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The idea of “sustainability” is linked to a lot of local activities these days – whether it’s reusing or recycling products, sampling culinary delights from a local bakery, or choosing to buy American-made products to support our national economy. There are plenty of reasons why eating, dining, and banking locally makes good economic sense.

If you’ve ever wondered if it matters where you deposit your hard-earned money, let me assure you it does. Not only does banking locally support small businesses (community banks fund more than 60% of small business loans), but as locally owned and operated businesses themselves, they are part of the economic engines that create 62 percent of new jobs annually.

Community banks like Community Bank of Parkersburg take in deposits and distribute loans that feed into a self-sustaining micro-economy that keeps funds local. 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.

And if you need more proof, just consider the community bank response to the coronavirus pandemic.

• Community banks, as economic first responders, made 60 percent of total Paycheck Protection Program loans to small businesses, and provided 72 percent of PPP loans to minority business owners that reported such data.
• Community banks outpace large banks in their 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 have consistently demonstrated their safety and soundness with higher capital ratios and better loan quality than the largest institutions.
• 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 Community Bank of Parkersburg, they are greeted by a talented team member who understands their needs and is empowered to act on their behalf.

And when our employees log volunteer hours in support of local non-profit organizations, or when we contribute to local projects and events, we are working toward our goal to ensure economic prosperity for the community we call home.

We value our customers and want to thank them for putting their trust in us for their banking needs. For our neighbors who may be considering a switch, I encourage you to take a closer look to discover how we can help you realize your financial dreams.

At Community Bank, 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 Community Bank of Parkersburg are only successful if our customers and communities are, too. That is why our relationship with our community has thrived for more than 100 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!

Mary Ann Laughery
Vice President
Director of Retail Banking & Marketing