Citizens in the Community

The Power of Reinvesting in Our Community

Reinvesting in your community sounds great, but how does one really put that into action?

If you’ve ever wondered if it matters where you deposit your hard-earned money, let me assure you it does. Not only does banking locally support small businesses (community banks fund more than 60% of small business loans and more than 80% of ag loans), but as locally owned and operated businesses themselves, they are part of the economic engines that create 62% of new jobs annually. That’s powerful.

Community banks like Citizens Bank take in deposits and distribute loans that feed into local economies that keeps funds right here in the Willamette Valley. It is all part of a symbiotic relationship that community banks have with their communities. And the proceeds from those businesses employ residents, fund municipalities, and continue the cycle of locally based economic growth.

If you need more proof just consider the community bank impact on local communities:

• Community banks outpace large banks in the average number of banks operating in both rural and urban markets by a 3:1 ratio.
• Community banks are preferred small business lenders, with an 81% net satisfaction score compared to 68% for large banks and just 43% for online lenders.
• Community banks operate in areas abandoned by others—serving as the only physical banking presence in nearly one in three U.S. counties.

But it is not just about stats. When customers contact Citizens Bank, they are greeted by a talented team member who is attuned to their needs and empowered to act on their behalf.

And when our employees log volunteer hours in support of non-profit organizations or when Citizens Bank contributes to local projects & events, we are working toward our goal of ensuring economic prosperity for the community we call home.

At Citizens Bank we pledge to never lose sight of the all-important “relationship” and the personalized service our customers expect.

Remember, we are all in this together. Community banks like Citizens Bank are only successful if our customers and communities are, too. That’s why community banks and our relationship business model have thrived for more than 150 years. We know what it takes to create successful local economies. Join us in helping to build a more sustainable, vibrant economy here at home.

June 11, 2024

Citizens Bank Community Bank Week Scholarship Awardees (2023-24 School Year)

May 10, 2024

McMinnville – For the 24th consecutive year, our McMinnville Branch has partnered with Country Garden Nursery to raise money for the American Cancer Society with beautiful hanging flower baskets, just in time for Mother’s Day. This year, 525 baskets were sold resulting in a $5,300 donation to Relay for Life. The sun was shining bright, as were the colorful flowers and smiling faces.  

May 3, 2024

Strawberry Festival Junior Princesses Visit Lebanon Branch

April 17, 2024

Corvallis–Citizens Bank has partnered with the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines to provide $24,000 in grants from the FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund to the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis and Community Outreach Inc. This matching grant program, which was introduced in 2023, will provide nearly $20 million to eligible organizations in order to strengthen communities in targeted areas of FHLB Des Moines’ district. In 2024 FHLB Des Moines increased the Member Impact Fund by $10 million.

“As a community Bank, Citizens Bank understands the importance of supporting worthwhile organizations working to improve our community,” said Gordon Zimmerman, President and CEO of Citizens Bank. “We are proud to join with the FHLB of Des Moines to provide funds to both the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis and Community Outreach Inc.”

The Boys and Girls Club of Corvallis will receive a $12,000 grant. “These funds will help provide reduced fees for youth to ensure that cost is not a barrier for a child to have a safe and fun place to spend their summer vacation while parents are at work,” said Helen Higgins, CEO. As the main provider of after-school care in Corvallis, the Boys and Girls Club serves nearly 2,500 members ages 5-18 and provides outreach services to 5,000+ youth across Benton County.

Community Outreach Inc. (COI) will also receive a $12,000 grant. COI provides a comprehensive, integrated array of the highest quality services to more than 5,500 men, women, and families annually, gives out over 7,000 food boxes a year, and offers free medical to anyone in the community that needs it.

“This support for our organization is just one way Citizens Bank shows how much they really care for each individual in our community,” said Mike Speten, Director of Development at COI. “Every dollar counts in a community when so many people are one paycheck away from needing our services and this grant will allow 12 months of housing support for a family that needs it.”

April 6, 2024

December 2, 2023

Oregon City– On December 2nd, law enforcement agencies & volunteers from across Clackamas County came together for the Clackamas County Peace Officers Benevolent Foundation’s 17th-annual "Shop with a Cop" program. This year, 127 kids were given a holiday shopping spree at the Clackamas Fred Meyer. Our Oregon City Branch is proud to support such a wonderful program that helps give local children in need a special Christmas.

November 2, 2023

Lebanon Branch Helps Seniors Identify Financial Scams & Fraud

Lebanon– Financial scams and identity theft are increasing threats to all Americans, with older adults being particularly vulnerable. As part of Community Bank Week, our Lebanon Branch visited the Lebanon Senior Center and gave a series of educational presentations about how to identify and protect yourself from fraudulent phone calls, emails, and more.