Strengthening Community:
The Significance of Vendor Involvement with PACB

Written by: Joseph P. Harford, CSDS
Founder and President, Reclamere, Inc.

As seen in the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers Magazine, Hometown Banker, 2024, Issue 3.

In the dynamic landscape of banking, community banks play a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and financial stability within their localities. These institutions are deeply rooted in their communities, catering to the diverse needs of businesses and individuals alike. Amidst the evolving challenges and opportunities in the banking sector, the Pennsylvania Association of Community Banks (PACB) stands as a unifying force, advocating for the interests of its members while promoting collaboration and innovation. Central to PACB’s mission is the active involvement of vendors, forging symbiotic relationships that drive mutual success and benefit the entire ecosystem.

Reclamere has embraced the ethos of collaboration and engagement within PACB, a leading provider of cyber security and IT asset disposition solutions. Founded in 2001, Reclamere has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to safeguard their sensitive information and responsibly manage end-of-life IT assets. Through its strategic partnership with PACB, Reclamere has not only enhanced its visibility and credibility but has also unlocked a plethora of opportunities to serve the unique needs of community banks across Pennsylvania.

At the heart of vendor involvement with PACB lies the opportunity for knowledge exchange and thought leadership. By actively participating in PACB events, seminars, and committees, vendors like Reclamere gain valuable insights into the challenges facing community banks and the broader financial industry. This firsthand understanding enables them to tailor their products and services to address the specific compliance, security, and operational needs of community banks, thereby delivering greater value and relevance.

Moreover, vendor involvement fosters a spirit of collaboration and partnership that transcends traditional buyer-seller relationships. Through PACB’s networking events and forums, vendors can forge meaningful connections with community bank executives, building trust and rapport that forms the foundation of long-term partnerships. For Reclamere, this engagement has been instrumental in understanding the nuanced requirements of community banks and co-creating tailored solutions that align with their strategic objectives and regulatory obligations.

Beyond the immediate benefits of networking and business development, vendor involvement with PACB holds strategic significance in shaping the future of the banking industry. As community banks grapple with emerging cyber threats, regulatory complexities, and technological disruptions, they increasingly rely on innovative vendors to navigate these challenges effectively. By actively engaging with PACB, vendors like Reclamere contribute to the collective knowledge base of the community banking sector, driving innovation and best practices that elevate the industry.

For Reclamere, the dividends of vendor involvement with PACB have been plentiful. Not only has it facilitated business growth and market expansion opportunities, but it has also enhanced the company’s reputation as a thought leader and trusted advisor in the realm of cyber security and IT asset disposition. By aligning closely with the priorities and objectives of community banks, Reclamere has positioned itself as a strategic ally, empowering banks to embrace digital transformation securely while mitigating risks effectively.

Reclamere offers a range of specialized services tailored to support members of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Banks (PACB) in addressing their unique data security and IT asset disposition needs. These services have been instrumental in helping community banks navigate regulatory requirements, mitigate cybersecurity risks, and responsibly manage end-of-life IT assets.

Here are some of the key services that Reclamere has offered to support PACB members:

Data Destruction and Secure IT Asset Disposition: Reclamere specializes in secure data destruction and IT asset disposition services, ensuring that sensitive information stored on retired IT assets is permanently and securely erased. For PACB members, this service is critical in safeguarding customer data and complying with data privacy regulations such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

Compliance Consulting and Auditing: Reclamere provides compliance consulting and auditing services to help PACB members assess their current data security practices and identify areas for improvement. Through comprehensive risk assessments and gap analyses, Reclamere helps community banks strengthen their compliance posture and mitigate regulatory risks.

Incident Response and Data Breach Management: In the event of a data breach or cybersecurity incident, Reclamere provides rapid incident response services to help PACB members contain the breach, assess the impact, and mitigate further damage. Reclamere’s experienced team assists community banks in implementing incident response plans and coordinating with regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies as needed.

In conclusion, the importance of vendor involvement with the Pennsylvania Association of Community Banks cannot be overstated. Through active engagement and collaboration, vendors like Reclamere contribute to the resilience and vitality of community banks, enabling them to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. By fostering a culture of partnership and knowledge-sharing, PACB serves as a catalyst for innovation and growth, empowering both vendors and community banks to achieve their shared goals and deliver enduring value to the communities they serve.