ROACHDALE – In recognition of National Agriculture Day, Tri-County Bank and Trust Co. and the Independent Community Bankers of America are celebrating the contributions of local farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses across the United States.

“At TCB, we recognize the critical role of agriculture, which is essential to the health and prosperity of our country,” said Chuck Dixon, President and CEO of TCB. “At TCB, we are committed to doing all we can to support these stewards of the earth and their work to preserve our nation’s natural resources — today, tomorrow, and into the future — for the benefit of all Americans.”

Community banks provide 80% of all finance and are often catalysts for new and expanded business opportunities within their communities. In fact, community banks provide about $130 billion in agricultural loans.

National Agriculture Day was founded nearly 50 years ago to recognize farmers’ contributions to providing Americans with healthy, affordable, and plentiful food options. ICBA offers the following facts about the agriculture industry:

• The typical American farmer produces enough food and fiber to feed 166 people, creating jobs and investment throughout the economy.

• Americans spend less than 10% of their disposable income on food, allowing consumers the financial freedom to purchase other goods.

• Agriculture and related industries employ 21.6 million people, or 11% of the US total. use.

“Community Banks have served the agricultural community for over a century, applying their intrinsic knowledge of local markets and relationship-based lending philosophy to meet the financial needs of this sector,” said the President and CEO. General of the ICBA, Rebeca Romero Rainey. “Our nation’s community bankers look forward to building on this rich tradition of service, which sustains our nation’s food supply and strengthens our economy.

TCB is a community bank with five offices located in Putnam and Montgomery counties. Founded in 1892, TCB meets the needs of the communities it has served for 130 years. Its deposit and loan products are tailored to the markets it serves. In addition, the bank is involved in its communities by getting involved in local events. Many bank employees are involved in various community, school and religious organizations. For more information visit www.tricountybank.net.

The Independent Community Bankers of [email protected] and promotes an environment where community banks thrive. ICBA is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its members through effective advocacy, first-class education, and high-quality products and services.

With nearly 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks represent about 99% of all banks, employ nearly 700,000 Americans, and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties. Holding nearly $5.9 trillion in assets, more than $4.9 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.5 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses, and the farming community, community banks channel local depots on Main Streets and the neighborhoods they serve, driving job creation, fostering innovation, and fueling the dreams of their customers in communities across America. For more information, visit the ICBA website at www.icba.org.