County National Bank News Releases
July 14, 2008
Through Increasingly Difficult Environment,
County National Bank Boasts Top Safety Rating
July 2008: County National Bank, Hillsdale, Michigan stands strong in the current environment while many financial institutions are faltering. You don’t have to take their word for it, though; County National Bank has earned a 5-Star Superior rating from BauerFinancial, Inc. of Coral Gables, FL, the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm. The 5-Star rating is based on the overall financial picture of the bank and indicates that County National Bank is one of the strongest banks in the nation. What’s more, this represents the 78th consecutive quarter that County National Bank has earned this highest honor giving it the added distinction of being an “Exceptional Performance Bank”. Only institutions that have achieved this highest 5-Star rating for ten years or longer can claim this distinction.
“In a climate where it is increasingly difficult to shine, County National Bank proves it can be done,” remarks Karen L. Dorway, president of the research firm. “In fact, local residents should be proud that their community bank is one of the elite financial institutions in the nation. They can rest assured that their deposits are well-placed in this 5-Star bank.”
Established in 1934, County National Bank has been pleased to fulfill the financial needs of its neighbors and friends for 74 years. It currently operates through eleven conveniently located offices and can also be found on the internet at www.countynationalbank.com.
County National Bank: “Your 5-Star Community Bank.”
BauerFinancial, Inc., Coral Gables, Florida, the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm, has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. No institution pays for its rating, nor can they elude it. Consumers may obtain star-ratings by visiting www.bauerfinancial.com.
###
For more information on County National Bank, or any other U.S. bank or credit union, contact Karen Dorway directly at 800.388.6686 or e-mail her at kdorway@bauerfinancial.com.
BauerFinancial, Inc. 2655 LeJeune Road, Penthouse One, Coral Gables, FL 33134.
January 16, 2008
COUNTY
NATIONAL BANK OPENS STUDENT OPERATED
IN-SCHOOL BANK BRANCH AT LINCOLN ELEMENTARY
Hudson, Michigan, January 16, 2008 - Ronald J. Haber, 2nd Vice President, Greg Choinski, Branch Manager and Kim Hedrick, New Account Representative from the Hudson Office of County National Bank were at the Lincoln Elementary school today to celebrate the opening of its first in-school bank branch. Students from the third and fourth grades will assist bank personnel in the operation of this very unique branch. The in-school branch will be open at least once a month, with bank representatives on hand, to accept deposits from participating students.
The financial world has become exceedingly complex. Sadly, financial illiteracy is growing as a result. Even basic money management skills are often lacking in adults today and many parents feel unprepared to teach their kids about money. While awareness of the importance of financial literacy is growing, solutions have been slower to develop.
An in-school bank branch will encourage primary school children to save their money and watch it grow. Children can open up a savings account and make regular deposits while they are at school. The program will create a new generation of savers by teaching students the need to set financial goals and the need to budget to save. Working as volunteers, third and fourth grade students will have hands on experience in a financial setting providing a supplement to current math, computer, and social skills.
County National Bank offers the following tips to help parents teach their children to save:
· Help kids open up their own bank savings account and make deposits regularly.
· Kids love to get mail, so keep an eye out for their statement.
· Include a discussion on wants and needs. Reinforce this by budgeting for a family outing or purchase.
· Give your kids positive feedback. As they get older, give them responsibility for how they spend their money.
County National Bank has been providing community banking products and services since 1934. CNB has 11 full-service offices serving 11 communities in south central Michigan and is committed to superior customer service.
August 20, 2007
County National Bank Offers Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure
An estimated one million families will face foreclosure this year. Not only do foreclosures have a disastrous financial impact on a family, but they also have harsh consequences for entire communities.
County National Bank recognizes that keeping homeowners in their homes is often the best way to mitigate credit losses, preserve customer relationships, maintain stable neighborhoods, and minimize the detrimental effects vacant properties can have on a community. Studies show that roughly 50% of delinquent borrowers avoid contact with their lender hoping the problem will go away. As soon as you know you will not be able to make your mortgage payment, it is imperative to contact your lender. It’s important for mortgage borrowers to maintain an open and honest dialogue with their lenders. “No one wants a foreclosure -- the homeowner or the banker,” said Gene Vagg, the Senior Vice President and Senior Mortgage Officer of County National Bank. “CNB will work with the borrower to keep them in their homes and establish a long-term relationship.”
County National Bank offers the following tips to help keep homeowners in their home:
- Analyze your financial situation. It’s important to be honest when assessing your finances. Calculate all your monthly payments and find out exactly how much you will be able to afford to pay in the upcoming months.
- Call your lender before you miss a payment. A missed payment will haunt your credit score for a long time. It’s important to talk with your lender and figure out your next steps in order to keep your credit intact.
- Work out a game plan. With your lender, work out a compromise on your mortgage. A foreclosure is extremely costly for lenders, so they want to avoid this outcome if at all possible. Find out if you can get an extension on your payments or a flexible payment plan.
- Remedy the situation. A payment plan or extension is only a temporary fix to a larger problem. Meet with a financial planner or credit counselor to make a long-term plan. It’s important to make an effort to change your financial situation.