As you all know well, community banks are a critical engine of the economy, and they play a key role in providing access to credit in communities of all sizes—big, small, rural, and every size in between. Community bankers not only assist in making people’s dreams come true—whether the dream is starting a small business, buying a home or farm, or financing a car.
They also provide critical leadership in their communities in many ways—including serving on local boards of schools and hospitals, donating to nonprofits, and volunteering in the community. For all of these reasons, and more, I firmly believe a thriving community banking sector is important to the health of the economy.