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..................................................................................................................................................................... Paycheck Protection (PPP), forgivable loans designed to help small businesses maintain their payroll, hire back employees who had been laid off, and cover overhead. While the PPP was administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), the nation’s financial institutions were responsible for processing and funding the loans. Despite little direction from the SBA on how the loan program would work, River Bank & Trust navigated the process. Our culture of one-on-one, relationship-based banking allowed us to be quick, flexible, and proactive for our small business customers. We pro- vided them with guidance regarding the PPP as well as the eco- nomic climate and what the future might look like. As applications rushed in, our team worked late into nights and over weekends to ensure vital funding was received by those who needed it most. While it was stressful and challenging at times, we were energized knowing that we were doing important work — helping small businesses survive and keeping our economy moving. As we worked, something interesting happened. Business owners we hadn’t heard from before started reaching out to us. Either they couldn’t get help from their existing financial institutions or they had been referred to us by satisfied customers. River Bank immediately made the decision to help them. Whether that meant offering financial advice or helping secure PPP loans, no one would be turned away. Our open arms approached allowed us to be here for the small businesses in our communities when it mattered most. To date, River Bank & Trust has helped secure over 2,000 PPP loans providing nearly $162 million worth of aid to our friends and neighbors. With advancements in digital technology, banking has become less personal. Conveniences like online banking, mobile applica- tions, and direct deposit have changed the way people interact with their financial institutions. Visits to the bank are few and far between. As long as the technology is working, most customers are satisfied with their banking experience. While River Bank & Trust offers a wide array of digital technologies, we also offer some- thing that other financial institutions have gotten away from – personal relationships. And if the PPP experience teaches us any- thing, it’s that personal relationships matter — especially in times of crisis. A BOUT R IVER B ANK & T RUST In 2006, River Bank & Trust opened with two main goals: 1) es- tablish a community-focused financial institution that would sup- port local decision making and 2) re-circulate money back into the communities it serves. Since then, River Bank & Trust has grown to be one of the largest state-chartered banks in Alabama with current assets exceeding $1.6 billion and eighteen locations in Alexander City, Auburn, Clanton, Daphne, Dothan, Enterprise, Thorsby, Gadsden, Millbrook, Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika, Prattville, and Wetumpka. The bank’s mission is to be a trusted partner and friend, helping neighbors and businesses in the com- munities they serve reach their financial goals. For more informa- tion, visit riverbankandtrust.com. n Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter JUNE/JULY 2020 33