When it Comes to Community Banking, Honesty Is (Still) the Best Policy

For so long now, banking has been a stiff and formal affair: carefully orchestrated lines and strictly-followed procedures and “first come, first serve” sign-in sheets all designed to keep the operation running smoothly. And such is still the case, of course, by necessity. However, in smaller, local banks all around the country – often called “community banks” – the rules are just a tad different.

There’s likely to be an urn of free coffee by the front door, a play area for the kiddies or a workshop on internet banking going on in the corner. Community banks, unlike the bigger bank chains, have fewer – or at least less strict – corporate policies to slow them down or hem them in. Decisions are made more quickly and there is no “death by committee” when deciding to put the customer first.

Explains Robert Sumner, CEO of First National Bank of Pasco (FNB Pasco) near Tampa, Florida, “There is no home office three states away to tell us what to do, when to do it or even why; either we are the home office or it’s in another branch three blocks away.” Sumner adds, “Everyone has questions these days, and some of those questions simply can’t be answered off the website or from a 1-800 number. We encourage customers to come in and talk to us so we can set their minds at ease about whatever it is they need to know.”

What do most customers want to talk about these days? According to Sumner, many simply want assurances that the banks are still lending, that there’s enough money to go around and, frankly, that their money is as safe at their local community bank as it is in one of those big bank chains. You’ve got questions; your banker has answers. In fact, Sumner has some simple advice for you to follow when approaching your local community bank, or any bank, for that matter, with your various concerns:

• Honesty is always the best policy: Always, always, always tell your banker the truth about your current financial situation or, increasingly, what your future looks like. Knowing that your current income won’t be the same next week, let alone next month, puts lenders at a disadvantage when determining how much you can really afford.

• Come prepared: Banks can’t lend money on guesswork; bring the required paperwork to answer such basic questions as your annual income, monthly debt load and any other savings, checking or investment account information you might have. Most banks list what kind of information to bring on their website. If not, call ahead to make sure you come prepared.

• Have realistic expectations: Don’t expect miracles, but don’t set your expectations so low that you’re already defeated before you walk into the bank! If you’re honest with your local community banker, bring the proper paperwork and are realistic about what you can and can’t afford, together you should be able to settle on just the right solution for both of you.

• Don’t settle: Finally, do what’s right for you. Don’t be intimidated by the banker, the forms, the numbers, the decimals or even the bank itself. Trust your instincts and know that nothing’s final until the paperwork has been signed.

About First National Bank of Pasco: First National Bank of Pasco: “Your Hometown Bank” was started in 1986 by Andy P. Gibbs, of Gibbs & Parnell, P.A., a Florida law firm. The bank has three locations in Pasco County – Dade City, South Zephyrhills and West Zephyrhills. FNB Pasco prides itself on being a "high tech and high touch" bank, using technology and online banking to help their customers connect to "Your Hometown Bank" from anywhere. Florida Bancshares, Inc., the holding company of FNB Pasco was formed in 2008. The Bank’s President, Robert Sumner, who also serves on FNB Pasco’s Board of Directors, works closely with Mr. Gibbs and the other Board of Directors to guide and manage First National Bank of Pasco securely into the future for its community.

Visit www.fnbpasco.com