The number of community banks in our nation is at the lowest point in recent history. From a high of 18,033 in 1985, we've come to just 5,477 as of the third quarter of 2018. Additionally, many community banks have sold to larger institutions as heavy consolidation takes over the banking sector. Local banks are especially important because they support the nation's small businesses, which employ the majority of Americans. In fact, according to the Small Business Administration, small businesses make up 49.2 percent of private-sector employment.