A Season of Gratitude and Resilience for South Dakota’s Community Bankers

Jodi Eich, Chairwoman of ICBSD, Vice Chair and Chief Operating Officer, Rivers Edge Bank

As we enter the fall season, I find myself reflecting with immense gratitude. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the chairwoman of ICBSD, for the unwavering dedication of our board members—past and present—and for the incredible staff that supports us. I am also thankful for the mentors who have guided us along the way, and for the privilege of being part of the future of community banking.

However, alongside this gratitude, I recognize that our industry faces unprecedented challenges. Today’s landscape for community banks in complex to say the least. Cybersecurity threats, heightened regulatory demands, political shifts, economic uncertainty, increased competition, and compressed net interest margins are all issues that will be top of mind for many of us in the coming year.

Despite these challenges, ICBSD offers valuable resources that help us navigate these obstacles together. Our association creates a community of support that we can all leverage, especially during times of uncertainty.

One such resource is our annual educational events, such as the Fall Directors and Management Conference and the Black Hills Retreat in July. These events feature expert speakers addressing the very issues we face daily, while also providing time to connect, share insights, and support one another. If you haven’t attended before, I encourage you to join us at these events! For those looking to strengthen their teams from the comfort of their own bank, we also offer a series of online courses and webinars that cover regulatory updates and staff training. You can explore these options at ICBSD.com under the “Events and Education” tab.


“Advocacy remains a key priority for ICBSD, as we continue to champion the interests of community banking at the state level.”

Additionally, we’re excited to continue fostering leadership within our industry. This year, we’ll be hosting the second session of our professional leadership development program, Level-Up. This initiative connects emerging leaders and equips them with the skills necessary to navigate the evolving demands of our industry. Keep an eye out for registration details coming soon!

Advocacy remains a key priority for ICBSD, as we continue to champion the interests of community banking at the state level. Our Political Action Committee (PAC) plays a critical role in amplifying our voice in Pierre. The PAC is funded by members of the PAC 100 Club and proceeds from the silent auction held annually at the Black Hills Retreat. I encourage you to consider joining the PAC 100 Club if you aren’t already a member—your participation strengthens our collective voice and helps ensure the future of community banking. Simply mail your contribution to ICBSD PAC, P.O. Box 615, Watertown, SD 57001.

I am honored to serve this community, and I look forward to the year ahead with optimism and determination. Together, we will continue to build on the strong foundation of community banking in South Dakota.

Thank you for this opportunity.

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