Common goals drive ABA/ACB merger proposal.

For many of the same reasons that their member banks join forces through mergers, the American Bankers Association and America's Community Bankers announced that their boards had approved a proposal to merge the two trade groups. The chairmen of the associations made the announcement at a

press conference in Washington on June 25. Pictured above at that meeting are Earl McVicker (r.) chairman of the ABA, and Mark Macomber, chairman of ACB. McVicker is chairman, president and CEO of Central Bank and Trust Co., Hutchinson, Kan., while Macomber is president and CEO of Litchfield Bancorp, Litchfield, Conn.

The two groups had attempted to merge several years ago, but the talks broke off. This time both boards supported the proposal, recognizing--as stated in a joint letter to bank CEOs--that "today, the ABA and ACB are aligned philosophically, and we are already working closely together on key legislative and regulatory matters."

Both associations have Long and prominent histories--ABA was formed in 1875, ACB, whose roots are in the thrift industry, in 1892. The combined organization would retain the ABA name, while the ACB name would continue as part of the newly named America's Community Bankers Council.

In the joint letter, McVicker and Macomber said the combination would create "a stronger association that speaks with a more unified and influential voice," and would provide a broader array of services to members--particularly community banks--than either group could provide independently. The letter also emphasized the intent of the new association to promote and defend charter choice for all banks. "The thrift charter and mutual form of organization will be a fundamental part of our core values," it said.

The merger is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter. Ed Yingling would remain president and CEO of ABA, while Diane Casey-Landry, currently president and CEO of ACB, would become executive vice-president and chief operating officer of the combined association.