WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Independent Community Bankers of America and Concordia Bank & Trust Co., Vidalia, La. recognized April as ICBA Community Banking Month.

Community banks stimulate rural economies in a multitude of ways, including creating off-farm jobs, maintaining the local tax base and facilitating development of the infrastructure and public services necessary to keep rural communities vibrant.

“Community banks like Concordia Bank and Trust Co. often use government loan programs for housing, small business and farm loans to assist borrowers who would otherwise have difficulty obtaining commercial credit,” Patrick R. Biglane, president and CEO of Concordia Bank, said. “Continuing these programs is vital for our community and rural America and we are pleased to serve the needs of this special segment of our market.”