6A Madison Enterprise-Recorder


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Friday, April 22, 2011


Madison County Community Bank Celebrates


       "People You Know, A Bank You Can Trust"


By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   A large white banner hangs from the second-
storey balcony, between two white columns in front of
the Madison County Community Bank, proclaiming
'April is Community Banking Month."
   For the entire month of April, independent, com-
munity-based banks across the country are celebrating
their investment in their hometown communities and
their unique connection with their customers, things
they believe set them apart from large, corporately
owned mega-banks with branches in multiple loca-
tions.
    Since 1999, when a group of local people came to-
gether and formed Madison County Community Bank,
MCCB is Madison County's only locally-owned bank.
   MCCB President Edward Meggs underscores that
local connection, describing it as a pattern typical of
locally-owned community banks: "Our board mem-
bers, officers, employees and most of our shareholders
live, work and play in this community; we have a vest-
ed interest in the success of our community. Our em-
ployees know our customers' first names, their
spouses, their kids, their grandkids...we see them in
civic clubs, churches, community events. As a result,
we make decisions for the betterment of everyone, not
just the bank."


       Greene Publishing Inc. Photo by Lynette Norris, April 20, 2011
   Madison County Community Bank proudly dis-
plays the banner for Community Banking Month.
   In contrast to branch banks with multiple loca-
tions spread far and wide, he adds, "While the employ-
ees (of these banks) are good people, most of the
decisions are made at another location, outside the
community. These decisions are sometimes good for
the bank, not the community where they do business."
   Corporate headquarters for MCCB is right here in
Madison. "We're not shipping money off to other lo-
cations for salaries and benefits, and like most com-
munity banks, we're a mirror image of our


community When they're hurting, we're hurting, and
when they're prosperous, we prosper."
   Because it keeps profits here at home, MCCB has
been able to help fund scholarships to Madison Coun-
ty High School graduates, through the Madison Coun-
ty Foundation for Excellence in Education, as well as
with North Florida Community College.
   The bank is also heavily involved in several local
events that benefit Madison County, such as Down
Home Days, Relay For Life and the United Way
   But, one of their most popular events is the annu-
al Veteran's Day Remembrance Ceremony Every No-
vember 11, even though the bank itself is closed,
employees open the lobby doors and invite the citizens
of Madison inside, for ceremony that is typically
standing-room-only well before the service begins.
   With local veterans and officials serving as guest
speakers and leading the pledge of allegiance, local
ministers leading the invocations and prayers, and lo-
cal singers performing patriotic music, the obser-
vance is a way of bringing people together to honor
their friends and family members who have served
their country, and remember those who are no longer
with them.
   "These are things we have done for years and will
continue to do," said Meggs. "It is our way of giving
back to our community"


                                     "I truly love the employees at
                                 MCCB. They are like a family. Each
                                 person I come into contact with is help-
   "I love that MCCB is my communi- ful, has a smile, a joke, or a treat. I just
ty bank. They have great customer love that chocolate! The employees
service, and are open on Saturday."  are the best!"
                     -Bobby Patel                   -Sharon French


I


   "Madison County  Community
Bank has exemplified the definition of
what Community really is. They have
done an outstanding job in working
with our business and meeting our
specific needs as a small growing
        :- -     . . ..   IAI-


    "I love MCCB because of the peo- company in arurai comm
pie who work there and the good ser- proud to be partnered w
vice they give. It's always good to call wish them continued gro
and hear Miss Sue's sweet voice." cess."
                     -Leatha Davis

           Walk For Life


unity. we are
ith them and
wth and suc-
-Jay Fraleigh


Raises Awareness


     Of A Women's


Pregnancy Center


By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   The Walk for Life to benefit A
Women's Pregnancy Center in Madi-
son was held Saturday, April 9.
   Approximately 75 walkers walked
from the Courthouse, down to Lake
Francis and back to the Courthouse,
to raise aware for millions of unborn


children being aborted each year.
   A Women's Pregnancy Center of-
fers alternatives to abortion and
helps train young mothers in child
rearing.
   For more information on A
Women's Pregnancy Center, located
at 345 NW Marion Street, in Madison,
please call (850) 973-6970.


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