Featured image: Jim S. Gowen, Jr., president and CEO of Merchants and Planters Bank
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) recently announced local community banker Jim S. Gowen, Jr., president and CEO of Merchants and Planters Bank in Newport, was re-elected to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board.
“I am honored to be re-elected to represent our industry and help share the positive story of community banking with policymakers,” Gowen said. “Community banks are trusted, relationship-based lenders that deliver personalized service and invaluable financial expertise to local consumers and entrepreneurs. We drive positive economic prosperity both nationally and at home.”
Gowen has also showcased his commitment and dedication to community banking by serving as a current director and former president of Arkansas Community Bankers Association. This will be his second term as an ICBA Federal Delegate, and he will represent Arkansas through March 2024.
In addition to helping shape and advocate ICBA’s national policy positions and programs, Gowen’s duties include being a liaison between independent community bankers in Arkansas and ICBA staff and leadership in Washington, D.C. He will also work to recruit new members to ICBA.
ICBA is an organization dedicated to promoting the interests of locally operated community banks and savings institutions.
“With trusted financial expertise and high-quality customer service as their hallmarks, community banks offer the best financial services option for millions of consumers, small businesses and agricultural enterprises,” the organization noted in a release announcing Gowen’s re-election.
“Jim is a dedicated community banker who is highly respected in his community and by his industry peers,” said ICBA Chairman Noah W. Wilcox, president and CEO, Grand Rapids State Bank. “We are delighted Jim has generously offered his time and valuable professional talents to the service of the community banking industry.”
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