Why Small Businesses *Heart* Community Banks

Throughout our 44-year history in the community banking business, one thing we’ve learned about our inspiring clients who are at the helms of the small businesses we serve is this: You get things done.

As a small business owner, if you don’t know how to do something, you figure it out. If you don’t have the resources, you find them. If obstacles get in the way of your success, you’ll do everything in your power to remove them.

You go it alone —the vast majority of the time.

But not when it comes to your banking and financial needs; that’s one area where you don’t have to go it alone because someone’s right there in the trenches with you.

“Plumas Bank is a true partner; they are like family,” said Tammy Babcock, client at the Fall River Mills branch and owner of both Babcock Farms and Big Valley Market & Catering. “I have banked with Plumas Bank for 25 years. If it weren’t for Plumas Bank carrying me through a few rough times, I probably wouldn’t be ranching today.”

Bankers as Family: The Community Banking Difference

Babcock and other small business clients know: Where you choose to bank matters, and community banks are known for being the best source of support for helping small businesses grow. Because our bankers are entrenched in the communities we serve, and because they know you and work with you as your trusted partner, they constantly have their eyes on ideas, resources, and tips to help you — through good times and bad.

“Plumas Bank is willing to grow with you,” Babcock continued. “I love the people at Plumas Bank, the ag team, and the branch team. They believe in me and have been by my side all along the way.”

The idea of a banking team as “family” is one you’ll hear repeatedly when small business owners reflect about their reasons for choosing a community bank. It’s something you feel when you walk into a community bank and when you pick up the phone for a personal conversation with your banker.

“The team goes the extra mile to help me and my businesses succeed,” said Rick Brown, owner of RB Tahoe, Inc., and Plumas Bank client in Tahoe City. His company owns, leases and/or operates three popular Lake Tahoe restaurants — Fire Sign Café, Swiss Lakewood, and Still-Water Cove — and a deli-gourmet market called Dockside Trading Co.

“My main goal in my restaurant business is to provide customers consistency in product with a value-driven menu — and that’s what Plumas Bank provides, too,” he said. “The Tahoe City team and the SBA team treat me like family, and that’s how I treat my staff — we help each other out.”

Transactional Processes, Relational Support

Banking and finances are clearly an essential component of small business operation and growth. They’re inherently transactional, but the pillars that serve to support these transactional processes are relational — like the connection you’ve built with your community banking team. 

And this high-touch relationship that small business owners build with their community banks translates to higher satisfaction and better outcomes. Data from the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) reveals that collectively, community banks make more than 60% of small-business loans, more than 80% of agriculture loans, and contribute tax dollars that help maintain local municipalities.

“Community banks are favored by small businesses, earning an 81% satisfaction score compared to 68% for large banks, 62% for finance companies, and 48% for online lenders,” the ICBA reported, citing Fed Small Business Research. “They are committed lenders with loan growth that has outpaced noncommunity banks for a decade.”

Community banks are inherently more nimble than their big-bank peers, more responsive, and more driven, notes ICBA Chairman and President and CEO of Georgia’s Century Bank & Trust Derek Williams.

“As a community banker for more than 35 years, I can tell you without a doubt that community banks will always stand shoulder to shoulder with customers to stimulate the economy and support local communities with compassion, courage, and commitment,” he said.

‘Their Success Is Our Success’

As Plumas Bank continues its celebration of Community Banking Month (Community Banks Think Local, Support Local), the ICBA’s annual reminder of the importance of banking locally, we’re taking the opportunity to also celebrate our clients — those who get things done and bolster our communities.

“We feel privileged to serve all of our clients,” said Plumas Bank Director, President and CEO Andrew Ryback. “Their success is our success, and we’re committed to helping them grow and thrive in the communities we all call home.”

Are you ready to connect with a knowledgeable banking professional who lives and works in your community? Or do you need a small business loan? If you live in Northeastern California or Northern Nevada you’re in proximity to one of our 15 branch offices.
 

Contact a Commercial Loan Officer

Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender