Looking to Switch Banks? Look to Us - Your Locally Owned Community Bank

Choosing the right bank can affect whether you get a mortgage for your new home or a loan for your small business. It may mean better rates and lower fees. The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) recommends that Americans bank with community banks, which offer better rates and fees, high-quality service and personal attention from members of your community.

Community bank advantages include:
*Quality service. Community banks focus on the needs of local families, small businesses and farmers.
*Local deposits. Community banks lend in the community where their depositors live and work, keeping local communities vibrant and growing.
*Expertise. Because community banks are themselves small businesses, they understand the needs of small-business owners. Their core concern is lending to small businesses and farms. In fact, community banks make almost half of all small-business loans in cities and towns throughout America.
*Responsive. Community banks offer nimble decision-making on loans because decisions are made locally. And community bank decision-makers are accessible to their customers in person.
*Trust. Because their success depends on establishing long-term relationships, community banks always look out for the best interests of their customers. They work hard to deliver only the financial services and loans their customers truly need and want. Many community banks are willing to consider character, family history and discretionary spending in making loans.
*Civic loyalty. Community bank officers are typically deeply involved in making their local communities better places to live.

“The community banking industry has been the bright spot in this economy,” states R. Michael Menzies, ICBA Chairman. “We have long differentiated ourselves by the quality of our customer service and our strong local ties. And we’ve become more sophisticated in the services we can offer, including remote deposit capture and even mobile banking, to match the larger banks. But the bottom line for us is relationships with people, not just transactions and numbers. The best way for consumers and small-business owners to learn about community banks is to visit their local bank and talk with their banker."