Independent Bankers Announce April as Community Banking Month

Financial Cornerstone of Communities in New York

ALBANY, NY (04/01/2011)(readMedia)-- The Independent Bankers Association of New York State, Inc. (IBANYS) announces April as Community Banking Month. The member banks of IBANYS wish to thank their customers for their support of the vital role New York independent community banks play in the economic, civic and cultural life of cities and towns throughout New York State.

President and CEO of Evans Bank in Hamburg, New York and IBANYS Secretary, David Nasca said it best, "Community Banking Month gives us an opportunity to honor our communities and customers who are the heart of everything we do."

"Community banks invest in the families, schools and businesses in every local Main Street Community in the Empire State," said Paul Mello, IBANYS Chairman and President and CEO of Solvay Bank in Solvay, New York. Mello also said, "Community banks are also essential to the very fabric of our local communities."

"Employees of our community banks, live, work, raise families, serve on local charities and school boards together," John Buhrmaster, Vice-Chairman of IBANYS and President of 1st National Bank of Scotia stated. "My children are the sixth generation to reside and work in this community. We want it to be a great place for everyone to live and work and the bank takes that mission of service to the community very seriously because we are all neighbors and family."

Robert Fisher, IBANYS Past Chairman and President and CEO of Tioga State Bank, a ninth generation resident of Tioga, New York stated, "Community banks like ours not only provide the financial needs of our community, but we are partners with local charities, promote local development, community services and financial literacy."

Independent community banks do what they do in their local communities better than anyone. "They are the financial cornerstone of New York State," said Frank J. Capaldo, President and CEO of IBANYS.

To find a community bank or obtain more information on community banks and community banking, contact IBANYS at 518-436-4646 or go to www.ibanys.net.

IBANYS is the "Voice of Independent Community Banks" in New York State.