Planters First Bank and ICBA Celebrate Community Banking Month in April
In honor of Community Banking Month, Planters First Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) are highlighting the vital role community banks play in strengthening local economies, supporting small businesses, and helping families achieve long-term financial success.
“Community banks cater to the financing needs of their customers as part of their business philosophy, creating meaningful and long-lasting relationships rooted in the community,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “ICBA is proud to represent these financial stewards that empower citizens, support economic opportunity, and strengthen the fabric of towns and cities across the country.”
130 Years of Local Commitment
In 2026, Planters First Bank proudly celebrates 130 years of serving Middle Georgia under the same original charter signed in 1896—a milestone that reflects stability, resilience, and a deep commitment to the communities we call home.
Over the years, a lot has changed—but who we are has not. We’ve seen generations of families grow, businesses open and expand, and communities evolve. Through it all, Planters First Bank has remained a constant, adapting to meet modern needs while staying grounded in the values we were founded on: trust, relationships, and local decision-making.
That consistency matters. While many banks have changed names, merged, or shifted their focus away from local communities, we’ve stayed true to our mission. Our leadership is local. Our decisions are made close to home. And our customers are more than account numbers—they’re neighbors, business owners, and friends.
“At Planters First Bank, our mission is grounded in serving our community as a partner in progress,” said Rusty Slade, Chief Operating Officer. “We help individuals and families reach their goals while reinvesting in the neighborhoods we proudly call home. Every deposit and every loan strengthens the communities we serve.”
Why Community Banking Matters
Community banks play a vital role in keeping local economies strong. When you bank locally, your dollars stay local—supporting small businesses, farmers, homeowners, and community development.
Planters First Bank sees that impact every day:
- Helping a small business owner open their doors
- Supporting local farmers through every season
- Guiding families through homeownership and financial milestones
- Giving back through community partnerships and local initiatives
Reinvesting in your community sounds great, but how does one really put that into action? If you’ve ever wondered if it matters where you deposit your hard-earned money, let me assure you it does. Not only does banking locally support small businesses (community banks fund more than 60% of small business loans and more than 80% of ag loans), but as locally owned and operated businesses themselves, they are part of the economic engines that create 62 percent of new jobs annually. That’s powerful.
Community banks like Planters First Bank take in deposits and distribute loans that feed into a self-sustaining micro-economy that keeps funds right here in Middle Georgia. It is all part of a symbiotic relationship that community banks have with their communities. And the proceeds from those businesses employ residents, fund municipalities, and continue the cycle of locally based economic growth.
If you need more proof just consider the community bank impact on local communities:
- Community banks outpace large banks in the average number of banks operating in both rural and urban markets by a 3:1 ratio.
- Community banks are preferred small business lenders, with an 81 percent net satisfaction score compared to 68 percent for large banks and just 43 percent for online lenders.
- Community banks operate in areas abandoned by others—serving as the only physical banking presence in nearly one in three U.S. counties.
But it is not just about stats. These aren’t just transactions—they’re relationships that grow over time.
Thank You for Banking Local
This Community Banking Month, we want to say thank you—to our customers, our communities, and the people who have trusted us for generations. Here’s to 130 years of community banking—and many more to come.
For our neighbors who may be considering a switch, please take a closer look at Planters First Bank to discover how we can help you realize your financial dreams. At Planters First Bank, we pledge to never lose sight of the all-important “relationship” and the personalized service our customers expect. Community banks are only successful if our customers and communities are, too. Join us in helping to build a more sustainable, vibrant economy here at home.
About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation. As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.