Large equity stakes were once enough to attract highly sought-after executives. These days banks, however, banks are being forced to offer more cash and other incentives, says to Rod Taylor.

Just days after the Senate's top Democrat, Harry Reid, proposed a two-year renewal to the Transaction Account Guarantee program, a leading Republican on the Senate Banking Committee came forward and said he plans to oppose the extension.

The effort to extend the Transaction Account Guarantee, which is due to expire at yearend, received a major "boost this week after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid unveiled a bill to keep it alive for another two years," writes American Banker's Joe Adler.

Sen. Bob Corker said Wednesday he plans to oppose extending the Transaction Account Guarantee program, just days after the Senate's top Democrat proposed a two-year renewal.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has sponsored a standalone bill to give the Transaction Account Guarantee program another two year. The extension, which many community bankers view as critical, is still very much in doubt.

Coronado First Bank (NADO) in California has agreed to buy San Diego Private Bank for roughly $15.5 million in stock.

Cardinal Bankshares said that falling property valuations and foreclosure charges contributed to a loss during its third quarter.

Provident New York Bancorp has hired veteran financial industry executive Luis Massiani to be its next chief financial officer.

Banks must understand the risks associated with a potential partnership, assess how the effort will support their overall strategy and hire the right talent to manage the venture once it has been approved.

By pressing forward in business banking, auto lending and branch expansion, CEO Stephen Steinour has Huntington moving fast — and thinking big.

Eight acquisitions in two years have positioned CenterState as one of Florida's breakout banks. Meanwhile, John Corbett's shrewd maneuver into correspondent banking — as others were exiting the business — has generated new revenue streams.

Throughout his three decades in Congress, Barney Frank reached across the aisle to tackle big problems, and crafted groundbreaking legislation with far-reaching effects for banks.

Will our decisions turn out to be the right ones?

The Bethesda, Md., bank Paul founded in 1998 has reported increased profits in 15 straight quarters, and it's showing no signs of slowing down. Paul's relentless pavement pounding has yielded lasting and profitable relationships.

Citizens Republic was on the ropes when Cathleen Nash took it over in 2009, but by mid-2011 it was making money again. Investors liked what they saw, and were even happier in September when the company announced it would sell itself to FirstMerit.

This year's winners include nimble strategist John Corbett of CenterState, able ambassador Ron Paul of Eagle Bancorp and turn-around artist Cathleen Nash of Citizens Republic.

During three decades in Congress, Barney Frank reached across the aisle to tackle big problems and craft groundbreaking legislation.

The hardest part of selecting Community Bankers of the Year is narrowing down the field to three. Here's a look at the trio who stood out the most and seven others who merit honorable mentions.