As part of Community Banking Month, we’re amplifying the initiatives of community banks as they continue to serve the people and institutions around them. In our second of four articles for this year’s Community Banking Month series, we showcase community banks that have made their mark by emphasizing the customer experience.AI-Powered App Keeps Customers ConnectedStockton, CA-based BAC Community Bank is providing a growing list of customers with the ability to connect live with local bankers via talk, text, or video using the bank’s Smart ALAC mobile phone app. The app combines all-access connection in one secure, AI-powered service that makes messaging a BAC banker as easy as messaging a friend.Customers can review banker profiles on the app and choose their preferred dedicated banker. The app also features document-sharing capabilities so customers can securely send files to their banker electronically at any time. The Smart ALAC app embodies the bank’s name, which stands for Banking Always Connected.Business Lending Focus Leads to National RecognitionThe mission of Embassy National Bank, which is headquartered in Lawrenceville, GA, has always been to support local businesses and help the local community thrive. This commitment has led to a renewed focus on providing businesses with the funding they need to grow and invest in their futures by tailoring flexible financing solutions. The bank focuses its portfolio of lending products in several areas: commercial lending by providing conventional options for real estate opportunities, 1-4 family investment loans to support real estate investors looking to finance rental properties, government-backed financing via SBA loans, and residential construction loans to help bring new housing projects to life. The bank was named a Top Commercial Lender in the category for banks under $300MM in assets by Independent Banker magazine in 2024.Embracing Both In-person and Digital BankingFirst Foundation Bank in Honolulu, HI offers a comprehensive suite of personal and business banking services through a single point of contact. This way, clients never have to worry about being shuffled between departments for different needs and can build stronger relationships with their banker. While the bank values in-person meetings and face-to-face connections, it also embraces technology to offer customers convenience and flexibility. Digital services such as DocuSign, Remote Deposit, and the ability to initiate wire transfers, make check requests, and open accounts remotely make managing finances easy and accessible. First Foundation Bank’s goal is to offer an elevated service experience that seamlessly blends personal care with innovative solutions.Financial Literacy Initiative Fulfills Bank MissionFor Burbank, CA-based Mission Valley Bank, community banking isn’t just a business model — it’s their mission. As part of this mission, the bank has launched a financial literacy initiative in which it is investing $30K to boost financial literacy in the community. The Enrich Program is a specialized financial education platform that will equip individuals and businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions. Enrich offers personalized financial checkups to help customers assess their current financial health and set realistic goals. The program’s engaging Your Money Personality feature helps customers understand their financial habits and behaviors so they can make smarter money choices. In addition, the platform provides monthly guidance on how to build essential financial skills that are tailored to the user, which helps customers achieve continuous improvement and long-term financial success.Localized Advertising Gives Bank an EdgePlumas Bank, which is located in Quincy, CA, decided to localize its advertising instead of relying on stock photography by conducting photo and video shoots featuring branch managers, loan officers, business development officers, client services specialists, and even local clients. Engagement and camaraderie were overflowing during the shoots, especially for back-office team members who are rarely in the spotlight, while clients enjoyed the “movie star” experience and advertising exposure.
The bank is featuring 30-second “Meet Your Banker” video shorts on its website, on social media channels, and in branches. The campaign has provided added value to clients, helping them feel more connected to their bankers, and made team members feel important and special.Bank Serves “Thank You” Coffee and TeaIn 2015, Richwood Bank, located in Richwood, OH, opened a full-service coffee shop within the bank’s lobby where customers, business owners, and friends could come together in a meaningful way. The shop offers quality drinks, a cozy WiFi lounge, community rooms, and friendly baristas who welcome customers. Instead of charging for beverages, Richwood Coffee offers “Thank You” cup credits when visitors make donations to one of the bank’s non-profit beneficiary partners. Six bank branches now feature a Richwood Coffee shop and around 5K Thank You cups are served every month. Last year, this initiative raised $820K for the bank’s non-profit partners, and the goal is to raise $1MM in 2025.New Bank Branch Features Modern AmenitiesThe Peoples Bank has been a cornerstone of Anderson County in South Carolina for 75 years, providing trusted financial services and unwavering support to local residents and businesses. Its new branch in Powdersville, SC is a testament to the bank’s enduring commitment to innovation, featuring modern banking amenities and design elements, customer-friendly spaces, and advanced technology. The branch is designed to meet the evolving needs of the community while honoring the bank's rich history and the town itself. A monochromatic mural of the town set against the Blue Ridge Mountains gives a modern, yet comforting feel, thanks to local artist Ryan C. Finley.
