ICBA and Gateway, Intracoastal and Reunion Banks Kick Off Community Banking Month

PALM COAST, Fla. - April 3, 2014 - PRLog -- Community banks build economically sustainable communities by lending locally

Washington, D.C. (April 3, 2014)—The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) and the local community banks including Gateway, Intracoastaland Reunion today kick off ICBA Community Banking Month—a month full of community pride for local residents, small businesses and the community banks that proudly serve them. Throughout the month, ICBA will encourage consumers and small businesses who are interested in building more economically sustainable communities to check out what their community bank has to offer.

“Community banks help local families achieve financial stability while also driving small business lending in their communities—keeping America’s communities economically healthy and vibrant,” said ICBA Chairman John H. Buhrmaster, president of 1st National Bank of Scotia, N.Y.  “Throughout April, ICBA, our members and our state and regional partners will celebrate the unique and vital role that community banks serve in their communities, while educating consumers and small business owners about the benefits of banking locally with their community bank.”

Community banks are relationship lenders that thrive when their customers and communities do the same. Taking care of customers and looking out for the best interest of local communities is the community banking business model.

There are almost 7,000 community banks, including commercial banks, thrifts, stock and mutual savings institutions, with more than 50,000 locations throughout the United States. Assets may range from less than $10 million to $10 billion or more. Community banks constitute 96.8 percent of all banks.

“Hometown banking has thrived for more than 100 years thanks to loyal customers who believe in the community bank business model,” Buhrmaster said.  “The future for community banking is bright, and I encourage everyone to Go Local and realize the difference that a community bank can make in their lives now and for years to come.”

To find your community bank, visit ICBA’s Community Bank Locator at www.banklocally.org. Simply type in your ZIP code and you will see community banks in your area. Customers can also download the free ICBA bank locator apps on their iPhone, Android or BlackBerry devices.

To follow the conversation on ICBA Community Banking Month, follow the hashtag #BankLocally on Twitter. To learn more about community banks, visit www.icba.org.

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America®, the nation’s voice for nearly 7,000 community banks of all sizes and charter types, is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education and high-quality products and services

For further information, please feel free to contact the ICBA or:

Bruce Page
President/CEO
386-447-1662