Independent Banker - February 2023 - 69

CONNECTIONS TRAILBLAZER
for Scottsdale Community Bank's
microloan program, the humble
lemonade stand has special
significance for Weisz, who has had a
miniature model of one in his office
for more than 40 years.
" It reminds me of my roots in many
ways, " he says. " My first exposure
to business, when I was probably
six or seven years old, was hawking
lemonade in front of our home,
earning a small amount to give me
a feeling of accomplishment and
teaching me the value of earning
money and saving money. " It also
helped build confidence, people skills
and trust, he says.
Never out of sight
The model, one of his most prized
possessions, is a constant reminder
for Weisz of the importance of
interacting with people, gaining
confidence and respect for others,
starting an enterprise and the hard
work involved in success. Since
childhood, Weisz has always firmly
believed and told anyone who will
listen: " Never pass up a lemonade
stand. " He explains his reasoning:
" One never knows whose life one
might change, encourage or help
succeed by buying a cup or a generous
pitcher of that sweet elixir and having
a nice conversation. "
Expanding the lemonade stand
Something So Worth It-a nonprofit organization in Phoenix, Ariz.,
that raises funds to sponsor activities for children with severe
medical challenges-shares the bank's love for the lemonade
stand concept.
After learning that the nonprofit hosts lemonade stand
fundraisers across the Phoenix metro area once a year, George
Weisz, chairman of Scottsdale Community Bank, reached out. The
community bank wanted to partner and help the organization meet
its goals, Weisz says, and a meaningful relationship formed.
At Scottsdale Community Bank's grand opening at the beginning
of 2022, Something So Worth It's founder, Allison Lefebvre, set up
a full-sized lemonade stand in the bank's lobby to advertise her
organization and its events.
" It is a perfect fit, " Weisz says, " especially since our bank also
specializes in helping nonprofit organizations. "
Since the Lemonade Stand Loan
Program is a recent introduction, it's
still too early to gauge its success.
However, it has already generated
interest among Scottsdale's business
community. In the meantime, the
community bank is meeting with
local business associations and
government entities with the goal of
creating a consortium of community
banks to extend microloan
opportunities to local businesses
and organizations.
Scottsdale Community Bank
leadership has also met with
government entities to see how
community banks can creatively
partner with state and local
agencies to provide microloans
to small businesses throughout
the community.
" We have a vision of public-private
partnerships, which, if created
appropriately, can be a win-win for
both local governments and their
communities, " Weisz says. " In fact,
we have several revitalization areas in
which simple microloans may provide
the horsepower for small businesses
to survive and then thrive. " 
William Atkinson is a writer in Illinois.
68 // ICBA Independent Banker // February 2023
Q
A Independent Bank
Q June 2022
" [Small businesses] need a place that
will listen to their financial needs and
to their dreams of being independent,
having financial security, contributing
to the community and providing
resources for their families. "
-GEORGE WEISZ, SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY BANK
Independent Banker - February 2023

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