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ICBA Launches "My Community, My Bank" Advocacy Web Site
Advocates Can Urge Congress to Fix Too-Big-to-Fail Policies

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today launched "My Community, My Bank," an advocacy Web site that educates policymakers and the public about the negative consequences associated with too-big-to-fail, while allowing individuals to send high impact personal messages to Congress supporting the need to repair the policies that contributed to the near collapse of our entire financial system.

The new Web site, which is part of a larger campaign by ICBA that includes advertising, media outreach and grassroots mobilization, gives supporters three ways to send their message to Congress. They can submit a written letter to their representatives in Congress and even personalize their story by uploading a video. Using a map of the United States or a list on the site, elected officials and their staffs, as well as other visitors, can see on a state-by-state basis where supporters are located. The map also shows the locations of community banks throughout Main Street America.

In addition, the site offers education and information on the issue with facts about too-big-to-fail, news articles, op-eds, research papers, and key speeches and testimonies by ICBA leaders, members of Congress, regulators and other thought leaders on systemic-risk, regulatory reform, and other relevant topics. Also featured are ICBA's print ads that have been featured in key policy publications such as Roll Call, The Hill, Politico, National Journal and The New Republic.

The Independent Community Bankers of America represents the largest constituency of community banks of all sizes and charter types in the nation, and is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry. To learn more about ICBA's campaign, please visit their Facebook page.

Huffington Asks Americans to Move Their Money to Community Banks

The founder of the Huffington Post, the influential news Web site, is calling for all Americans to switch their banking accounts and business from big banks to community banks. Arianna Huffington is promoting her grassroots "move your money" campaign, which includes an explanatory video with a theme from the movie It's a Wonderful Life, to help create a stronger financial system, one person at a time. She sharply criticizes the largest banks for taking federal bailout money without making efforts to increase their lending to everyday Americans.

Huffington wrote, "The idea is simple: If enough people who have money in one of the big four banks move it into smaller, more local, more traditional community banks, then collectively we, the people, will have taken a big step toward re-rigging the financial system so it becomes again the productive, stable engine for growth it's meant to be."

The campaign reflects ICBA's leadership in building public awareness of the problems of too-big-to-fail and distinguishing community banks from mega-institutions. ICBA's innovative "My Community, My Bank" campaign allows community bank customers and the general public to send messages to Congress on these issues. Thus far, the campaign has resulted in tens of thousands of letters to Capitol Hill on the dangers of too-big-to-fail. Community bankers can continue to help build support by linking to the site. Please visit, please visit www.moveyourmoney.info.

ICBA's Fine Launches Blog Dedicated Solely to Community Bank Issues

Features Regular Contributions about Community Banks and ICBA Advocacy Efforts

Camden R. Fine, president and CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), launched Finer Points, a blog that will feature regular contributions about the community banking industry and ICBA's advocacy efforts.

"I'm looking forward to having this new online platform to share ICBA's views and opinions about the issues and concerns of our nation's more than 8,000 community banks," Fine said. "As our country continues to feel the pain from the economic fallout caused by Wall Street and the nation's too-big-to-fail institutions, it's more important than ever that the voice of Main Street community banks is heard loud and clear so that community banks can continue to serve the needs of their local customers for generations to come."

In his first Finer Points blog entry, Fine outlines the core principles of ICBA. "If I didn't believe passionately in the importance of community banks, I couldn't do my job," Fine wrote. "And if I didn't believe just as passionately in the core principles of ICBA, I couldn't head up the only organization that speaks exclusively for community banks."

Fine's blog will be updated weekly and as vital community banking issues arise. To read Fine's blog, and to subscribe, visit http://camfine.wordpress.com.