2024 Journal of Community Bank Case Studies

low-risk agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities and A-grade municipal securities. These investments offer credit risk mitigation, steady income, and tax advantages. The bank employs a laddered investment approach to manage cash flow and mitigate market impact on earnings. This strategy provides liquidity flexibility and allows the bank to adapt its asset allocation in response to changing market conditions. Additionally, b1Bank also demonstrates acute awareness of regulatory landscapes, anticipating no new regulatory changes but preparing for heightened scrutiny, particularly in liquidity management. The bank is proactive in regulatory compliance, engaging in rigorous internal audits and maintaining open communication with regulators to navigate examination processes effectively. Additionally, it closely monitors emerging regulations, such as section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act. b1Bank’s marketing team leverages an advanced social media strategy, not only for controlling the narrative during crises, but also for maintaining ongoing communication with its customer base. By actively monitoring social media trends and feedback, b1Bank effectively counters misinformation and maintains transparency. The strategic use of celebrity endorsements, notably from Drew Brees, further amplifies b1Bank’s outreach and enhances its community and brand image. b1Bank has not only navigated current challenges with resilience, but also positions itself as a forward-thinking financial institution. b1Bank’s marketing team leverages an advanced social media strategy, not only for controlling the narrative during crises but also

...technology and social platforms have become

essential for banks for communication, advertising, and competitive purposes.

for maintaining ongoing communication with its customer base. By actively monitoring social media trends and feedback, b1Bank effectively counters misinformation and maintains transparency. The strategic use of celebrity endorsements, notably from Drew Brees, further amplifies b1Bank’s outreach and enhances its community and brand image. Moving forward with the major role staffing has played for the bank, they have been able to retain a majority of employees even with the combination of those that joined as a result of the Gratz National Bank merger and are expected to combine in future mergers. While they have seen some executives come and go, all of the current executives are committed to the fact that they are in this for the long haul. This is crucial in the times of growth they are experiencing as well as prioritizing all employees. They have been able to put their employees first and foremost by adding benefits, reviewing compensations, and creating programs so that they can serve the community to the best of their ability. Essentially, what they are doing is setting their

5