We're excited to celebrate Community Banking Month! Our President, Anthony Hanson, shares his thoughts on what makes community banking so special and how it directly benefits the people and businesses in our community:
April is Community Banking Month. That may cause some of you to ask questions like;
What is a Community Bank?
How does it impact me?
Why should I bank with a Community Bank?
A community bank is a locally owned and operated financial institution that focuses on serving the needs of businesses and families within the communities where it has branches, often with lending decisions made by people who understand local needs. Community banks are generally smaller than large national banks and can offer personalized service, faster loan decisions, competitive rates, and a greater focus on community investment and support. As many financial institutions get larger and focus less on their customers and the towns they are in, Community Banks are important because they continue to be focused on providing the customer service and community support that is essential in today’s world.
I am proud to work for Citizens Bank & Trust Co. in Hutchinson, MN. We are truly a Community Bank and that is supported by the efforts of our employees, board members and shareholders every day. We support our customers and the community in multiple ways that make Hutchinson a better place to live and do business. While some financial institutions have their branches in Hutchinson this is where CB&T has its roots; since 1886 we have called Main Street in Hutchinson our home. We are proud to be part of this community and we hope to continue to lead the community forward with our philanthropy, community support and the hundreds of hours of volunteer time that our staff gives to the community each year.
One of the biggest things that makes Community Banks, and specifically CB&T, different than our larger competition is that our decisions are made locally. The fact that our staff is local and can make decisions locally adds a level of personal service that you won’t find at a larger financial institution. This local decision making and personalized service puts CB&T in a great position to support our local customers, businesses & farmers. Each small business & farmer is unique and has different needs than their peers. A Community Bank’s ability to have local decision making and provide personalized service to its customers means that we can have a conversation with our customers to learn more about them and what their needs are. This relationship-based approach to banking is one of the things that Community Banks like CB&T do well; we have long-term relationships with our customers because they have grown to trust us. I don’t think you will find that at larger financial institutions or online banks.
Another benefit of Community Banks is that when you bank with a Community Bank your money stays local. For example, if you live in Hutchinson and your bank is based in New York or California, how much do you think those banks give back to Hutchinson? At CB&T we are focused on giving back to Hutchinson each day through donations back to the community, through our three foundations established to provide grants to local non-profits, and the hundreds of hours of leadership and involvement our staff provides in the community each year. I don’t think you will find that at larger financial institutions or online banks.
I understand that most people don’t think about their bank every day, and I also understand that it’s a difficult process to switch banks. But I would ask you this question; do you think your banking relationship would be better served by a Community Bank whose values better line up more with your values and priorities? If so I would invite you to check out our website at www.cbhutch.com to learn more about Citizens Bank & Trust. Or better yet, stop by one of our two convenient locations in Hutchinson and speak to one of our experienced local bankers and find out what Community Banking is all about.
-Anthony Hanson, President
