By Mary Lukow

Federated Bank is often referred to as a community bank, and we love that.  It really is a description that tells a lot about us.  It communicates so much more than just our location.  It describes who we are, what we do, and how we operate.

Who We Are.  When you think about going to the bank for whatever reason, you probably think not only of the exterior and interior of the building, but also of the people inside.  The employees of Federated Bank are not only competent and able to help with your banking needs, but they are also fellow members of your community.  You might see a teller at the grocery store or a branch manager at a local sporting event.   Federated Bank employees are very involved in serving our community too.  They serve in local organizations that make life better for everyone.  You’re never just a customer to us – we always think of you as a customer and a neighbor too!

What We Do.  Being a part of a local community that we share with our customers makes a difference in what we do too.  We seek to offer personal banking products that meet the needs of those who live and work near us.  In addition to standard banking services, such as checking and saving accounts, IRA’s, credit and debit cards, and various loan products, we also offer related services to make your life more convenient, like accepting local tax and water payments and providing cashier’s checks, wire transfers, and notary public services.  Similarly, we are always looking for ways that we can partner with local businesses.  Our financing options can assist small businesses who are looking to expand or make necessary purchases and our merchant services, such as credit card processing, help keep businesses running smoothly.  Our offerings reflect our desire to see our neighbors thrive and our local small businesses succeed.

How We Operate.  In addition to who we are and what we offer, our connection in the community also influences how we function.  Decisions are made locally, not at a far-off centralized location.  This enables us to work with you to find the best solutions to fit your situation.  When you need a business loan, a personal loan, or a mortgage, we have flexibility and multiple available options.  We are able to talk with you about your particular needs and assist you in making prudent decisions.  Beyond those initial decisions, we continue to be available for support and guidance.  When you have questions or issues arise, we welcome the opportunity to help you work through them.  We are not a distant voice on the phone; rather we are just down the street and here to help by phone or in person whenever you need us.

In addition to the work we do in the bank, we love getting out into the community.  We recently held our appreciation movie at the Onarga Theatre.  This is an annual tradition that allows us to say “Thank You” to our customers.  If you’ve never attended, be on the look-out for it next spring.  In addition, you can get involved in the July 4^th Baby Contest that we sponsor every year.  Babies are judged during the Onarga 4^th of July celebration, and we also hold an online contest on Facebook. You can enter your child or grandchild, come out to see all the cute babies, or vote for your favorite picture on our Facebook page.  We live in a great community, and we are proud to be called a community bank.  Stop by in person anytime and let us show you why.