‘By Community, for Community’: The Relationship Banking Difference

So much has changed since Plumas Bank became a reality back in 1980: Then, the Love Boat was must-watch TV, the Captain and Tennille were topping the charts, and the first Plumas Bank was a single branch conceptualized to be operated by and for Plumas County residents.

Now, Plumas Bank’s footprint spans 15 branches and two loan offices incorporating three states. But despite this obvious evolution, one thing has remained constant: that concept of a bank run “by community, for community”.

That’s why our growth has been to towns and regions in Northeastern California and Northern Nevada— often rural, many agriculturally focused — where our bankers are watching their kids play ball at school fields, eating at local cafes and volunteering for community causes.

“I believe in being involved and giving back to my community, and Plumas Bank has the same philosophy,” said Spencer Barr, co-owner of Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in Alturas, California. “Every time I work on a community project, the people involved are also involved with Plumas Bank. It’s refreshing! That’s how I knew Plumas Bank was the right choice for me and my business.”

This refreshing approach to community involvement also attracted Yuba City nonprofit SoYouCan, which serves seniors, families and children of Yuba and Sutter counties. The organization provides Christmas presents to 1,200 children from 275 families who live in the region, assists homebound seniors during the holidays, and adopts an assisted living facility every Easter, supplying decorations and baskets for residents.

“We bank at Plumas Bank because of the community commitments we see from your staff,” said SoYouCan board member Angie Gates, who noted that Plumas Bank has been the nonprofit’s trusted financial partner for the entire 12 years it has been in operation. “Some of them come to our event and work right alongside us. They are always seen out supporting, and that is the type of bank we want to be with.”

‘Faces to the Voices’

Community banks are staffed by locals that prioritize community investment. Plumas Bank is not a multinational institution, nor will it ever be. Instead, it’s local and strong—helping neighbors and funding projects that serve the local good.

“Plumas Bank is a local, community bank which gives us ‘faces to the voices,’” Gates continued. “We can call and know who is answering the phone and helping us at our local branch. That is very important when you are needing something quickly!”

Hometown Smiles Make a Difference

At a community bank, the relationships established between you and your banker matter. In fact, research from the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) reveals that 70% of U.S. adults cite the importance of personal banking relationships in choosing where to bank. Community banks are known for granting more loans to low and moderate-income households because the bankers know you, they know local resources to help you find funding, and they care about your success.

“If we have to choose our number one reason for banking with Plumas Bank, it would be the friendly, hometown smiles and knowing that they do care about what is going on in not only your banking world but your personal world as well,” Gates said.

Over the course of the last few weeks, we’ve been commemorating Community Banking Month, an annual event launched by the Independent Community Bankers of America® to underscore the importance of community banks.

To that end, we’ve highlighted Plumas Bank’s guiding principle — Here. For Good. — reflecting on how community banks can tailor custom solutions to clients based on relationships and community connection, Community Banks Think Local, Support Local. We’ve focused on the reasons local businesses choose community banks, Why Small Businesses *Heart* Community Banks. And now we’ve discussed the DNA of a community bank, the key differentiators that set them apart from more traditional banks and corporate financial operations.  

“As community bankers, we know relationships matter,” said Rebeca Romero Rainey, ICBA President and CEO. “Our actions in support of local schools, nonprofits, businesses and other community institutions make a difference, and when our customers see our commitment to our communities, it deepens their connection with us.”

Are you looking for a different kind of bank — one that is operated by community, for community? Our bankers are standing by at our 15 branch locations.

Find Your Local Branch

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