Banking 101 - Part 2

Banks fuel the economy by providing the capital to buy cars, build homes, start or expand businesses. We make loans.

Some have spoken very disparagingly about bankers over the past year. Some have called us "Fat Cat Bankers". Well, I may be fat, but I am NOT a "Fat Cat Banker".

The vast majority of banks in this country are community banks. These are bankers that live in the community they serve. We know our customers. We know the neighborhood, We know the leaders of the community. We drive on the same streets, eat in the same restaurants, go to the same churches that you do. Our kids go to school with your kids. We support the community in every conceivable way.

It is in the best interest of bankers to serve their community by providing capital to build and expand the community. In other words generally speaking, what is good for our customers is good for the bank and what is good for the bank is good for our customers. In many respects we are yoked together. We care about our communities.