How Community Banks Prioritize Customer Needs

As your local community bank, our unwavering commitment is to take care of our customers and those who should be. We're proud to serve the personal and business banking needs of each community we serve.  

Embracing Our Roots: A Journey of Community Banking Centered on Customer Needs 

The seeds of MidWestOne Bank were planted by Ben S. Summerwill or “Grandpa Ben”. In 1934, Grandpa Ben laid the foundation for Iowa State Bank & Trust, which has since evolved into MidWestOne Bank. Today, we proudly continue his legacy, adhering to the same principles and growing our roots within downtown Iowa City & beyond. The compelling tale of Grandpa Ben's path to becoming a banker forms the very essence of our organization, fostering a strong sense of community and connection.  

For additional information about the history of Ben S. Summerwill and the growth of MidWestOne Bank, we recommend visiting the "Our History" section of our website. 

Connecting Community with Banking: Aligning Customer Needs and Goals  

Community banking is built on the strong and enduring relationship that develops between our employees and our customers. This relationship goes beyond merely fulfilling immediate financial needs or specific product requirements. Community banks, like MidWestOne, prioritize building long-term partnerships with their customers, allowing them to better understand and anticipate their ongoing financial goals and needs. 

Here are some key benefits that arise between customers having a relationship with a community bank, like MidWestOne: 

1. Personalized Service: Community banks emphasize personalized service, taking the time to understand each customer's unique financial situation, goals, and preferences. This personalized approach allows them to provide tailored solutions and advice that align with the customer's specific needs, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach. 

2. Trust and Familiarity: Over time, community banks develop a sense of trust and familiarity with their customers. This trust is built through consistent interactions, reliable service, and a deep understanding of the customer's financial history and aspirations. Customers feel more comfortable discussing their financial matters and seeking guidance from professionals they know and trust. 

3. Proactive Financial Guidance: By maintaining an ongoing relationship, community banks can proactively identify their customers' changing financial needs. Through regular communication, they can provide guidance, suggest appropriate products or services, and offer financial advice that helps customers achieve their long-term goals. 

4. Accessibility and Responsiveness: Community banks often have a local presence and are easily accessible to their customers. This proximity enables quick responses to inquiries, efficient problem-solving, and a higher level of customer service with a personalized resolution to their concerns. 

5. Community Engagement: Community banks are deeply rooted in the local communities they serve. They understand the unique challenges and opportunities within the community and actively participate in its growth and development. By supporting local initiatives and organizations, community banks contribute to the overall well-being of their customers and the community as a whole. 

The ongoing relationship between a community bank like MidWestOne and its customers provides several ongoing benefits, including personalized service, trust and familiarity, proactive financial guidance, accessibility, and community engagement. These advantages differentiate community banks from larger financial institutions and foster a strong sense of partnership that extends beyond individual transactions. If you haven’t already, grow your relationship with MidWestOne by connecting with our team today!