CONNECTIONS A meeting place for community bankers The Banking on Diversity program from a group of community banks has helped minorityowned business owners, including Vi Vo and Khuong Nguyen of Vivo Spa, with interestfree loans. " It is so rare and refreshing to have banks that are giving businesses of color this opportunity, this first step of establishing creditworthiness. " -SUSAN MITCHELL, GUARDIANS OF HONOR A group of four community banks is breaking down barriers to accessing credit. Read how on page 76 d independentbanker.org Q 71http://www.independentbanker.org