National Bank of Arizona’s Post

New polling data arrived on the doorstep this morning with some really interesting insights. Overall, it shows that Americans support community banking! Two highlights are instructive: 70% say that providing tax relief to community banks in rural communities would definitely help to preserve family farms, and 68% say that credit union customers should have that same consumer protections that community banks provide.

Had an eye-opening networking session today with the incredible Jessicia Myers and Sara Butch from First Federal Bank of Kansas City! 🏦🤝 In the credit union world, we often talk about our "people helping people" philosophy. Today, I discovered that community banks, particularly First Federal Bank of KC, are driven by the same spirit! Key takeaways: - First Federal Bank is run by a board of directors, not shareholders - aligning their focus squarely on community needs. - The parallels between credit unions and community banks in prioritizing people over profits was interesting. - We found common ground not just in finance, but in our personal lives too - swapping stories about kids and sports! Jessicia and Sara, thank you for this enriching exchange. It's heartening to see that whether in credit unions or community banks, the core mission of serving people and communities remains strong. To my network: Have you experienced similar "aha moments" when networking outside your immediate industry? The insights can be game-changing! Learning the 90% - People of All Colors Succeed (POAC Succeed) #CommunityBanking #CreditUnions #NetworkingInsights #PeopleHelpingPeople Jamie Grayson

The number of people identifying as Hispanic in Rhode Island is on the rise! And their importance and influence in the government and business communities are steadily growing. The latest data from the U.S. Census shows about 17.6% of the RI population identified as Hispanic or Latino in July 2022. That’s up by nearly 24,500 people, or a 13% jump, from the 2020 Census. #angeltavares #providencemayors #hispanics #latinosunidos

District-57 ABMs met this week to discuss empathy and it's connection to credit union philosophy. We walked in the shoes of many of our members and fellow employees through an interactive simulation on what it's like to live near poverty level or at or slightly above ALICE and all the tough decisions faced. We then discussed the iconic "Umbrella Man" created by Boston Globe artist, Joseph Stern in 1923. Today, we face all the same challenges of the 20s and more! The Umbrella Man of the 1920s depicts how credit unions protected members from hard times, sickness, and financial distress. Our AMBs, Leslie Raynor, Lezlie Mull, Bryan Kornemann, and Stephanie Spencer identified and discussed how SECU protects our members from today's issues: scams, fraud, inaccurate financial information circulating on social media, and inflation. At SECU, like all credit unions, we are focused on protecting our members by strengthening their financial aptitude by listening to our members' stories, challenges, and dreams and setting them on the path to fulfillment through education, financial counseling, and financial planning services. If you would like an SECU employee to assist with any sort of financial literacy programming or discussion, please reach out to your local branch. #weareSECU and #weareheretohelp #teamSECU #financialliteracy #empathy #walkinsomeoneelsesshoes #spent

On the 10th Day of Members, MCAC presents Community State Bank in Coffeyville. Check out the feature below to learn more about Community State Bank and other MCAC members!

Did you know that community banks represent 90% of insured institutions nationwide, hold $3.31 trillion assets in 32,571 branches and offices and employ more than 460,000 people? This was such an interesting conversation about community banking with Kurt Kappa of First Federal Lakewood; Jerry Benko of The Middlefield Banking Company; and Sean Apicella of S&T Bank. https://lnkd.in/gthz5Utm

Redlining, a policy rooted in the Great Depression, continues to impact housing and financial systems, disproportionately affecting communities of color. Recent efforts aim to address these disparities, including lawsuits against non-bank lenders and proposed reparations. The "Still A Dream" report offers a comprehensive approach to addressing the racial wealth divide. #redlininghistory #housinginequality https://lnkd.in/eFktv8uh

🌟 Reflections on Financial Well-Being and Happiness 🌟 Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how intertwined financial well-being and overall happiness really are. It’s fascinating to see how much our financial health impacts not just our bank accounts but our entire lives. In my experience, credit unions play a significant role in this relationship. Here’s what I’ve discovered: 💡 Peace of Mind Through Financial Security: We help our members develop a solid financial plan, which helps reduce stress levels. U of I Community Credit Union offers personalized advice and solutions that help our members feel more secure and less anxious about money. 💪 Investing in a Healthier Lifestyle: I’ve noticed that financial stability allows our members to invest in things that improve overall health and wellness. Credit unions support this by helping members budget effectively for what matters most to them. 🤝 Strengthening Community Connections: Being part of a credit union also fosters a sense of community. The support and shared values create a strong network that enhances emotional well-being and brings a deeper sense of happiness. Seeing the positive impact of financial well-being on UICCU members lives has been eye-opening. It’s clear that when we have our finances in order, it not only helps us live healthier lives but also deepens our happiness and connections with others. I’m grateful for the role U of I Community Credit Union plays in this journey and excited to see how we can continue to support each other in achieving both financial and personal well-being. 🌈 #FinancialWellBeing #CreditUnion #Happiness #MentalHealth #PhysicalHealth #CommunitySupport #PersonalGrowth#DoMoreGood

Want a captivating read? Check out First National Bank Colorado's blog! Their legacy, older than the Federal Reserve, speaks volumes about community dedication and local ownership. Dive into the story behind this 121-year-old institution! #FirstNationalBank #ICBC #CommunityBanking

ICBA LIVE is the largest gathering of community bankers in the world. If you’re here, be sure to stop by the ADVANTAGE, powered by JMFA (booth 826), to find out how you can stay proactive with your overdraft strategy. #communitybanks #icbalive