ICBA and CFSB Kicks Off Community Banking Month

Community banks build economically sustainable communities by lending locally

Washington, D.C. (April 1, 2014)—The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) and Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB) 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 and CFSB 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.

“CFSB has thrived since 1890 thanks to our loyal and valued customers who believe in the community banking business model,” said Betsy Flynn, CFSB President/CEO.  “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 follow the conversation on ICBA Community Banking Month, follow the hashtag #BankLocally on Twitter. To learn more about community banks, visit www.icba.org while further information about CFSB can be viewed at www.yourlifeyourbank.com.