FDIC Federal Register Citations

From: Richard Clements [mailto:rickc@aebank.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2004 4:31 PM
To: Comments
Subject: Streamlined CRA Exam; RIN number 3064-AC50

Richard Clements
PO BOX 267
Elmwood, NE 68349

September 15, 2004

Dear Comments to FDIC:

As a community banker, I join my fellow community bankers throughout the nation in strong support of the FDIC's proposal to increase the asset size limit of banks eligible for the streamlined small-bank CRA examination. I also strongly support the elimination of the separate holding company qualification.

The proposal will greatly alleviate unnecessary paperwork and examination burden without weakening our commitment to reinvest in our communities. Reinvesting in our communities is something we do everyday as a matter of good business. My community bank will not long survive if my local community doesn't thrive, and that means my bank must be responsive to community needs and promote and support community and economic development.

Making it less burdensome to undergo a CRA exam by expanding eligibility for the streamlined exam will free up human and financial resources that can be redirected to the community and used to make loans and provide other services.

It is important to remember that the streamlined CRA exam is not an exemption from CRA.

Thank you for considering my views.

Sincerely,

Richard L. Clements
4029944000