Tag Archives: community

Figures standing around holding hands in circle

The Heart of Our Community: The Role of Local Banks

In the heartland of America, local banks are more than just financial institutions; they are the lifeblood of our communities. As we gearhead into the vibrant month of July, filled with county fairs and community gatherings, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the role of local banks in enriching our lives.

Community Growth and Prosperity

Local banks like us play a crucial role in fostering economic growth and stability:

  • By providing loans and financial services tailored to the needs of local residents and businesses, these banks help to stimulate local economies and create jobs. 
  • They understand the unique challenges and opportunities within our communities and make decisions with the local economy’s best interest at heart.

Personalized Service and Relationships

At Peoples Bank & Trust, customers are not just account numbers; they are neighbors and friends. The bank’s commitment to personalized service means understanding and meeting the financial needs of individuals and local businesses. This relationship-based banking approach ensures that financial decisions, such as granting loans, are made by considering the character and qualifications of clients, not just their credit scores.

Community Involvement and Support

Beyond financial services, local banks are deeply involved in community life. Peoples Bank & Trust actively participates in local events, such as the county fairs in July, contributing to the cultural and social fabric of our towns. Our involvement goes beyond sponsorships; employees volunteer their time and effort to support various causes and organizations, helping to make our communities better places to live.

Boosting Local Economy

By reinvesting in the community, local banks ensure that money stays within the local economy, multiplying its positive impact. This collaborative lending approach allows more businesses to thrive, which in turn supports community members and contributes to a robust local economy.

Our Commitment to You

As we partake in the joyous celebrations of the county fairs this July, we at Peoples Bank & Trust feel privileged to be a part of this wonderful community. Our involvement in local events and initiatives is not just a commitment but a heartfelt expression of our dedication to the place we call home.

So, as we enjoy the laughter and camaraderie at the fairs, let’s remember that it’s the collective spirit of our community that makes us strong. We’re here not just as your bank but as your neighbors, friends, and family, working hand in hand to create a thriving community for generations to come.

Giving back in the New Year: Practicing Selflessness

Many individuals have goals and resolutions they are striving for this year. They are fostering hope for a better tomorrow and realize they need to add or dilute some of their habits in order to have the life they envision. Many, if not most, of these resolutions fail for lack of motivation. In fact, only about 8 percent of individuals end up sticking with their resolutions and that could be attributed to the type of goals made.

A majority of resolutions are self-focused. Very few of them strive for the betterment of others, which could be one of the underlying reasons for failure. While it may not be for lack of trying, goals crafted that solely benefit the self, have less success than those that are others oriented. Although, practicing selflessness can indeed improve your own happiness and household economy in other ways.

Tax Deduction

When you decide on a charity, you want to be sure they are reputable. Check out Charity Navigator to find out if you should be giving to a certain organization. Giving to these organizations may enable you to deduct from your income tax if you itemize deductions. Be sure to do your research before giving if you would like to take advantage of this benefit.

Better Money Management

Deciding on giving monetarily to a cause will encourage you to monitor your budget. Don’t have a budget? Now you have another reason to make one! Do you need to make cuts elsewhere to excessive spending? Having cause to review your monthly statements can only help your finances. Come see us at Peoples Bank & Trust to set up an automatic withdrawal to your savings account for your giving; we want to make it easy for you! When you are able to focus your attention to those in need, you are investing in yourself emotionally and financially.  Even if you are only able to give your time through volunteering, it may give rise to gratitude for what you have; decreasing your desire to purchase items you do not need with money you do not have.

What Goes Around Comes Around

Although your primary goal in helping others isn’t to help yourself, getting involved can create opportunities for you and even your children. People in need will remember those who helped them at their lowest. Maybe someday you will be in need of a favor and they will happily assist you. It enables you to make connections with others, which can help you to better establish yourself professionally.  Is your child socially anxious? Kindness has been shown to reduce social anxiety and can help set your children on a stable track for the future including scholarships and job prospects.

 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

 

10 Ways to Shop Local

Community

Supporting our community is one of the most impactful ways we can help it grow. By shopping with local vendors and utilizing area service providers you and your family can help ensure that our community prospers and grows each year. If you want to shop local, but don’t know where to start, our team at Peoples Bank & Trust has come up with some creative ideas you may not have considered yet.

 

  1. Get produce at your local farmers market.
  2. Purchase floral arrangements from your neighborhood florist instead of online vendors.
  3. Work with local providers for your insurance and wealth management.
  4. Venture out for the night and tour area dining and entertainment establishments.
  5. Bank with a community bank.
  6. Buy groceries from a regional company compared to the large national chains.
  7. Like your favorite area businesses on Facebook and other social media.
  8. Shop for birthdays and holidays at your community’s downtown storefront.
  9. If you have received great service or products from a local business, recommend them to a friend or relative.
  10. Stay local when planning weddings or other milestone events and avoid online alternatives.

