Community Bankers of Iowa Monthly Banker Update February 2014 | Page 8

Community Banks: We Make A Difference On Main Street Begin Planning Your Banks’ Community Banking Month Celebrations April marks Community Banking Month, a nationwide celebration recognizing the many contributions community banks make to their customers and communities. The Community Bankers of Iowa are encouraging our members to embrace Community Banking Month and spread the word about what makes your bank an integral part of your local community. Together, we can focus the public’s attention on the many ways locally owned and managed banks are making positive change happen across Iowa. In 2014, we want all Iowans to know that with community banks “We Make A Difference On Main Street!” Spread the message to your customers, local businesses, and throughout your community. Ideas to help make Community Banking Month a success in your town include: • Show you care by sponsoring a blood, clothing, or even food drive. • Host a seminar on retirement planning or smart investing. • Invite local schools or scout troops to tour your bank. • Make sure to promote the 2014 Money Smart Week Poster Contest during the tours! [See page 5 for more information on the Money Smart Week Poster Contest.] • Host a charity event like a race or an auction. • Create a lobby display highlighting your small business customers. • Speak to civic groups or senior centers to reach new audiences and convey the importance of community banking. • Host an open house complete with tours, refreshments, contests and giveaways. CBI is creating posters (upper right) to help support your bank’s promotion of Community Banking Month and the “Go Local” effort. Posters are $1 each. “Go Local” window clings are also available for use, at no charge. If you would like to order posters or window clings, please contact the CBI office at 515.453.1495 or email Krissy Lee at [email protected]. In addition, CBI is also making available sample press releases so that you can notify your local media about how your bank and community banks make a difference on Main Street. There are numerous ways to promote Community Banking Month and make your bank shine throughout April. No matter how you celebrate Community Banking Month make sure to take a lot of pictures and let CBI know how you are spreading the word about community banking! [See right for information on CBI’s Community Banking Month Best-of-the-Best Contest.] Thank you for working to raise the standard and build awareness of Iowa’s trusted and reliable community banks. Because of you, we make a difference for Iowans on Main Street. 8 CBI Banker Update | FEBRUARY 2014 Left: Posters are available for purchase to celebrate Community Banking Month in April. Cost is $1/poster. “GO Local” window clings are available at no charge. Please call the CBI office for more information, or to order posters or window clings. Community Bankers of Iowa’s Community Banking Month 2014 Best-of-the-Best Contest Can Your Bank Capture the CBI Community Banking Month Traveling Trophy? How is your bank celebrating Community Banking Month and spreading the message “Community Banks: We Make A Difference On Main Street?” Let CBI know how your bank is celebrating Community Banking Month and your bank could win the traveling trophy and a pizza party for staff! Submit your activities and complete the 2014 CBI Best-ofthe-Best contest entry form by May 19, 2014. The entry form is available on the CBI website at www.cbiaonline.org. The winning bank will be announced at the annual convention in Okoboji in July, featured in the August edition of The Community Banker Update, and the Common Cents newsletter.