News
FNBC Bank President and CEO Marty Sellars has announced the bank's expansion into Jonesboro with the hire of Jonesboro native Brad Snider as Community President and Brock Fletcher as Vice President and Commercial Lender. FNBC intends to open their new location with a Loan Production Office on August 23rd, making this their 11th loca
OneUnited Bank, the nation's biggest black-owned bank, proves its commitment to social justice with the debut of the Justice Card, a debit card featuring a design by artist Addonis Parker. The card is part of the bank's support of immigrants as well as their support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Carver Federal Savings Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to the community by allocating $195,000 in non-profit donations through BEA program funding. The selected organizations specialize in economic development, addict rehabilitation, work force development, education, entrepreneurship, health, and housing.
Virginia Community Capital has been working hard to revitalize the Jefferson Davis Highway Corridor. In recent years the area has seen a rise in poverty, crime, and abandoned storefronts. However, in partnership with the city of Richmond, VCC has given nearly $2 million dollars in loans to local businesses in an effort to rebuild this community.
Many Americans, especially younger generations, are carrying less cash every day. With the growing availability of alternatives such as mobile phone payments, are we witnessing the death of cash? Ultimately, for many, it boils down to convenience. Consumers will use the method that is easiest and saves time. Sunrise Banks' CEO offers his insights on the matter.
The DC area has striking levels of economic inequality. Community development works to change this, but how equitably are these resources distributed? This new tool shows how well counties are accessing federal funds. The data shows that DC does well in accessing community development financing, though there is comparatively small levels of small business investment.
Bankers have traditionally been reluctant to participate in the Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC) program. However now, as the pace of borrowing by SBICs under the Small Business Administration's (SBA) debenture program holds steady for the first time in three years, more banks are getting interested in the program for perceived benefits as well as potential positive impact.
The application deadline for the 2018 ABA Foundation Community Commitment Awards has been extended to Friday, July 13. The awards recognize and promote the many ways banks contribute to economic growth, community development and overall well-being. Open to banks of all asset sizes and charters, the awards celebrate financial institutions that have demonstrated noteworthy corporate social responsibility. Bankers can submit applications in one or all seven categories: affordable housing, community and economic development, financial education, protecting older Americans, volunteerism, and the George Bailey Award, which recognizes a non-CEO employee who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to community service. The awards will be judged by a panel of experts in each field. Winners will be honored in a ceremony during ABA's Annual Convention in New York on Oct. 21-23.
Little Rock, Arkansas based Southern Bancorp has made a successful business model out of serving places larger banks ignore. Bill Wright, a Little Rock native who leads the Bank's western region, proudly rattles off the names of business owners the bank has supported. Recently, as the bank seeks to expand into further markets in the area, it received $7.5 million from SFRE, a group of global investors interested in banks with a social mission.
Southern Bancorp has completed several acquisitions since the financial crisis, but the biggest bank it bought had just $211 million in assets. Those acquisitions have largely focused on rural markets in Arkansas and Mississippi. CEO Darrin Williams sees no reason to alter that strategy after bringing in almost $18 million in fresh capital. Southern plans to keep scooping up banks that target largely underserved populations. “We want to be profitable but with a purpose,” Williams said. “We talk about riding a bicycle. The front wheel is our mission, while the back wheel pushes us forward. No margin, no mission.”