The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and First National Bank USA are joining the Small Business Administration (SBA) in celebrating National Small Business Week (May 1-7).

“Small businesses are at the center of the nation’s economic prosperity as they create local jobs and economic growth in cities and towns across the country,” said ICBA Chairman Rebeca Romero Rainey, chairwoman and CEO of Centinel Bank of Taos, N.M. “Community banks make half of all small business loans and 90 percent of agricultural loans, so serving small business is part of our DNA.

We are proud to serve such a critical part of America’s economic fabric.”

Community banks also know their local communities and are able to counsel small business owners on the dynamics of the community. In fact, many small business owners view community banks as their partner in building business success.

The relationship between community banks and small businesses is symbiotic and one that truly work.

There’s a reason why more than half of small business owners choose to work with a community bank when it comes to building and growing their business.

As a small business and local community bank, we are proud to serve the River Parishes and to highlight the important role small businesses serve to our local community.

In fact, a new study from seven Federal Reserve Banks shows small businesses that apply for loans with community banks are the most successful and most satisfied.

Small business owners and consumers can find their local community bank by visiting ICBA’s Community Bank Locator at banklocally.org.

To learn more about community banks and the positive impact they have on small businesses across the nation, visit icba.org or follow #GoLocal and #BankLocally on Twitter.

Brandt J. Dufrene is president and CEO of First National Bank USA, which has offices in Boutte and LaPlace serving the River Parishes. He can be reached at 985-785-8411 or brandtd@fnbusa.com.