It’s officially our favorite time of year: Community Banking Month! To celebrate, let's explore why banking locally might just be your best financial move yet.
Your Banker Cares
Community bankers are built different. Kailey Bauer, Process Improvement Analyst, explains it this way: “Your banker cares. We care about our customers and their needs. We care about how the business down the street is doing. We care about the success of others around us and what challenges they might be facing along the way. We care about the various initiatives you support or serve. The community knows we care because we show up outside the confines of the bank, where the need is the greatest.”
Faster and Flexible Loan Approvals
“Local, community-focused banks often have fewer bureaucratic layers than larger institutions, which can lead to quicker decisions on loan approvals,” explained Craig Much, Business Banker. “We get to know your business’ unique circumstances to find the right fit, unlike larger institutions which treat you more as just a number.”
This agility is a significant advantage for those needing timely financial support.
Competitive Rates and Lower Fees
“A community bank may offer more competitive interest rates and lower fees compared to larger banks,” explained Henry Smith, Senior Credit Analyst. “Since smaller banks often have fewer overhead costs, we have the ability to pass those savings on to our customers.”
This means more money stays in your pocket, which is always a good thing!
Deep Community Involvement
Community banks reinvest funds back into the local community, supporting small businesses, schools, and municipal projects.
“For instance, Horicon Bank's social media pages often showcase community bankers collecting and donating food to families in need, hosting community shred days, reading books at schools, and cleaning up parks—all local ways to give back,” said Smith.
This cycle not only helps maintain the economic health of your town but also fosters a sense of community and belonging. Supporting a community bank means investing in the very fabric of your town.
Transparent and Honest Banking
In a world of confusing financial products and hidden fees, community banks strive for transparency. They want their customers to feel informed and confident in their banking choices.
“Community banks can provide a more personalized banking experience. We tend to know our customers by name and remember their story,” explained Smith. “This allows us to offer more tailored financial advice and services based on individual needs.”
Building Strong Relationships
Having a community bank in your town signifies a commitment to building strong relationships between customers, employees, and the community.
“A community banker knows the community they serve and the makeup of its people and businesses,” said Paul Monfils, Oshkosh Branch Manager. “It’s a person who cares about developing relationships and can relate really well to their customers and potential customers.”
“Having a Horicon Bank in your town means more than just a place to manage your finances,” said Bauer. “It signifies a commitment to building strong relationships between customers, employees, and the community. You can always count on a consistent and positive banking experience, promoting trust and dependability. Plus, with the bank's encouragement of employee involvement in community activities, you'll often see your local banker at events you care about, strengthening your professional connection and making a real difference in your community.”