Community banking

There has been a recent surge in organizing efforts among credit union employees. To discourage this, leaders should pay workers well, provide good benefits and be accessible.

Unionizing a workplace is an arduous process, meaning that employees who organize are dedicated to change. Executives must seize on these moments to address workers' concerns instead of reacting defensively.

Community bankers anticipate that interest rates could soon level off and the broader economy may avert a downturn as a result. If that forecast proves true, lenders could minimize credit losses and enjoy stronger loan demand than they had expected earlier in the year.

Thomas O'Brien has gained a reputation for being able to salvage institutions on the brink of disaster. With his latest rescue job nearly complete, the fix-it specialist ponders his next move.

In his new book, "The Song of Significance," Seth Godin, a business management author, dives into how executives can rethink being profit driven and help create meaning in the work for employees.

Citizens Bank of Edmond in Oklahoma, in conjunction with the digital-banking platform Narmi, recently launched an account-opening process that occurs completely online. The project, completed in less than three months, could be a model for community banks that want to innovate but fear being a low priority for vendors.

The real threat is from undercapitalized banks, and regulators must require large banks to have enough capital to eliminate that threat.