Community Banking Month: How Peoples Bank is Strengthening Their Community

April is Community Banking Month, which the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) calls “a celebration of the independent spirit and unwavering commitment of community banks to help consumers and small businesses achieve their financial goals to create communities of prosperity nationwide.” In April, PRI is celebrating some of the excellent community banks that we’re fortunate to work with and observe up close what sets them apart in their communities. We spoke to Kevin Eagan, Chief Marketing Officer of Peoples Bank of Marietta, Ohio, to learn how his bank puts down roots in its community for the betterment of everyone.

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ICBA says that community banks, which are often referred to as America’s Favorite Lenders, have a deep presence in the locations they serve. According to ICBA, community banks:

• Provide roughly 60% of all small business loans
• Make more than 80% of agricultural loans
• Have nearly 50,000 locations nationwide
• Are the only physical banking presence in one out of three U.S. counties
• Employ nearly 700,000 people

Peoples Bank has been in business since 1902 and says it’s shaped by the unique character of the communities it serves. 

“We’re focused on positively impacting our local communities,” Eagan said. “We’re not only committed to meeting the variety of financial needs within our footprint but also strengthening the places where we live and work and raise our families.”

Peoples Bank targets its charitable giving efforts to both financial contributions and volunteerism. In 2023, the Peoples Bank Foundation awarded $692,415 in grants and $32,500 in scholarships. More than $7 million has been donated to local non-profit organizations since the Foundation’s inception in 2003.

What Makes Them Different

Eagan says that Peoples Bank’s approach to community service differs from others by providing a marketing budget at the local level to encourage their teams to both get involved and raise their hands to champion ideas.

“That local involvement ensures that our resources of money and volunteers impact the local organizations that need us the most,” Eagan said.

Historic Theatre Renovation

One of the standout initiatives at Peoples Bank has been supporting the restoration of a historic theatre in downtown Marietta. Built in 1919, the theatre had stood mostly dark since the 1980s. Peoples Bank supported the non-profit organization tackling the task of restoring the theatre, and now it has a new name and a commitment of support from Peoples Bank through 2035.

“We believe that keeping this historic theatre preserved and running is great for a vibrant and thriving downtown,” Eagan said. 

Encouraged Employee Involvement

Eagan said Peoples Bank demonstrates its core value of commitment to community in several ways including by providing eight hours of paid time off to its employees for volunteering.

“We can only live out our stated values when our associates are involved at food pantries, school programs, coaching youth sports, and serving on nonprofit boards,” Eagan said. “We also encourage the team to actively search for needs in their neighborhoods and suggest creative ways to get involved.”

One example of creative involvement is Peoples Bank’s Jeans for Hunger program. This program allows employees to wear jeans on Friday and Saturday if they donate any amount to a local food pantry. Jeans for Hunger has raised more than $500,000 since April 2020.

Upcoming Service Project

In 2024, Peoples Bank will be ramping up its first-time home buyer seminars, which cover getting finances in order and going through the process of buying a first home. In-person and virtual seminars maximize the Bank’s reach, and they ensure attendees get one-on-one attention so the information can be tailored to their unique situations. Finally, Peoples Bank is soliciting local artists to design a mural celebrating the Marietta community in its headquarters building.

Eagan said he encourages other banks and businesses to get involved in their local communities.

“Keep your eyes and ears open,” Eagan said. “There’s a lot of need out there, and it won’t take long to find it. When you do, do whatever you can to help. I’m amazed that even a little bit can make a huge difference in the communities we love.”

Resources :

Renovated Peoples Bank Theatre Ready to Shine Once Again – The Marietta Times

Peoples Bank Donates Nearly 10K to Senior Food Pantry – The Edmonson Voice 

Peoples Bank Gives $100,000 — The Marietta Times

Peoples Bank Foundation Donates Funds to Two Agencies — The Parkersburg News and Sentinel

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