Community Banks Build Better Communities

As a Community Bank, the month of April is especially significant to everyone here at Bank of the Valley. That’s because it’s Community Banking Month, a time designated to highlighting all of the good things that Banks like ours do to create economic health and success for people in the places we call home.

Being a Community Bank means so much more than just knowing a person’s name when they walk through our doors. It means applying our local knowledge and financial expertise to help our friends and neighbors reach their financial goals, while also supporting causes that strengthen the local economy. We believe in taking the time to ask questions, listen, understand, and react to deliver the best solutions to ensure success, whether you’re just getting started or are well established with your banking needs. And we believe in giving our support to the communities that have supported us, whether that be through financial donations or the contribution of time and talent by our employees. 

Community Banks like Bank of the Valley take our role as financial stewards very seriously, offering flexibility and responsiveness that is not commonly seen in larger Banks. And the proof is in the numbers: collectively Community Banks make more than 60% of small business loans, more than 80% of agriculture loans, and contribute tax dollars that help maintain local municipalities.

Community Banks:

• Are the preferred Bank for small businesses: according to the Small Business Credit Survey, Community Banks earned a 76% satisfaction score compared to 62% for large banks, 46% for finance companies and 39% for online lenders. 
• Are committed and innovative lenders with loan growth that has outpaced noncommunity Banks for a decade.
• Demonstrate safety and soundness: The FDIC reports that Community Banks produce higher capital ratios and better loan quality than the largest financial institutions.
• Pair technology with personal service by giving customers access to modern-day conveniences and the latest technology while maintaining personal connections and hands-on assistance.
• Are committed to helping underserved Americans: Community Banks serve 93% of majority-minority communities and 96% of low-income designated counties.
• Are there for businesses when times are tough. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Community Banks made 60% of total Paycheck Protection Program loans to small businesses and provided 72% of PPP loans to minority business owners that reported such data.
• Give back to their communities. In 2022 Bank of the Valley’s employees donated their time and talents to over 140 nonprofits and charitable organizations in the communities that we serve.  

Bank of the Valley is proud to shine a light on the many benefits of working with a Community Bank during the month of April and all year-round. Stop by any of our seven Branch locations and experience what Banking Local feels like, where together we go further. 

Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.