Banks Make a Difference Day

A key component of the traditional banking business model is bank involvement in the community. Volunteerism seems to be a part of the genetic makeup of a good banker. Bankers volunteer their support for a host of community charitable and civic causes. They contribute their own time and money, while the bank generously provides company funds.

Unfortunately, the public image of the banking industry has been unfairly tarnished by the recent financial crisis. At the same time, banks are often reluctant to call attention to the good things which they and their employees do in support of public-spirited community causes. The combination of these two factors prompted the leadership of the South Dakota Bankers Association to launch the South Dakota Banks Make a Difference project.

South Dakota Banks Make a Difference is a banking industry-branded template that banks in any community can use to collaboratively address identified needs in their community. Under the leadership of SDBA Chairman Dave Zimbeck, Sioux Falls banks recently developed a framework for a community-wide Banks Make a Difference project.

SDBA leadership hopes banks in communities of all sizes across South Dakota will embrace this philosophy and spirit of Banks Make a Difference to help the citizens of South Dakota better understand the role that banks and bankers play in making our communities great places to live and work.

For more information on how to conduct your own local Banks Make a Difference project, contact SDBA at (800) 726-7322 or (605) 224-1653. Or send an email to Alisa DeMers.

4Banks Make a Difference Overview
4Steps to Organize a Project