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Banking on the Best

We see many “BEST OF” contests from local media outlets (newspaper, TV, radio) designed to attract paid advertising—the best this, the best that… It’s all pretty easy to see through, but what about a national recognition from a large international media that has nothing to gain by posting "BEST OF" winners?



Recently, First State Community Bank was ranked by Forbes 2021 Best-In-State bank for the state of Missouri.
You've come a long way baby, and you're just starting!

From a marketing standpoint I find it very interesting watching local banks trying to position themselves for a larger market share. Local banks need to demonstrate their advantages over the large chain banks. They have to provide better customer service, better accessibility, better local/regional financial advice, strong security, and smart mobile offerings, not to mention better interest rates. Yup, a local bank better have game to survive in this mobile-centric world we live in.

When we first moved to the Farmington area, I was unaware of the importance of local banking. Twenty years ago, I would have laughed in your face if you told me to use a small town banking system. I mean, what could they possibly do for me? I quickly realized that unlike large banking systems, local banks still consider the individual. Since then, First State Community Bank has been one of the biggest supporters of our small businesses. Whether it be business loans, property loans, or car loans, First State Community Bank has unerringly supported 573 Magazine and Image Maker Marketing. This sort of loyalty and support is unique to small town banking, though I can’t say the same about the big banking systems we’ve used throughout the years.


From a marketing standpoint I find it very interesting watching local banks positioning themselves for a larger market share.

Recently, First State Community Bank was ranked by Forbes 2021 Best-In-State bank for the state of Missouri. Wow, what an achievement! The award was announced recently and all the glorious details can be viewed in the Forbes website.



Out of the 4,978 FDIC-insured banks in America, just 135 banks made the Forbes Best-In-State listing.


Forbes is an American business magazine owned by Integrated Whale Media Investments and the Forbes family. Published eight times a year, it features original articles on finance, industry, investing, and marketing topics. Forbes also reports on related subjects such as technology, communications, science, politics, and law.

First State Community Bank makes it a priority to support local events, sports teams, and charities. Beyond providing financial services to the local community, they contribute to individual events and efforts in so many ways. It’s their personal and hands-on approach to customer service that filters down to everyone at First State Community Bank. I pretty much agree with Forbes assessment – First State Community Bank truly is one of THE BEST.


By Thomas Smugala - editor


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