The buzz in Watkins Glen next week is not just about the fall foliage or the Seneca Lake cruise, it’s about something a little less scenic and a lot more strategic: community banks finding their AI edge. Lisa Pent, CEO and Founder of ThePentEdge.com, is stepping up to the mic at the IBANYS Annual Leadership Event on Monday afternoon with a talk titled “You CAN Dream Bigger.”
Community banking has never been for the faint of heart. Margins are tight, competition’s fierce, and let’s face it, the tech game feels like it’s rigged in favor of the giants. But what if the edge wasn’t in catching up to big banks, but in being something they can’t be?
Lisa thinks so. And this isn’t just theory.
At the heart of her talk, she’ll show how small banks can use artificial intelligence not as a high-risk moonshot, but as a low-lift lever to reduce friction, improve operations, and reclaim the very things that make community banks matter.
No gimmicks. No jargon. Just the tools to do more with what you already have.
What to Expect at the Symposium (TL;DR style)
- Community banks are feeling the squeeze on margins and tech innovation.
- Staying competitive means rethinking what it actually means to lead, not just keep up.
- AI and digital tools are only for the big players.
- Small banks are built for trust, connection, and agility. AI can help scale that.
- Lisa Pent and her team at ThePentEdge reveal practical ways banks can use AI now, without needing a Silicon Valley budget.
- Monday, October 6 at 12:30 PM, Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Lisa Pent shares the stage with Philip Samuelraj, Head of Tech & AI at PentEdge.
Banks Aren’t Behind. They’re Built Different.
“Catch up or get left behind” has been a fear-mongering drumbeat for years in the tech race. But community banks aren’t behind. They’re just built on a different model. One based on people, not platforms. Relationships, not reach.
The false idea that tech equals size has slowed down meaningful innovation in community banking. And it’s time to let that go.
Lisa’s presentation highlights how artificial intelligence doesn’t need to replace anything human about the banking experience. In fact, it can free teams from repetitive tasks so they can double down on what actually drives value: real conversations, personalized service, and community trust.
A Room Full of Bankers, A Moment of Clarity
Picture this. A room of sharply dressed CEOs, compliance officers, and financial strategists, midway through their second cup of coffee after a Tuesday lunch break. Then Lisa starts speaking.
The mood shifts.
Not because of flashy slides or buzzwords, but because the message is simple and relatable. Community banks don’t need to invent tech. They just need to use it better. Smart tools, low risk. High impact.
She tells a story of a small regional bank using a basic AI assistant to streamline mortgage pre-approvals. Nothing fancy. Just faster turnarounds, less paperwork, and happier customers. The kind of win that hits home for any banker in the room.
You Already Have the Advantage
Lisa’s core message is this: You don’t need to become a tech company to win. You just need to use the tech that matches your values. Small teams are nimble. Fewer silos. Closer to the customer. Those aren’t limitations. That’s your runway.
Instead of trying to mimic big banks, the smarter play is owning your size. You’re already closer to your customers. AI just helps you show up faster, smarter, and with more insight.
Need an example? Take these:
- Using sentiment analysis to see which emails frustrate clients most
- Automating first-touch follow-ups with a human tone
- Spotting fraud patterns based on community-level transaction data
It’s not science fiction. It’s off-the-shelf, practical stuff. And PentEdge helps make it usable for teams without a tech department the size of a football roster.
What Makes Lisa’s Talk Different
The symposium is packed with talent. From balance sheet strategy to regulatory updates, the speaker lineup brings serious insights. But Lisa’s session cuts across departments. This isn’t just about tech. It’s about vision, culture, and the quiet ways small banks can lead without losing their soul.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Session Title | Focus Area | Why It Matters |
| Building Franchise Value | Balance sheet strategy | Ties brand to financial strength |
| Credit and Debit Options | Payments | Adapts to evolving card trends |
| Reclaim Your Advantage | AI and bank culture | Reframes how small banks grow |
| Regulatory Developments | Compliance | Navigates state vs federal charters |
| Audit and Tax Topics | Accounting | Keeps banks updated on CECL and more |
Lisa’s talk isn’t just another box to check. It’s a moment to rethink what’s possible. And judging by how fast community banks are moving from curiosity to adoption, it couldn’t come at a better time.
Wanna Chat More After the Event?
If you’re headed to Watkins Glen for the event, block your calendar for Monday afternoon at 12:30 PM. Lisa Pent and Philip Samuelraj will be on stage, showing real ways AI fits into your playbook right now, without a steep learning curve or massive spend.
Already curious? Contact us with your questions or just swing by after the session. We’re not hard to spot.
From the Finger Lakes With Strategy
- Lisa Pent of PentEdge is speaking Monday, Oct 6 at 12:30 PM
- Her session focuses on using AI to strengthen community banks
- It’s part of the IBANYS Annual Leadership Symposium in Watkins Glen, NY
- PentEdge makes AI tools easy and useful for small teams
- Community banks don’t need to be tech-first to stay ahead
- If you’re attending, reach out or connect during the Monday afternoon session
Community banking isn’t about catching up. It’s about carving a smarter path with the tools you already have. Lisa’s session is proof that even the smallest bank can move fast, stay human, and dream bigger.
