The ICBA (Independent Community Bankers of America) shares reasons why community banking makes a difference.

1. Community banking helps local businesses and neighborhoods grow and flourish. When you choose to bank locally, you do so knowing that your deposits will remain local, supporting those who live and work in your community.
2. The right relationship matters in banking. Local lenders live and work in the communities they serve. This makes all the difference, especially when trying to negotiate what loan may work best for you and your family.
3. Supporting small business. Community banks make decisions locally and can be very nimble in the decision making process.
4. Community banks give back. As a small business itself, the community bank only thrives when the community it serves prospers. Most community banks are actively involved in the community supporting local businesses, schools, organizations, and sponsoring local events.

According the to ICBA, community banks comprise 99% of all banks. Provide roughly 60% of small business loans. Make more than 80% of agricultural loans. Have nearly 50,000 locations nationwide. Employ nearly 700,000 people.

Choosing where you save and deposit your money matters. It directly impacts your community.

ICBA: With nearly 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute roughly 99 percent of all banks, employ nearly 700,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties.

Holding nearly $5.9 trillion in assets, over $4.9 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.5 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation and fueling their customers’ dreams in communities throughout America.

First Community Corporation is the holding company for First Community Bank of East Tennessee. As of December 31, 2021, the company had assets of $200 million. The Bank, founded in 1993, is a Tennessee state chartered, community-focused financial institution. We provide value added relationship banking through 5 locations as well as digital/mobile channels.  Locations include branches in Rogersville, Church Hill, Surgoinsville, and Kingsport.