There are good companies to work for, bad companies to work for, and there are great companies to work for. What is it that makes a company the “best”? What is their company culture like? Harvard Business Review (HBR) researched the best places to work in the United States looking for these answers. We’re not just looking for what they do differently, but why the things they do see success.
Training and education are transforming elements of a community bank. Education has cultural, personal, and financial benefits to a bank and can make the difference between a good bank and a great one, says Group Executive Vice President for ICBA’s (Independent Community Bankers of America) Community Banker University, Lindsay LaNore, in a Main Street Banking podcast. In no circumstance is knowledge ever wasted: it’s the foundation of innovation and growth.
Many believe we have been moving toward a cashless society in which all financial transactions are digital. Many financiers and government authorities favor bidding adieu to cash-- there’d be lower crime rates with no physical money to steal, financial crimes and money laundering would be much harder to commit if there’s a record of every payment you ever receive, we would save money by not printing bills and coins, people would have ease of use when managing their cash, and it would make international travel so much easier.
Ringing in the new year (and new decade!) is cause for celebration—spending time with friends and family and looking back on the year. A lot can happen in a year, good and bad. With reflection comes new beginnings and fresh starts.
The air is filled with good vibes and glad tidings at Christmastime. There are so many fun activities and events unique to the season, and while it’s not possible to do them all, it’s fun to deliberate and choose some that are special to you and yours. Whether you’re looking for new traditions or wanting to change up some standing ones, we’ve got you covered.
The Christmas season is a uniquely busy time of year. It seems like every single day in December a new event or task is being added to the calendar—holiday parties, family dinners, children’s performances, cookie exchanges, gift shopping, holiday traditions, Secret Santa’s, tree decorating… the list goes on and on. It often begins with the best intentions: time together, fun memories, and a wonderful holiday season for our family.
The Census Bureau collects household information in order to understand the nation’s people and economy. The data describes where people live, their living arrangements, ages, income, education level, commuting patterns, and occupations.1 This information helps all members of the community in different ways. Following the constitutional mandate of equal population representation, the data is used to apportion seats in the House of Representatives and draw district boundaries. Conducting a census every ten years is required by the U.S Constitution.
The talk of today is all about going digital. In an effort to meet the needs and demands of today’s smartphone-driven world, it only makes sense that some banks are opening less brick and mortar branches and focusing on developing and improving mobile and online services. Interestingly though, new research is saying banks might want to reconsider this direction as many young customers still rely on physical branches for banking.
Looking at the success of others, we can see what consumers want. Something Apple, Google, and Amazon all have in common is that they thrive with simplicity. Consumers love the sleek, uniform, and easy-to-use features of Apple products. People love how easy it is to find information with a quick Google search. People love finding what they need, buying it with the touch of a button, and having it on their doorstep within a day or two. It’s the ease, the simplicity.
For the first time in ten years, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates this past July. Then again in September… and then again in October. Prior to these cuts, rates had been steadily rising. The quick and sudden shift in the direction of interest rates has left financial service providers re-strategizing how to grow deposits in the coming year.