April is Community Banking Month and the Community Bankers Association of Georgia and The Farmers & Merchants Bank are recognizing the unique spirit that makes community banks the foundation of their communities in cities and towns throughout Georgia.

“The nearly 300 community banks in Georgia are passionately committed to serving their customers and their communities,” said Derek Williams, 2009-2010 CBA Chairman and President/CEO of First Peoples Bank in Pine Mountain. “They spend countless hours and provide invaluable resources throughout the year to make their communities a better place to live and work. Community Banking Month gives CBA and its community bank members across the state a chance to thank their customers and celebrate the communities we so proudly serve.”

“Community banks are an integral part of the economic, financial and civic fabric of hundreds of towns and cities in Georgia,” commented Carolyn Brown, President & CEO of Community Bankers Association of Georgia. “Community banks continue to work hard every day to improve the quality of life in their communities because they are part of their community-a uniqueness that only community banks can bring to the table.”

Community banks offer important savings products and services to help their customers fulfill their financial goals, Mrs. Brown explained. One advantage of saving at a community bank is that because they are local, they want to build lasting relationships with their customers so they work hard to deliver superior customer service. A house down-payment, retirement, college, vacation, emergency funds — to name a few — are all goals families and individuals may have that require savings and are great reasons to start a savings nest egg at a community bank now.

For 17 years, community bankers across the country have come together during this month to inform the public of the important economic and social contribution their banks make in their hometowns. Governor Sonny Perdue recently proclaimed April 2010 as Community Banking Month in Georgia.

“Our bank has a different philosophy than larger financial institutions. Whereas many larger banks take deposits in one state and lend in others, we focus on reinvesting our loans back into the neighborhoods where our customers live and work, to drive local economic development,” said Joe Hudson, Executive Vice President of Farmers & Merchants Bank.  “We pride ourselves on being recognized for personalized individual service, accessible officers for our customers and focused on the local economy. By banking with The Farmers & Merchants Bank you are reinvesting your money in our community. Community Banking Month is just one way in which we show appreciation for our customers.”

Community banks recognize Community Banking Month in a variety of ways. Whether they host special events with local charities, promote economic development initiatives or offer programs to boost financial literacy, community banks continue to enrich their communities and lives of the customers they serve.  As a way of showing appreciation to the community the Farmers & Merchants Bank’s downtown branch will be giving away free popcorn and drinks to customers on April 5th through the 9th.  For more information on the Farmers & Merchants Bank, please call (706) 485-9941 or visit www.ibankfmb.com.