WHY CHOOSE AN INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY BANK
In the Words of an Independent Community Banker
Independent Banks
What are they?
Just what is an independent bank and what, for Pete’s sake, is an independent banker? Not only what, but “Why
should I care?” Independent banks are small businesses that depend on other small businesses just like many of you.
And just like you, we survive not because of what we do, but how we do it. Wells Fargo sells products; we “sell” our
service. Norwest markets “convenience” and transactions for today, we market ourselves to others like you based on
our desire and willingness to establish relationships for the long term.
Independent bankers make decisions based on the character of the individuals as well as the “numbers” part of the
your situation, not based on a computer’s assessment of your financial well being. (“Banks never loan money when you
need it.”) Independent bankers work towards a solution, maybe different than your request, as opposed to advising
you of a decision from “on high”. Independent bankers look for ways to honor your loan requests in a manner that
makes sense on both sides of the transaction.
Do we offer the cheapest prices in town? No, but like your dad or mom used to say, “You get what you pay for.” Again,
if you’re shopping price, Norwest is the place for you. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for honest advice, discussion
of your needs, looking for the best option available for your circumstance (creative financing?), or maybe just a cup of
coffee and a “meaningful” conversation as to why the heck Shanahan ran up the middle on third and long, maybe you
need to find an independent banker.
Yeah, but what about my credit union - they offer free checking and cheap car loans. You get what you pay for!!! Do
they offer 4.0%+ on your savings account? Do they offer their time freely for discussion of your finances? Most
important of all - DO THEY PAY TAXES - NO!! Front Range Bank, a 3-year-old start up business, paid more in taxes
for 1999 than ALL the credit unions in the country combined. Guess who just spent their tax dollars subsidizing credit
unions operating results?! YOU.
Independent Banking is more than a cliché and more than a bunch of good old boys in three piece suits discussing the
merits of how to make the most money off their newest “free” service. Independent bankers look to serve their
customers and their communities with their time and money. Small banks support small business; small business
creates over 75% of the new jobs in any given year. Who should you support?
It's A Good Idea To Choose An Independent Community Bank
Independent community banks contribute to the economic well-being of your community. Independent community
bankers focus on the needs of local people and businesses. Independent community bank loans are directed to the
communities where their depositors live and work, thereby supporting and strengthening local economies. They offer
quick decision-making on business and personal loans, since they make decisions locally. The personal touch is the
hallmark of independent community bankers. They provide neighborly service -- from knowing a customer's name to
making loans to someone who does not fit the cookie-cutter criteria set by many large, out-of-state banks. Your
independent community bankers are actively involved in community affairs, serving on boards, attracting economic
development projects, contributing to local charities, and working with schools.
A Profile Of Colorado's Independent Community Banks
Colorado's independent community banks enjoy widespread geographic availability. There are hundreds of convenient
independent community bank locations throughout Colorado, including ATMs and in-store branches. Just visit our Find
A Bank map locator under Navigation to the left of this text.
The typical independent community bank in Colorado has operated in the same community for over 75 years.
Independent community bankers seek long-term relationships with their customers. Their core business is lending to
consumers and to small and family businesses and farmers.
The independent community bank's greatest niche is personal service. Independent community banks have local
boards of directors who make decisions at a hometown level. Directors, officers, and employees of an independent
community bank have the interests of the community at heart because that is where they live and do business. They
know their communities and the people who live in them. Independent community bank officers are accessible to you
right at the bank.
Customers frustrated by the one-size-fits-all, impersonal approach of the big banks are taking their business to
Colorado's independent community banks! Become a customer of an independent community bank today!
Independent community banks are there for you for the long haul.
The Small Business Savvy of Independent Community Banks
When a small business does its banking with an independent community bank, the result can be improved profitability,
growth, and staying power. Independent community banks and small businesses have many mutual interests that can
open the door to valuable advice and access to credit when a new or small enterprise is faced with opportunities or
challenges.
Local ownership is important to small business. Independent community banks have local boards of directors who
make decisions at a hometown level. Directors, officers, and employees of an independent community bank have the
interests of the community at heart because that is where they live and do business.
Independent community banks are responsive to the needs of small businesses and more likely to maintain their credit
relationships during economic downturns than are most large, out-of-state banks.
Because independent bankers know their communities, they are willing to consider character and family history in
making loans. The availability of credit is the primary factor for the success of small firms. Lending to small businesses
and farms is the core business of many independent community banks. If there are additional risks, the independent
community bank is willing to search for every available option, including Small Business Administration or other
government guarantees or enhancements that can make a banking relationship possible for even new and very small
enterprises that may not have much of a track record.
Get to know your local independent community bankers. You have nothing to lose and they may turn out to be the best
business friend you ever had.
Independent Community Banks--A Good Alternative for ATM Users
Consumers find fewer and lower fees at ATM's owned by community banks than at ATMs owned by the nation's largest
banks, according to the Independent Community Bankers of America. Community banks remain a good alternative for
consumers who want to avoid paying a fee.
Community banks are less likely to charge a convenience fee than their big bank counterparts and when they do, their
fees are generally lower. Many community banks are still absorbing foreign ATM surchages for their customers to
remain competitive. Some community banks even offer their customers tips on how to avoid ATM convenience fees.
Those who prefer not to pay an ATM convenience fee can visit their bank, write a check, or request cash back at the
point of sale by using their debit card.
Colorado's community banks that participate in the Independent Bankers Network (IBN) allow their customers to use
the ATMs of other paricipating IBN banks without charging a convenience fee. See the listing of participating banks and
their ATM locations throughtout Colorado on this web site.
By David Wade, Chairman/President
Front Range Bank, Lakewood, Colorado
http://www.trusteesavingsbank.co.uk
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The reverend Henry Duncan founding father of the Trustee Savings Bank