Regulatory Force-Outs Threaten Rural America

January 26, 2011, 5:00 p.m. EST 1 Min Read

Re: "Time for a Separate Regulatory Tier for Small Banks" [Jan. 26]

For the last 25 years I have participated in conference, task force and seminar upon conference, task force and seminar all designed to find solutions for reversing the out migration taking place in rural communities all across our nation. While there are several keys to a small community's success, one common theme is for the community to have a local bank committed to the community.

A regulatory environment that forces owners to decide whether or not it is time to hang it up or takes away their ability to conduct business is the single most significant threat to the survival and viability of rural America. To avoid a crisis in rural America, we need to encourage and support local banks.

Thank you for keeping the message alive.

George Beattie
NBA President & CEO
Nebraska Bankers Association

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