A community bank is a financial institution with a strategic business plan to 'recycle' deposits into loans within the same communities where the deposits were gathered. This philosophy encourages a vibrant, growing local economy and insures that the growth of a community is not restricted to a predetermined allotment of loans. When entrepreneurs and families look for financial help they turn to the institution they know and trust - a local community bank. A community bank is involved in its community through economic development, civic organizations and philanthropic activities.

Independent and community are used interchangeably to describe financial institutions which are community-based and not owned by a large multi-state bank holding company. With locally-based ownership and a commitment to their communities, our member banks are closer to the economic pulse of New York's cities, towns and villages. Independent bankers are integral to the future of their communities as providers of financial services and active participants in civic affairs. Community banks whose policies are set locally are inextricably tied to their communities for success.