Independent Banker - April 2022 - 77

communities, " says Mark Ouellette,
first vice president and director of
affordable housing for BankPlus. " We
are continuously looking for ways
to position ourselves around what
our communities need most, and the
Community Students Learning Center
aligns perfectly with our essential
value of improving quality of life and
making a positive difference. "
Ouellette notes that BankPlus has
crafted its community development
philosophy to make funding a
possibility for low- to moderateincome
communities. " We understand
that the needs of these programs don't
always fit the typical underwriting
criteria used, " he says. " Our
commitment to our communities has
allowed us to lean into innovative and
creative ways to serve their needs. "
With BankPlus, Greer knew CSLC
had found not just a bank, but a
community partner.
Beulah Greer: BankPlus is in our
county. They are genuine, caring
people who want to give back to
constituents. It's important to work
with a local bank when you're giving
back in your own community.
Mark Ouellette: As a community
bank and partner, we strive to
understand the needs of the many
populations we serve in order to
ensure the success of community
development initiatives. When our
communities are thriving, it creates a
ripple effect with a lasting impact. We
understand these investments are not
just for today but lead to growth and
success in the future as well.
The relationship has extended
beyond one project to new
areas that support CSLC's
overall mission.
Greer: Beyond home rehabilitation
and development projects, BankPlus
has also been generous in helping
" We understand that
the needs of these
programs don't
always fit the typical
underwriting criteria
used. Our commitment
to our communities
has allowed us to lean
into innovative and
creative ways to serve
their needs. "
-MARK OUELLETTE, BANKPLUS
us with a program that focuses on
developing the learning of preschool
youngsters. As the program's sponsor
for the past eight years, BankPlus
has been instrumental in helping the
community through this work-and
it's been an enormous success! In fact,
a few years ago, the state produced
assessment tests for the third grade,
and all 18 children who were in our
program passed on the first round.
Ouellette: It's why you hear us say
so often, " It's more than a name.
It's a promise. " When our partners
see there is a need, we want them to
know they can count on BankPlus
to respond. It's a promise of a
better tomorrow.
This commitment to innovation
for the good of the community
continues to have positive effects.
Greer: BankPlus has assisted us
with new ways and new options to
meet our mission. They know what
our community is looking for and
help us find other innovative ideas
to strengthen the relationship. When
you bank locally, people know where
their money is going. It feels good
when you're putting money in this
bank, and they are giving back to us.
Ouellette: As BankPlus continues
to expand into new markets, no
matter how large the bank grows,
we will always be first and foremost
a community bank. Our pledge is to
help the neighborhoods, towns and
cities we serve thrive. We continue
to do this by fixing our innovation
strategy around a deep understanding
of our community needs. 
Colleen Morrison is a writer
in Maryland.
By the numbers
BankPlus has provided and/or
helped CSLC secure:
An initial grant of
$308,000
to make desperately needed
repairs for 44 elderly and
disabled homeowners
A second grant of
$495,000
to assist more families
with home repairs
$1,974,462
from a HUD Rural Innovation
Grant to fund job training
and the construction of a
subdivision of new low- to
moderate-income homes
$1,171,174
in Federal Home Loan Bank
of Dallas grants
independentbanker.org Q 75
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Independent Banker - April 2022

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