Press Release: Roswell, New Mexico (April 1, 2025)—In honor of Community Banking Month in April, PIONEER BANK and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are highlighting community bank efforts to power local communities and fuel economic prosperity for Americans nationwide.
“At Pioneer Bank, our mission is to make a positive difference for those who work, bank, and invest with us. CHRISTOPHER PALMER, PRESIDENT/CEO at PIONEER BANK said. As a community bank, we commit to helping our customers reach their financial goals. We invite you to visit our branches and find out how Pioneer Bank can support your banking needs.”
Collectively, community banks fund more than 60% of all small-business loans and more than 80% of agriculture loans nationwide and contribute tax dollars that help maintain local municipalities. Community banks:
· Are favored by small businesses, earning a 74% net satisfaction score compared to 53% for large banks, 42% for finance companies and 15% for online lenders.
· 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.
· Have a track record in helping underserved Americans by providing greater flexibility to low-income and minority borrowers. Community banks serve 93% of majority-minority communities and 96% of low-income designated counties.
· 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.
“Community banks cater to the distinct financing needs of their customers as a cornerstone of their business philosophy, creating meaningful, and long-lasting relationships,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “ICBA takes pride in representing these community-centric servants and prioritize championing their dedication to empower local communities.”
For more facts about community banks, click here. Follow the ICBA Community Banking Month conversation on social media with the #BankLocally and #CommunityBankingMonth hashtags.
About YOUR COMPANY
At Pioneer Bank, we know that our success is dependent on the success of our communities. We continue to evaluate and improve to provide local businesses and communities with products that will help them grow. We have a history of strong partnerships with businesses and organizations that support the growth and well-being of our communities since 1901. We are excited to continue our work by offering products and services that not only meet our customer needs but also create a meaningful impact in our communities.
About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.
As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.
#banklocal #communitybankingmonth
