People in the United States have had the luxury of a strong banking system over the last two decades. Depositories have given their customers an opportunity to have a secure place to keep their money. They have also presented options for people to earn interest on their deposits. Many people utilize banks to borrow money to purchase their home, buy a vehicle, or make home improvements. Companies make use of banks to provide capital for their operation and to furnish business-specific financial services that help them to manage their money.
Consumers and business owners have a many choices of destinations to keep their money. They are faced with the option of choosing a big “commercial” bank or a smaller “community” bank. Big banks have the ability to offer a wide range of financial products and services. This range also extends to ATM networks and branch locations; you will generally find more ATM systems and more branch locations with a large financial institution.
Why choose a community bank?However, community banks like Century Next provide just as many benefits – if not more - to the customers and areas that we serve. Community banks offer a variety of deposit accounts, often with benefits at low or no-cost. Here at CNext, we provide up-to-date technology for online banking and fraud prevention. We offer modern business solutions such as payroll services, electronic tax payments, and credit card processing. CNext also competes with attractive rates on savings accounts and loans.
We offer local knowledge for business owners. Because we are engaged in local matters, local banks can help makes transactions easier. This is particularly true if a business needs to borrow money. A megabank might be unwilling to fund a local business, investment property, or agricultural loan, but local banks are accustomed to evaluating loans in the areas that they operate.
Community banks typically provide more personal service than big banks. It’s not uncommon to work with the same person over time. CNext employees can learn about your needs and suggest bank products that may be helpful. Our customers develop relationships with us and know what to expect and who to talk to when they have questions. A community banker can help you feel seen, heard, and valued.
Last but certainly not least, local community banks give back to the areas that they serve. You’re likely to see a Century Next logo at a community event, signaling that we contributed money or other resources to help make the event possible. Our employees are active with volunteering time with non-profit organizations that make the towns we serve better places to live.
Century Next Bank is a community bank with a solid history of serving our community since 1905. We have locations in Lincoln and Ouachita Parishes in Louisiana, as well as Ashley County in Arkansas. I am Branch Manager at our Farmerville Highway Branch in Ruston. I invite you to come in and visit with me. I would love to show you what it means to Bank with Locals at CNext.
