Hey Neighbor! - The Importance of Community Banking

Who is Your Hero?

If I were to ask this in person, I have a feeling that answers would vary from superheroes depicted in books and media, to individuals who you have had personal contact with, whose stories stir within us feelings of admiration and a desire to be like them.

In response to who my hero is, I will readily tell you that it is the one, and only, Mister Fred Rogers.

Do you remember Mister Rogers? For me, the mention of his name makes me think of simpler times when I would watch his show during the morning or afternoon. How I looked forward to seeing him come onto screen and change into his trademark red sweater! I was captivated by his slow, methodical approach in interacting with me and others. Growing up, and even now, I consider him my friend. He was my dependable television neighbor who taught me. He invested in my growth, despite the screen and distance that separated us. He took the time to explain situations and teach me skills that would help me in the changing world that I lived in. He was the kindhearted man who, in every episode, asked me “won’t you be my neighbor?”.

In a world of change and insecurity, it is crucial now, more than ever, to focus on the invitation of being a neighbor and finding a neighbor on whom you can rely. It is important to have someone in your corner who is dependable in meeting your basic needs, who takes the time to invest in you as an individual, and who helps you achieve your potential.

This is what we strive for at First Community Bank. Our vision statement is “Everyone comes in as a customer and leaves as a friend.” Being a community bank, we are focused on the needs of our neighbors and are aware of what is going on in our neighborhood. Our purpose is to build communities (neighborhoods) one dream at a time!

Though we may be “bankers” by trade, our desire is to be your dependable neighbor. We are invested in your growth and strive to collaborate with you to overcome any barriers that would limit your financial potential. We are here to explain and offer solutions to your needs and are ready to share our banking skills that will help you in this changing world. And if you are just in need of a listening ear, then we are here for you in that role as well.

To close, I would like to share the words of Mister Rogers himself… “I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you! I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you. So, let’s make the most of this beautiful day; since we’re together we might as well say, would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won’t you be my neighbor?”

Reference: “Won’t you be my neighbor” (1990). Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. (2018, September 7). https://www.misterrogers.org/videos/wont-you-be-my-neighbor/ 

Author: Lindsay Stratton, Deposit Operations Specialist