Community Banking Month is a time to reflect on what makes our work meaningful. For us, it always comes back to people: the people we serve, the people we work alongside, and the communities we’re proud to call home. This year, we asked our team a simple but powerful question: What does community banking mean to you?
Their answers tell a story of connection, compassion, and commitment.
Caring for People in Every Season
For Carly Kendle, community banking revealed its true heart during a moment when life outside the office needed to take priority.
“One of the things that has stood out most to me in community banking is not just the focus on customers, but the care for the people who work here,” Carly said.
She shared how leadership responded when she needed flexibility and understanding: “I experienced this firsthand during a time when my life outside of work needed to come first. Instead of treating it as an inconvenience, leadership approached it with understanding and flexibility. They were able to create a space for both, offered support, and reminded me that being present at home mattered just as much as being present in the office.”
For Carly, that support is foundational to the way community banks serve.
“Community banking focuses on building a culture where employees are truly supported, creating stronger, more committed teams, which carries over into how we serve our communities and customers.”
Trust, Connection, and Long-Term Relationships
For McKenzie Greve, community banking is rooted in trust — the kind that grows over years of shared experiences. She explains that “community banking is about trust and long-term relationships.”
McKenzie also shares, “Some of my favorite memories are our holiday open houses and customer appreciation events, where we get to connect with our clients on a personal level.”
It’s in these moments of genuine connection, she says, that the true spirit of community banking shines the brightest.
Relationships Over Transactions
Randy Waskowiak sees community banking as something deeply relational, a philosophy shaped by years of service both inside and outside the bank. Randy said, “To me, community banking is the difference between a transaction and a relationship.”
He’s seen firsthand how community banks look beyond numbers to understand the people behind them. “While big banks often view customers as data points on a spreadsheet, a community bank sees the people behind the numbers.”
Because decisions are made locally, Randy believes community banks can offer something uniquely personal. “Because the decision-makers live in the same area, they understand the local economy better. They can take a chance on a small business owner because they know their character, not just their credit score.”
And in moments of both challenge and celebration, he sees community banks as steady partners.
“Community banks are a trusted friend in time of need and times of joy.”
Randy’s community leadership roles, including City Council, School Treasurer, TeamMates Board, Parish Council, local economic development boards, and as a local business owner, have shaped how he approaches his work. He says, “These experiences have shaped me not only into a better banker, but into a better person — one who truly understands the diverse challenges individuals and organizations face.”
Serving on both sides of the desk has given him perspective that strengthens his connection to customers. “Serving in these roles allowed me to see firsthand what it is like to be on the other side of the desk, to listen to people from all walks of life, and to learn their stories.”
And that perspective helps him guide customers with empathy and insight. “This perspective, gained from both sides of the conversation, has been invaluable in my role as a community banker.”
Personalized Service and Local Commitment
Rachel Reiser captures the essence of community banking in four simple ideas: “Community banking means personalized service, local decision making, community reinvestment, and banking with a person; someone you trust and an organization that cares about the communities they serve.”
To Rachel, these values are the foundation of every meaningful connection a community bank builds.
The Heart of Why We Serve
As our team shares their experiences, a clear theme emerges. Community banking is rooted in relationships, shaped by responsibility, and fueled by the privilege of serving others. It’s about being there for people in their joys, in their challenges, and in the dreams they’re building for the future.
This month, and every month, we’re grateful for the opportunity to serve our communities with heart, integrity, and genuine connection. We look forward to continuing this work, growing alongside our communities one relationship at a time.