Vegas-Based Bank Hits the Jackpot with Exceptional Client ServiceLexicon Bank in Las Vegas, NV offers six-day-a-week operating hours as well as a seven-day-a-week after-hours concierge service so clients can reach out at their convenience. Clients also benefit from direct access to decision-makers, especially with lending, creating more connection and efficiency in banking relationships. Their closeness to customers means a large portion of new clientele comes purely from word-of-mouth referrals. This organic, client-driven advocacy is a testament to the bank’s commitment to exceptional service and innovation.Lexicon Bank also offers tailored services for niche markets in their community. They’ve worked with regulators to create a Professional Poker Player Program, specifically designed to meet the financial needs of those clients, who are likely to be overlooked by other financial institutions. Rural Community Gets Home-Buying Boost from Bank’s Incentive ProgramFarmers Bank & Trust in Mississippi County, Arkansas serves a rural community along the Mississippi River. In an effort to boost home sales and construction, the bank joined forces with the Grow Mississippi County Community Foundation to support the Work Here. Live Here. Program. The program provides those working in the county’s strong manufacturing sector with incentives of 5% on existing homes and 10% on new construction homes, up to $500K. Work Here. Live Here. celebrated its 100th home in September 2024 and is growing rapidly, having now aided with 138 home purchases. The program’s $3.7MM investment in the community has generated $35.1MM in new homes. Work Here. Live Here. has had a substantial impact on home affordability in the area, particularly for first-time homebuyers, who make up 65% of the program’s participants. The average age of those purchasing through the program is 31.It’s a true privilege to shine a light on local banks that are dedicated to improving the customer experience. In our third Community Banking Month article next Thursday, we will focus on community banks that are emphasizing their employees and culture.
The bank is featuring 30-second “Meet Your Banker” video shorts on its website, on social media channels, and in branches. The campaign has provided added value to clients, helping them feel more connected to their bankers, and made team members feel important and special.Bank Serves “Thank You” Coffee and TeaIn 2015, Richwood Bank, located in Richwood, OH, opened a full-service coffee shop within the bank’s lobby where customers, business owners, and friends could come together in a meaningful way. The shop offers quality drinks, a cozy WiFi lounge, community rooms, and friendly baristas who welcome customers. Instead of charging for beverages, Richwood Coffee offers “Thank You” cup credits when visitors make donations to one of the bank’s non-profit beneficiary partners. Six bank branches now feature a Richwood Coffee shop and around 5K Thank You cups are served every month. Last year, this initiative raised $820K for the bank’s non-profit partners, and the goal is to raise $1MM in 2025.New Bank Branch Features Modern AmenitiesThe Peoples Bank has been a cornerstone of Anderson County in South Carolina for 75 years, providing trusted financial services and unwavering support to local residents and businesses. Its new branch in Powdersville, SC is a testament to the bank’s enduring commitment to innovation, featuring modern banking amenities and design elements, customer-friendly spaces, and advanced technology. The branch is designed to meet the evolving needs of the community while honoring the bank's rich history and the town itself. A monochromatic mural of the town set against the Blue Ridge Mountains gives a modern, yet comforting feel, thanks to local artist Ryan C. Finley.
Vegas-Based Bank Hits the Jackpot with Exceptional Client ServiceLexicon Bank in Las Vegas, NV offers six-day-a-week operating hours as well as a seven-day-a-week after-hours concierge service so clients can reach out at their convenience. Clients also benefit from direct access to decision-makers, especially with lending, creating more connection and efficiency in banking relationships. Their closeness to customers means a large portion of new clientele comes purely from word-of-mouth referrals. This organic, client-driven advocacy is a testament to the bank’s commitment to exceptional service and innovation.Lexicon Bank also offers tailored services for niche markets in their community. They’ve worked with regulators to create a Professional Poker Player Program, specifically designed to meet the financial needs of those clients, who are likely to be overlooked by other financial institutions. Rural Community Gets Home-Buying Boost from Bank’s Incentive ProgramFarmers Bank & Trust in Mississippi County, Arkansas serves a rural community along the Mississippi River. In an effort to boost home sales and construction, the bank joined forces with the Grow Mississippi County Community Foundation to support the Work Here. Live Here. Program. The program provides those working in the county’s strong manufacturing sector with incentives of 5% on existing homes and 10% on new construction homes, up to $500K. Work Here. Live Here. celebrated its 100th home in September 2024 and is growing rapidly, having now aided with 138 home purchases. The program’s $3.7MM investment in the community has generated $35.1MM in new homes. Work Here. Live Here. has had a substantial impact on home affordability in the area, particularly for first-time homebuyers, who make up 65% of the program’s participants. The average age of those purchasing through the program is 31.It’s a true privilege to shine a light on local banks that are dedicated to improving the customer experience. In our third Community Banking Month article next Thursday, we will focus on community banks that are emphasizing their employees and culture.
