This weekend I saw a hilarious clip of Louis C. K. on Conan O’Brien doing a bit called “Everything’s Amazing and Nobody’s Happy.” His comment about people’s impatience with their iPhone made me laugh throughout the day! He opens his bit talking about how the world of banking (and pretty much everything) has changed so dramatically in our life time. I was quickly able to conjure up the memory of my dad taking me to the Bank of Highland Park to open my first bank account. I remember feeling so excited when I walked out of there with a little book with my name on it. Despite the charm of this memory, I quickly thought about how totally antiquated that system was and how my life is a lot easier with the creation of an ATM. That being said, I read a wonderful article this weekend in the New York Times Metropolitan Section called, “The Bank on Main Street.” It is a wonderful example of a business, an independent bank in Carraraugus, NY that is deliberately staying small (and turning down numerous opportunities to be acquired) so that they can meet their business goals to invest in and support their community. As we start of the new year, it is a good opportunity to consider our own business goals and what type of growth you hope (or do not aspire) to achieve. As the president of the banking the article, Mr. Cullen articulates so thoughtfully, “Where is it written that I have to grow?”
-Amy