 

Owning and managing a small business may be more difficult than you think. We believe that opportunity is everywhere. Whether you’d like to open a business of your own, or simply want to support the ones you enjoy, it’s great to learn what small businesses are all about. That’s why People’s Bank & Trust is excited to share some compelling and surprising facts surrounding the small businesses in our neck of the woods.

 

  • A company is considered a small business if they have less than 500 employees according to the Small Business Administration.
  • 7 percent of all active companies in the United States are classified as small businesses.
  • If your favorite retailer has been in business over ten years, they have officially beat the odds. According to the Bureau of Labor, two out of three small businesses are still operating after two years in business, and only half of small businesses have survived after being open for five years.  Approximately one-third of small businesses last ten years or longer.
  • Cash flow is cited as the more common issue regarding a business’s failure. Associated tasks such as invoicing, timed billing, and record keeping are often the most commonly linked culprits.

 

If your business needs to gain capital for an expansion or start-up, Peoples Bank & Trust is here to help. Our experienced commercial lenders can help you determine your ideal capital amount while also setting up valuable cash flow services Send us your information or stop in today to learn more about this convenient and affordable service.

 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

Community Banks: The Advantages of Banking Local

Banking Local

At Peoples Bank & Trust we pride ourselves on providing the best and most reliable service to our valued customers. Being a local community bank we offer unique insight into the inner workings of both commercial and personal financing, giving you, the consumer, the most bang for your buck. The next time you’re considering working with a locally operated bank, remember these important characteristics that truly make community banks stand apart from the rest.

Financing Farmers: Did you know that community banks make up almost 90% of all agricultural loans in the United States? By providing local producers with the capital needed to operate their business, banks like Peoples Bank & Trust are doing their part to help feed America.

Employing Citizens: With 51,000 community banks nationwide, the local banking sector employs approximately 700,000 Americans in their immediate areas, while also creating endlessly opportunities through their small business financing.

Rooted History: Knowing how to predict markets and financial tangibles is something that only time can teach. With more than 2,500 community banks stretching well over their first century, community bankers work together to share a wealth of knowledge when it comes to analyzing the past and anticipating the future.

Supporting Small Business: America was founded upon hard work and dedication. The idea that you can create anything you want is the dream. Community banks continue to help make those dreams happen by financing more than 50% of all small business loans within the United States.

Lasting Relationships: When working with a community banker you are not working with someone under the thumb of management, who takes months for approval. By banking locally with Peoples Bank & Trust you speak one on one with your lender, no red tape guarding your next financial decision.

There are volumes of reasons why banking local can help secure you a better financial future. This April we celebrate Community Bankers month to showcase the advancing capabilities of local financing institutions and the unparalleled service they offer. If you want to start banking locally with Peoples Bank & Trust, call us at (636) 528-7001 or stop by today!

 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

NMLS# 407724

Equal Housing Lender

Member FDIC

The Number One Reason to Bank Locally – We are invested in YOU!

community

What makes the most impact when you step into a bank? The lighting, the decorations, the technology? At Peoples Bank & Trust it’s our people! The wonderful customers we have, and the incredible employees who make our work possible are what make us unique. After being your trusted bank for over 90 years, we are humble to be so appreciated in our local community.

Take a look inside our day-to-day operations and see how we are working to better serve you!

We Know Our Customers

We genuinely care and want to see our customers succeed! This helps not only our customers grow financially, but also enables us to become better lenders. Speaking with our customers one-on-one encourages interactive dialogue to help us better understand the specific needs of each and every individual we work with. From lending to savings, planning options, and more, we work to find the optimal financial fit for you and your family.

We Make Decisions In-House

No more untimely out-of-office decision makers. At Peoples Bank & Trust each and every loan is made in-house by one of our experienced lenders. Instead of contracting work out to other institutions we keep all of your hard earned funds close to home! Offering quick decisions can make a big impact when it comes to getting the most efficient loan for your needs. By getting approvals sooner our customers can ensure they start their desired project or purchase on time and within budget!

We Support Our Community

Many banks deem “Community Involvement,” to be writing a check and posing for a photo op. At Peoples Bank & Trust that isn’t the case. Deeply invested in our local communities, our employees are active participants in many local organization donating their time and talents. To us, community involvement is truly getting outside of our immediate operations, and working to make our thriving community a better place for everyone.

Our highest priority at Peoples Bank & Trust is YOU and your specific banking and lending needs. No matter what stage of life you’re in, if you’re looking to open a checking account, put some money away for retirement, or take the first step to home ownership, we’re ready to help you along the way! Get to know us and the incredible people that choose to be a part of our organization, and you’ll be glad you did.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender