Across the state of Kansas, community banks serve local customers, businesses and families each year – resulting in a significant impact on the local economy. During the week of April 23 – April 28, 2018, Community Bankers Association of Kansas (CBA) and Astra Bank recognize Community Bank Week and honor this impact with several activities at the local bank level.
“Community banks are an integral part of the community, working with local families, businesses, schools and agricultural producers to create financial opportunities and help them plan for their future dreams,” says Tim Hills, CBA Chairman and Senior Vice President, Howard State Bank, Sedan, Kan. “Community Bank Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the critical role that community banks play in sustaining local communities, as well as honoring the loyalty that our customers show to Kansas banks.”
Community banks contribute to local economies in numerous ways, including helping establish opportunities for local jobs, maintaining the local tax base and facilitating the development of the infrastructure and public services necessary to keep Kansas communities strong. Across the commercial banking sector, community banks remain the largest provider of agricultural credit. They often serve as a key partner for new and expanded business opportunities, which in turn fuels community schools and growth.
“Community banks, such as Astra Bank, offer members of the local community an advocate to help them access the resources they need to purchase a home, start a small business, or expand their farm operations,” said Kyle Campbell, President & CEO of Astra Bank. “As community bankers, employees of Astra Bank are passionate about the local economies we serve, and we are driven to help families and businesses achieve their goals. We’re thankful for the opportunity to provide financial services to our customers to help in their success, and Community Bank Week provides us with an opportunity to highlight the importance of these personal connections. This year’s Community Bank Week theme, “We Are Family: Celebrating Milestones Together” recognizes that commitment.”
Each year, community banks across Kansas recognize Community Bank Week in a variety of ways. Astra Bank is proud to sponsor Dave Ramsey’s Foundations in Personal Finance curriculum to high schools in their markets. It provides those students with practical knowledge that will enable them to make wise decisions with respect to their finances. In addition they also offer a School Spirit Debit Card Program, which is a partnership with local schools to offer a school debit card. The card is $5 to purchase, and all of the proceeds are donated back to the school along with a portion of every debit card transaction. It is a program they hope will have a long-lasting impact on the communities in which they serve.
About CBA
Community Bankers Association of Kansas serves independently owned and operated banks of all sizes and charter types throughout the state of Kansas offering political representation, educational training and networking opportunities. Their purpose is to promote the economic strength in Kansas community banks. For more information, visit www.cbak.com.