Reinvesting in your community sounds great, but how does one really put that into action? If you’ve ever wondered if it matters where you deposit your hard-earned money, let me assure you it does. Not only does banking locally support small businesses (community banks fund more than 60% of small business loans and more than 80% of ag loans), but as locally owned and operated businesses themselves, they are part of the economic engines that create 62 percent of new jobs annually. That’s powerful.

Community banks like Federated Bank take in deposits and distribute loans that feed into a self-sustaining micro-economy that keeps funds right here in our communities. It is all part of a symbiotic relationship that community banks have with their communities. And the proceeds from those businesses employ residents, fund municipalities, and continue the cycle of locally based economic growth.
If you need more proof, just consider the community bank impact on local communities:

• Community banks outpace large banks in the average number of banks operating in both rural and urban markets by a 3:1 ratio.
• Community banks are preferred small business lenders, with an 81% net satisfaction score compared to 68 percent for large banks and just 43% for online lenders.
• Community banks operate in areas abandoned by others—serving as the only physical banking presence in nearly one in three U.S. counties.

But it is not just about stats. When customers contact Federated Bank, they are greeted by a talented team member who is attuned to their needs and empowered to act on their behalf. When our employees log volunteer hours or when Federated Bank contributes to a project or event, we are working toward our goal of ensuring economic prosperity for the community we call home.

April is Community Banking Month, and I want to thank our customers for putting their trust in us for their banking needs. For our neighbors who may be considering a switch, please take a closer look at Federated Bank to discover how we can help you realize your financial dreams.

At Federated Bank we pledge to never lose sight of the all-important “relationship” and the personalized service our customers expect. Remember, we are all in this together. Community banks like Federated Bank are only successful if our customers and communities are, too. That’s why community banks and our relationship business model have thrived for more than 150 years. We know what it takes to create successful local economies. Join us in helping to build a more sustainable, vibrant economy here at home.