Vernon banker attends bank leaders meeting

VERNON — Regulatory challenges, the impact of new technology on business production and banks’ resiliency to ongoing cyber threats were just some of the topics discussed at a recent national meeting of community bankers according to Steven C. Ackmann, President of Highlands State Bank
Ackmann who attended the meeting as a member of the American Bankers Association’s Community Bankers Council April 24-26 in New Orleans, said the bankers talked at length about the impact of recent legislation and regulatory burdens on the nation’s community banks and the areas they serve.
“Community banks help drive the economy and represent a critical segment of our industry,” said Ackmann “This meeting affords us the opportunity to gather information, exchange ideas and develop solutions to the challenges facing our communities every day.”
Attendees also discussed a range of topics including risk management, political engagement, the future of banking and ways in which banks can leverage technology and digital platforms to increase customer engagement. The meeting also provided bankers the opportunity to exchange ideas on new products, solutions and management strategies they have implemented recently.
ABA’s Community Bankers Council consists of approximately 100 bank presidents and CEOs from institutions with generally less than $1 billion in assets. Members meet twice a year to strategize on government relations issues, banking trends and competitive priorities, providing guidance to ABA on a number of community banking issues. The group’s collective viewpoint is shared with members of Capitol Hill, and at conferences and high-level industry meetings throughout the year.
Highlands State Bank with an asset size of $417,000,000 with four branches in Vernon, Sparta, Totowa and Denville