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 us 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 nationally), but as locally owned and operated businesses themselves, they are part of the economic engines that create 62 percent of new jobs annually (according to the article How Small Businesses Drive The American Economy written by Forbes). That’s powerful.

Community banks like First Community Bank and Trust take in deposits and distribute loans that feed into a self-sustaining micro-economy that keeps funds right here in Beecher, IL and Peotone, IL. 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 percent net satisfaction score compared to 68 percent for large banks and just 43 percent 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 FCBT, they are greeted by a talented team member who is attuned to their needs and empowered to act on their behalf.

April is Community Banking Month, and we 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 FCBT to discover how we can help you realize your financial dreams. At FCBT, 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 FCBT 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.

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. ICBA is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education, and high-quality products and services. 

With nearly 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute 99 percent of all banks, employ more than 700,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties. Holding more than $5 trillion in assets, over $4.4 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.4 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation, and fueling their customers’ dreams in communities throughout America. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org.

About First Community Bank and Trust

First Community Bank and Trust is a privately-owned bank. Established in 1916 First Community Bank and Trust has been serving Beecher, IL, Peotone, IL and the surrounding communities for over 108 years. Our commitment to providing the best banking products and services is matched only by our outstanding customer service. We offer traditional community banking services, including mortgage, consumer, and commercial lending, as well as state of the art electronic banking services.

Press Contact:
Steve Koehn, Senior Vice President
First Community Bank and Trust
(708) 946-2246

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