2021 CSBS Community Bank Case Study Competition Journal

2021 COMMUNITY BANK CASE STUDY COMPETITION

has discovered to provide services to these minority groups is to have one-on-one meetings and small group meetings of 5 to 10 people. Community meetings are conducted in two of the markets in which TriStar owns branches. The gathering points for these meetings are usually local churches, and TriStar works with many identifiable minority leaders in the community to help reach individuals who need assistance or guidance. The main purpose of the community meetings is for TriStar to reach members of its market and to help educate and advise attendees so they will have a better understanding of the mortgage and home- buying process (A. Petty, Zoom, March 26, 2021). TriStar’s Programs Promote Economic Development Community banks are more flexible in supporting local projects that promote economic development. TriStar has been proactive in this area by implementing a unique approach for promoting economic development in middle Tennessee communities housing the Bank’s branches. For example, marketing funds are used to create and support impactful projects in the community. Bank officers search for partnership or sponsor opportunities with local towns in Dickson, Maury, and Williamson Counties. One program created by TriStar that has been influential in middle Tennessee education systems is the Star Student program. Many low-income families may be unable to reward their children for good attendance and grades in school. TriStar understands the positive

TriStar understands the positive impacts that incentivizing good work ethic in local youth will have on the community, as well as teaching the basic importance of finance at an early age.

TriStar’s community. TriStar also took part in sponsoring the Promise Land Community Foundation fundraising event. Promise Land is located in one of TriStar’s main markets, Dickson County, and three of the churches located in the area are important historical and community institutions for the African- American population (Martin and Moore). TriStar strives to support diversity, inclusion, and the minority population of its area by participating in these events. Holding community meetings has allowed TriStar to engage more diverse markets. TriStar officers explained that stigma or fear can surround banking for some minority groups; therefore, meetings were created to contact and specifically assist these groups with financial issues. Bank President Church explained that the most effective approach TriStar

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