Next: Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx QUICK STAT 16% of community bank executives said they plan to open more branches in 2021, while 70% say they'll maintain their existing branches Source: Independent Banker 2021 Community Bank CEO Outlook survey for a touchless transaction, but we understand the physical branch offers a better platform to build relationships and truly understand the needs of our customers. " The main benefit of the expansion, Johnson says, is more access to primary deposit accounts, which allows the community bank to deploy more capital in its target markets. Another has been that it allows Bank of Vernon to spread out its personnel during the pandemic. He adds that half of the community bank's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans were a direct result of the Mississippi branch locations. Other benefits for customers include safety deposit boxes and selfservice coin machines, which proved helpful during the recent issues with coin circulation. " We have moved forward with biometric self-entry boxes in our newest branch, " Johnson says. " This is another offering that reaches a segment of the market not touched in the online world. Each product and service provides additional opportunities to improve relationships and outcomes with customers, and in many cases is their first banking relationship. This would not be possible without the physical branch. " Roshan McArthur is a writer in California. Build Value in Your Community The Mortgage Partnership Finance® (MPF® ) Program helps institutions and community lenders gain access to the secondary market where WKH\ FDQ VHOO ORDQV UHFHLYH D VKDUH RI WKH SUR¿ WV DQG FUHDWH DGGLWLRQDO mortgage opportunities in their communities. Learn more about the MPF Products available for conventional/ conforming and government loans by visiting FHLBMPF.com. FHLBMPF.com (877) 345-2673 " Mortgage Partnership Finance " and " MPF " are registered trademarks of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. The " MPF Mortgage Partnership Finance " logo is a trademark of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.http://www.FHLBMPF.com http://www.FHLBMPF.com