The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Buckeye Community Bank marks 20th
Buckeye Community Bank, launched in October 1999, is marking its 20th anniversary.
Buckeye Community Bank, launched in October 1999, was created to ensure that financial capital would be available to the local businesses that fuel the area’s economy, according to a news release.
This week, the Buckeye team celebrates two successful decades of championing small and midsized companies and its path forward in providing access to funding that may not otherwise be available, the release said.
Since 1999, the area has witnessed the disappearance of many local banking institutions because of mergers and acquisitions by larger out-of-area banks.
The spark leading to Buckeye’s creation was a changing marketplace encountered by an entrepreneur with a good business plan who found a lack of funding and support for local businesses, according to the release.
In the late 1990s, local entrepreneur and philanthropist Billy S. Rowland gathered a group of business and civic leaders to work on launching the bank.
Rowland and others feared the dire economic consequences that could occur with no local institution focused solely on the local business community, the release said.
Buckeye opened its doors Oct. 12, 1999, with a team of 13 employees, which has grown to 30 today.
“It is local financial institutions like Buckeye Community Bank that are so crucial to the success of the businesses in the community,” said Buckeye President Ben P. Norton, who was a member of the team on Buckeye’s first day. “It has always been the commitment that Buckeye’s leadership team, which makes decisions that can affect a company’s stability, growth and impact on local jobs, would be based right here.
“Because we are focused here, and not on growing in numerous regions or states, we are uniquely attuned to those we serve. We work hard to make Buckeye the first choice and make sure funding is available to advance local businesses and retain and grow jobs and investments.
“Buckeye’s team believes in our business community and wants to be a partner in its success because we have a real stake in the community not only as community bankers but as people who live and raise our families here.”
A hallmark of Buckeye’s distinct value is its ability to make quick, local decisions allowing clients to capture opportunities faster, the release said.
Additionally, deposits and funds at Buckeye remain in the community, not sent to another city or state, Norton said.
“Leadership supports the growth of the community,” he said. “We want to continue to serve the region with quality service and banking products.
“We can’t be successful if the surrounding community is not, because we support each other.”
“We know every business experiences its share of challenges, and we have remained steadfast to serving this community and remaining independent,” said Buckeye CEO Bruce E. Stevens. “Buckeye could not have reached this important anniversary without a fantastic, customer-focused staff that has built lasting relationships that return value to our clients, shareholders and community.”
“Buckeye Community Bank was established to work with local businesses in order to keep the community strong and running,” said James A. Park, chair of Buckeye Bancshares Inc., the parent of Buckeye Community Bank, and a member of the Board of Directors. “This significant milestone is a direct result of the loyalty of our clients and our community partners, as well as the hard work of our dedicated team.
“It is an exceptional accomplishment by all involved and we look forward to the opportunity to serve our community for many more years to come.”