and investors; eliminating gaps in the regulatory structure; and fostering international coordination.
Among other things, addressing syst... >>more
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