Media Contacts:
Greg McCurry605-996-9329 / Local Contact
Phone
ICBSD and [INSERT COMMUNITY BANK NAME]:
Community Banks Keep Rural America Growing
April is Community Banking Month
City, State (April X, 2012)— As the Independent Community Bankers of South Dakota (ICBSD) and [INSERT BANK NAME] recognize April as Community Banking Month, they are reminding everyone about the critical role community banks serve in supporting local farmers and agriculture. Community banks are able to serve as financial first responders to the agricultural community because they operate locally; putting local deposits back to work in their communities through loans to local farmers, residents and small businesses.
Community banks are pivotal to the overall health and financial success of rural America as they provide an overwhelming share of credit to local farmers. Farmers are small business owners, and as small businesses ourselves, community banks across the nation are able to better serve their agricultural customers because they understand the agriculture business, their community and their market.
Community banks have consistently been the largest provider of agricultural credit within the commercial banking sector and are often the catalysts for new and expanded business opportunities within their communities to ensure long-term economic viability and vitality.
Community banks often use government loan programs for housing, small business and farm loans to assist borrowers who would otherwise have difficulty obtaining commercial credit. Continuing these programs is vital for rural America.
“Community banks stimulate rural economies in a multitude of ways, including creating off-farm jobs, maintaining the local tax base and facilitating development of the infrastructure and public services necessary to keep rural communities vibrant,” said [NAME, TITLE, BANK NAME]. “Community Banking Month is wonderful because it gives us an opportunity to thank our agricultural customers and show them our unwavering support.”
States, local governments, and community banks recognize Community Banking Month. Each year, thousands of community banks partner with local charities to host special events, while others promote economic development initiatives. Many community banks traditionally mark the month by highlighting their community service or financial education programs.
ICBSD President and CEO, Greg McCurry, said that he encourages consumers across South Dakota to make Community Banking Month a reason to find and do business with their local community bank. He said consumers can do so by visiting ICBSD website www.icbsd.com and simply clicking on Find Your Community Bank. Community Bankers make switching simple, meet with one of our many community bankers face-to-face and see if making the switch is right for you.”
About ICBSD
The Independent Community Bankers of South Dakota is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the value of South Dakota’s community-based financial institutions for the benefit of consumers. ICBSD gives community banks a solid voice in South Dakota and Washington D.C., in addition to providing members with professional educational and networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.icbsd.com.