In honor of April being Community Banking Month, Chattanooga-based Cornerstone Community Bank joins the Independent Community Bankers of America in celebrating “the unique spirit that makes independent community banks the foundation of their communities in cities and towns throughout America,” by donating 15 trees to the local Take Root organization, to be planted throughout the city.
The trees represent the 15 years Cornerstone has been rooted in Chattanooga, as one of the city’s oldest and largest community banks.
“We’re proud of our Chattanooga heritage and to be part of such a growing, thriving community,” said Cornerstone Community Bank President Frank Hughes, a Chattanooga native and lifelong resident. “It’s been a privilege to serve this community for the past 15 years, and we look forward to partnering with individuals and businesses in this market for many years to come.”
Cornerstone is one of more than 8,000 community banks across America. While community banks have not been immune to the economic ills of the current recession, they continue to fill a niche in their local markets by providing full-scale financial services of a national bank, but with the local management, local operations and personalized service that only community banks can offer.
Because funds deposited in community banks are reinvested in the local community, they serve as a continual resource for stimulating economic growth and fueling job development.
“Community banks are passionately committed to serving their customers and their communities,” said ICBA Chairman and President R. Michael Menzies. “They spend countless hours and provide invaluable resources throughout the year to make their communities a better place to live, all while continuing to offer quality financial products and services to their customers."