We talk a lot on the blog and the podcast about reaching out into our communities to help grow them and grow the bank. I also think it’s important to remember that there are many in our communities that don’t have the same access to information. We take our connectivity and access to information for granted. I mean…you’re likely reading this via some internet connection. But there are still places in this country where there is very little access to information.
That’s why I think it’s important for community leaders to understand all the community needs…not just financial. And though access to high-speed internet can be tied to financial needs, it goes so much deeper than that. I can think of no better use of a community bank’s time and resources for community development that providing quality internet access for all in their footprint.
If you’re in the East TN/Appalachian area, the FDIC is doing an event in Knoxville covering this idea of Expanding Internet Access that you can register for here. If you’re not from that area, I would take a look anyway and get in contact with your local state associations or your local regulators or the state economic development authority. There are needs everywhere and there’s nobody better at meeting a community’s needs than a community bank.
Byron
Expanding our reach…growing our community
Share...
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
written by
Byron
Byron Earnheart is the Programming Director for the Barret School of Banking in Memphis, TN and the host of the “Main Street
Banking” podcast…the only podcast solely devoted to community banks. He has over 15 years experience in the financial
services industry; 11 of which have been in banking in various roles from teller work to branch management. He spends his time
playing guitar and singing in Delta Heart (the “house band of the Mississippi Delta”), writing music, cooking, reading, and
enduring the University of Tennessee Volunteers athletic seasons. He is married to his wife Kelly of 11 years and has two
children, John Aubrey (11) and Mary Laura (7).
If you'd like to hear Byron's music, check him out on Spotify: