When you support your local, independent bank, you support your community.

The Independent Community Bankers of South Dakota (ICBSD) is reminding consumers: where you choose to bank and with whom matters. This reminder comes in celebration of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) Community Banking Month in April.

“Community banks are the economic engines in every community. They are on your local corner, in your corner, working alongside their customers to create a legacy of prosperity. A deposit with your independent community bank is an investment in your community. When you bank locally, you’re reinvesting in your community and contributing to the prosperity now and for future generations, “said ICBSD President and CEO Megan Olson.

Community banks support local startups—funding more than 60 percent of small business and more than 70 percent of agriculture loans. They contribute tax dollars that help maintain local municipalities and keep local neighborhoods viable and vibrant.

When choosing who to trust with your hard-earned money, ICBSD wants consumers to know:

• Community banks respect and honor their community ties. Community banks have symbiotic relationships with their communities—one cannot thrive without the other.
• Community banks are relationship lenders. They know their customers and understand their financial needs.
• Community banks understand and embrace local businesses. A study from the Federal Reserve Banks found that small businesses that apply for loans with community banks are the most successful and most satisfied.
• Community banks give back. Serving local communities is second nature to community banks.

To find a community bank near you, visit ICBSD’s Community Bank Locator at www.banklocalsd.com. To follow the ICBA and ICBSD Community Banking Month conversation on social media, follow the #BankLocally, #BankLocalSD and #ILoveMyCommunityBank hashtag on social media.