April is Community Banking Month, and we are proud to seize this opportunity to share some of the outstanding qualities that make Community Banks like ours the best choice for customers and the community!

Community Banks are…Relationship Lenders

• Community Banks don’t rely on automation or impersonal qualification criteria when assisting customers with a loan. They get to know them on a personal level, building relationships in order to meet their specific needs and achieve their individual goals.

Community Banks… Support Small Business

• Community banks are the primary providers of credit to small businesses and agricultural borrowers. They make nearly 60% of U.S. small business loans under $1 million and more than 80% of banking industry agriculture loans.

Community Banks…Encourage Local Philanthropy

• Giving back is at the heart of Community Banking, with hundreds of thousands of dollars being donated each year to local non-profits, youth sports sponsorships, churches and much more. They lead by example, showing other businesses and individuals that financial support for a good cause can come from any organization or individual.

Community Banks…Make Decisions LOCALLY

• With Community Banks, decisions are made by the individuals who live and work in the same communities as the customers they serve. They understand that needs and goals change, and with local decision making those changes can be met more quickly with effective solutions.

Community Banks…Provide Financial Education

• Community Banks are ready to jump in and help educate their friends and neighbors when it comes to financial literacy. They can often be seen leading programs in schools and providing financial support to educational activities regarding Banking and Finance.

Community Banks…Invest in Communities

• Community Banks invest in the communities that contribute to their success. They provide funding to small businesses and residents, and support community development projects. They also create local jobs, with Community Bank’s employing over 650,000 individuals nation-wide.

Community Banks…Are Civic Leaders

• Community Banks boast a team of executives and employees who give of their time and talents to serve on local boards, volunteer at community events and participate in local Chambers of Commerce.

Bank of the Valley is a Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.