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Lubbock, TX (April 10, 2019)—In honor of ICBA Community Banking Month in April, ABC Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) are shining a spotlight on community banks’ role in fostering economic prosperity through expansion and innovation to meet the needs of consumers and local communities.
“American Bank of Commerce is proud to have served the Lubbock Community for the past 57 years,” says Judy Helm, SVP at ABC Bank. “As a community bank and local lender, we have a stake in our customers’ success. We invite them to stop by any of our branches to see how we can help them achieve their financial goals and build a legacy of prosperity for future generations.”
Community banks take in local deposits and redistribute them back into the community—making roughly 60 percent of small-business loans and 80 percent of agriculture loans from the banking sector. They also contribute tax dollars that help maintain local municipalities and keep local neighborhoods viable and vibrant because serving the best interests of customers is fundamental to their business philosophy. Community banks:
“As local small businesses themselves, community banks only thrive when their customers and communities flourish,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “Local market knowledge, relationship-based lending, and civic-minded service are community banking hallmarks and the cornerstone to our industry’s success and longevity. ICBA is proud to represent America’s favorite lenders and support their ongoing efforts to create stronger, more vibrant communities—one loan at a time.”
For more facts and statistics about community banks, click here. Follow the ICBA Community Banking Month conversation on social media with the #BankLocally hashtag.
About American Bank of Commerce
The American Bank of Commerce first opened for business as Wolfforth State Bank on September 11, 1962. The name was changed to American Bank of Commerce in 1972 to allow for further growth and expansion. Today, ABC Bank has 14 locations throughout Lubbock and Colorado. For more information, visit ABC’s website at www.theabcbank.com.
About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. With more than 52,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute 99 percent of all banks, employ more than 760,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in five U.S. counties. Holding more than $4.9 trillion in assets, $3.9 trillion in deposits, and $3.4 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation and fueling their customers’ dreams in communities throughout America. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org.
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At the ATM: When you’re by yourself, avoid using an ATM in isolated areas. Only use ATMs in well-lit, public areas. If it looks like someone has tampered with the ATM, don’t use it. This could mean that a criminal has attached a “skimmer” to the ATM with the purpose of stealing your financial information. Always verify that the amount you withdrew or deposited matches the amount printed on your receipt. Make sure to shred or destroy your ATM receipts before you throw them away.
Report loss or theft: If you suspect your card is lost or has been stolen, inform the company that issued you the card and contact your bank immediately.
Treat cards like cash: Never let your cards get out of your possession or control. Don’t lend your cards — credit, debit, or ATM — to anyone. You are responsible for their use.
PIN safety: Never tell anyone your PIN. No one from a financial institution, the police, or a merchant should ask for your PIN. You are the only person who needs to know it. When selecting a PIN, avoid picking a number that is easy for others to guess — for example, your name, telephone number, date of birth, or any simple combination of these. When typing in your PIN at the ATM or when making a point-of-sale purchase, cover the number pad so no one near you can see your PIN. Make sure you change your current PIN from time to time.
When shopping: Always be sure that you get your card back after every purchase and check that sales vouchers are for the correct purchase amount before you sign them. Keep copies of your sales vouchers and ATM, debit or credit card receipts in a secure place.
For more information, visit theabcbank.com/fraud-education-center.
The American Bank of Commerce (ABC Bank) has been a proud West Texas business since it's inception as Wolfforth State Bank in Wolfforth, Texas, in 1962.
As the Bank expands through prosperous growth, it's roots in the South Plains only strengthen. Through volunteerism and outreach programs, ABC Bank strives to support and improve the community that built it. ABC Bank decided to partner with KCBD for Money Matters because of the invaluable knowledge the Bank can give to KCBD viewers to help them make better decisions in regard to finances.
Scroll down to see the ways ABC Bank continues to stay involved, and sign up for our newsletter to make sure you never miss the latest Money Matters tips.