In honor of Community Banking Month, Grand Rapids State Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) are highlighting the vital role community banks play in strengthening local economies, supporting small businesses, and helping families achieve long-term financial success.
At Grand Rapids State Bank, the mission is grounded in serving the community as a partner in progress. The focus is on helping individuals and families reach their goals while reinvesting in the neighborhoods we proudly call home. Every deposit and every loan help strengthen the communities we serve.
Collectively, community banks fund nearly 60% of small-business loans and more than 80% of bank agriculture loans nationwide while contributing to local tax bases that support schools, infrastructure, and essential services. Community banks also:
- Are favored by small businesses, earning a 62% net satisfaction score topping large banks by 13 points, finance companies by 25 points, and online lenders by 60 points.
- Are committed lenders with loan growth that has outpaced noncommunity banks for a decade.
- Offer high-touch, high-tech service, providing modern-day conveniences and technical capabilities while maintaining the personal service for which they are known.
- Expand access to financial services, serving the vast majority of majority-minority communities and low-income counties nationwide.
- Give back to their communities. Civic service is a way of life for community bankers as reflected in ICBA’s National Community Bank Service Awards.
This commitment is central to how Grand Rapids State Bank operates, and it’s reflected in the words of our President and CEO, Noah W. Wilcox, who captures the heart of community banking: “Local community banks are the front porches of the communities they serve. Our relationship focused philosophy, high touch business model coupled with high tech solutions and delivery channels uniquely positions community banks to best serve both personal and small business clients in the most appropriate way possible. We are proud to be your locally owned community bank invested in your success.”
For more facts about community banks, click here.