As members and staff of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois travel around the state, they are frequently asked the following questions about CBAI:  

 

Q: "Education is of utmost importance to my bank. Can CBAI provide adequate continuing educational opportunities? "  

 

A: CBAI's Educational Calendar contains numerous high-quality, competitively-priced and timely one-day seminars, as well as ongoing and widely acclaimed series in the crucial areas of compliance and lending. Additionally, CBAI offers its extremely popular Midwest School for Community Bankers every summer.  

 

The Association's educational offerings are well-spaced geographically, with the most popular subjects repeated throughout the state. The examples and problems given in CBAI seminars are challenging, yet practical for community bankers. Bank employees network with other community bankers who share everyday concerns.  

 

The CBAI Strategic Plan emphasizes the continuing expansion of educational services a high priority.  

 

Q: "Isn't CBAI an organization primarily for downstate, rural banks?"  

 

A: No. CBAI members are located in each of the 102 counties of Illinois, from the southernmost tip of Little Egypt to Chicago's Loop. With more than 500 member banks ranging in size from $8 million to $2 billion, CBAI represents more than 65 percent of all Illinois banks and thrifts.  

 

Annual Group Meetings are held in each part of the state; the location of the CBAI Annual Convention is rotated to accommodate northern, central and southern Illinois, and educational seminars are scheduled to provide access to many different areas of Illinois.  

 

Positions on issues are determined ultimately by the 28-member Board of Directors which has representation from all areas of Illinois. These positions are shaped by surveys and ballots that reflect members' wants and needs. Most issues affect all banks, and CBAI has the influence to favorably impact the outcome of these critical issues.  

 

Q: "I already belong to other trade groups. Why do I need CBAI?"  

 

A: No other trade association exclusively represents community banking in Illinois.  

 

CBAI is recognized by state and federal lawmakers as The Voice for Illinois community bankers. Second, CBAI members that participate in group purchase discount, rebate and income- producing opportunities through CBAI Services Marketing Group (SMG), Community BancService Corporation (CBSC) and Community BancInsurance Services, Inc. (CBIS) attain savings that more than pay for their dues.  

 

Democracy prevails at CBAI, a one-bank/one-vote organization. Decisions aren't based on asset size. CBAI members have a voice in the decision-making that will affect community banking for years to come.  

 

For more information on CBAI, its programs and services, 

call 800/736-2224.