Community Banking Toolkit | Press Release

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Community Banking Toolkit | Press Release

[Bank Name]
[Media Contact Name]
[Contact Address]
[Email]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Bank Name] Highlights the Local Impact of Community Banking

[CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA] | [Date] | As harvest season gets underway across South Dakota, [Bank Name] is highlighting the role community banks play in supporting families, businesses, farmers and ranchers throughout the state.

Harvest is an important season for South Dakota agriculture, but it also reflects something community bankers see throughout the year: strong communities are built through relationships, local knowledge and people working together toward long-term success.

“Harvest reminds us how much can be accomplished when people invest their time, resources and trust in the places they call home,” said [President/CEO Name], [Title] of [Bank Name]. “As a community bank, we’re proud to know our customers, understand our local economy and help families, businesses, farmers and ranchers plan for what comes next.”

Community banking has deep roots across South Dakota. Community banks represent 93.8% of banks operating in the state, and 87.6% of South Dakota bank branches are community bank branches, according to the Independent Community Bankers of America.¹

Part of the Community

Community banks are more than financial institutions located in a community. Their bankers live and work in the places they serve, building relationships with customers, businesses and organizations throughout the area.

That connection creates a shared interest in seeing local families, businesses and agricultural operations succeed.

Local Knowledge Matters

Community bankers bring an understanding of their local economy and customers to each banking relationship. That can be especially important in South Dakota, where agriculture, small businesses and rural communities are important parts of the state’s economy.

Community banks also play a significant role in lending nationwide. According to ICBA, community banks make nearly 60% of U.S. small business loans under $1 million and more than 80% of banking industry agricultural loans.²

Relationships That Last

Community banking is built on relationships that can grow over time.

From opening a first account to purchasing a home, growing a business, expanding a farm or ranch, or planning for retirement, community bankers take the time to understand their customers and their goals.

That relationship-focused approach is also reflected in customer experience. ICBA reports that community bank loan applicants had a net satisfaction score of 59%, higher than applicants at large banks, finance companies and online lenders.²

Supporting Local Growth

Community banks help provide financing for the families, businesses and agricultural operations they serve. Those loans can help families purchase homes, businesses pursue opportunities, and farmers and ranchers invest in their operations.

As harvest continues across South Dakota, [Bank Name] remains committed to the relationships and communities it serves throughout every season.

“Community banking is personal because our communities are home to us, too,” said [Last Name]. “We’re proud to be here for our customers today and for whatever comes next.”

About [Bank Name]

[Insert bank boilerplate here.]

[Bank Name] is a member of the Independent Community Bankers of South Dakota (ICBSD), which represents and supports independent community banks across South Dakota.

About Independent Community Bankers of South Dakota

The Independent Community Bankers of South Dakota exclusively promotes and defends the common interests of independently owned and locally controlled South Dakota community banks whose services are vital to the preservation of economic diversity in rural America. Nearly 400 independent community bank branches are located in South Dakota, representing more than 1,000 communities across the state and employing over 20,000 state residents. For more information, visit www.icbsd.com.

¹ Source: Independent Community Bankers of America, Community Bank Presence in SD-at-Large. Branch and financial data current as of December 31, 2025.

² Source: Independent Community Bankers of America, About Community Banking.