Tri-County Bank & Trust Co., ICBA celebrate America’s ag community

ROACHDALE — In recognition of National Ag Day, Tri-County Bank and Trust Co. and the Independent Community Bankers of America are celebrating the contributions of America’s local farmers, ranchers and agricultural enterprises.

“At TCB, we recognize the essential role of agriculture, which is central to our country’s health and prosperity,” said Chuck Dixon, president and CEO, at TCB. “At TCB we pledge to do all we can to support these stewards of the land and their work to preserve our nation’s natural resources — today, tomorrow and for the future — for the benefit of all Americans.”

Community banks provide 80 percent of all financing to and are often the catalysts for new and expanded business opportunities within their communities. In fact, community banks provide roughly $130 billion in agriculture loans.

National Ag Day was founded nearly 50 years ago to recognize the contributions of farmers in providing Americans with healthy, affordable and abundant food options. ICBA offers the following facts about the agriculture industry:

• The typical American farmer produces enough food and fiber to feed 166 people, producing jobs and investment throughout the economy.

• Americans spend less than 10 percent of their disposable income on food, allowing consumers financial freedom to purchase other goods.

• Farming and related industries employ 21.6 million people, making up 11 percent of total US. employment.

“Community banks have been serving the agricultural community for more than a century, applying their intrinsic knowledge of local markets and relationship-based lending philosophy to address this sector’s financial needs,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “Our nation’s community bankers look forward to building on this rich tradition of service, which supports our nation’s food supply and bolsters our economy.”

TCB is a community bank with five offices located in Putnam and Montgomery counties. Founded in 1892, TCB has served the needs of the communities it serves for 130 years. Its deposit and loan products are geared toward the markets it serves. Plus, the bank is involved in its communities by engaging in local events. Many of the bank’s employees are involved in various community, school, and church organizations. For more information visit www.tricountybank.net.

The Independent Community Bankers of America@creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. ICBA is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education, and high-quality products and services.

With nearly 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute roughly 99 percent of all banks, employ nearly 700,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties. Holding nearly $5.9 trillion in assets, over $4,9 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.5 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation and fueling their customers’ dreams in communities throughout America. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org.