Latest news with #CourtneySchmitt
Associated Press
04-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
First Federal Savings Bank and ICBA: Support Local Small Businesses Throughout National Small Business Week, May 4-10
EVANSVILLE, Ind., May 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Federal Savings Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) encourage Americans to reinvest in their local community by shopping with small businesses, especially during National Small Business Week, May 4-10, 2025. Small businesses have generated 17.3 million net new jobs (from 1995-2021), accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the economy. 'At the center of our commitment to fostering local prosperity is empowering small businesses,' Courtney Schmitt, VP, Marketing Manager at First Federal Savings Bank. 'When small businesses thrive, the growth of our community follows, and so we champion the successes of small businesses by providing financial support.' Small businesses comprise 99.9 percent of all firms and account for 44 percent of U.S. economic activity. When it comes to their financing needs, they most often turn to community banks, which fund more than 60 percent of all small business loans under $1 million. In fact, small businesses consistently rank community banks as their lender of choice, according to a series of studies from the Federal Reserve Banks. 'ICBA represents the nation's community banks, which power the potential of locally grown businesses,' ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. 'Community banks ensure that small businesses have access to vital capital and contribute to the growth and prosperity of the community overall.' To find out more about how First Federal Savings Bank can help support you or the small businesses that fuel our community, visit our website at For more on National Small Business Week, visit To learn more about the community bank difference, visit About First Federal Savings Bank Member FDIC First Federal Savings Bank was established on Evansville, Indiana's Westside in 1904. A community bank offering eight locations in Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Henderson County. First Federal Savings Bank is also proud to offer Home Building Savings Bank locations in Daviess and Pike County. About ICBA The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation's community banks through effective advocacy, education, and Contacts Courtney Schmitt [email protected] (812) 492-8295 Nicole Swann [email protected] 202-821-4458 @ICBA_nswann
Associated Press
04-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
First Federal Savings Bank Awards $27,500 in Funds to United Caring Services Through FHLBank Indianapolis Grant Program
EVANSVILLE, Ind., April 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Federal Savings Bank, a member bank of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis), awarded United Caring Services $27,500 in grant funds through the Community Multiplier – Member Match Program The $27,500 grant will support United Caring Services' mission to help transition individuals out of homelessness and into permanent housing solutions. 'We are proud to partner with United Caring Services in support of their vital mission to help individuals transition out of homelessness and into stable, permanent housing,' said Courtney Schmitt, VP, Marketing Manager at First Federal Savings Bank. 'Through programs like Care Ride and essential assistance in obtaining Social Security, VA, and other benefits, United Caring Services provides a path forward for those in need. This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting long-term, sustainable solutions that strengthen lives and our community as a whole.' 'This partnership with First Federal Savings Bank comes at a critical time when funds are needed to help get our guests to these vital services,' said Ryan Rigg, Executive Director of United Caring Services. 'The majority of guests do not have transportation which is often a barrier to transition out of homelessness and this program will help us to overcome that barrier.' The Community Multiplier – Member Match program is FHLBank Indianapolis' newest program offering, designed to support targeted affordable housing initiatives that fall outside of FHLBank Indianapolis' other grant programs. Community Multiplier offers grants between $25,000 and $125,000 for non-profit organizations headquartered in Indiana or Michigan who partner with an FHLBank Indianapolis member financial institution on targeted affordable housing initiatives. With a 10% matching funds commitment from the member financial institution, FHLBank Indianapolis is providing grants between $25,000 and $125,000. The program opened March 27, 2025 with a $5 million allocation and is available until October 1, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. You're Invited To celebrate this meaningful partnership, First Federal Savings Bank and United Caring Services will host a press conference and check presentation ceremony on Tuesday, April 8 at 2:00 PM CST at First Federal Savings Bank's corporate headquarters located at 5001 Davis Lant Drive Evansville, IN 47715. We invite the members of the media, community partners, and the public to join us as we present a $27,500 contribution in support of United Caring Services' mission to help individuals transition out of homelessness and into permanent housing solutions. About First Federal Savings Bank Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender First Federal Savings Bank was established on Evansville, Indiana's Westside in 1904. A community bank offering eight locations in Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Henderson County. First Federal Savings Bank is also proud to offer Home Building Savings Bank locations in Daviess and Pike County. Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis: Building Partnerships. Serving Communities. FHLBank Indianapolis is a regional bank included in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to ensure access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with particular attention paid to providing solutions that support the housing and small business needs of members' customers. FHLBanks are privately capitalized and funded and receive no Congressional appropriations. FHLBank Indianapolis is owned by its Indiana and Michigan financial institution members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions and community development financial institutions. For more information about FHLBank Indianapolis, visit and follow the Bank on LinkedIn and X (formerly known as Twitter) at @FHLBankIndy.
Associated Press
04-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
First Federal Savings Bank Awards $27,500 in Funds to Habitat for Humanity Through FHLBank Indianapolis Grant Program
EVANSVILLE, Ind., April 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Federal Savings Bank, a member bank of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis), awarded Habitat for Humanity $27,500 in grant funds through the Community Multiplier – Member Match Program. The $27,500 grant will support Habitat for Humanity's educational assistance programs for current and prospective homeowners. 'We are proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity in support of their educational assistance programs for current and prospective homeowners,' said Courtney Schmitt, VP, Marketing Manager at First Federal Savings Bank. 'Homeownership is a cornerstone of financial stability, and by investing in these programs, we are helping individuals and families build stronger, more secure futures. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering communities through financial education and support.' Beth Folz, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Evansville stated 'We were excited to hear from First Federal Savings Bank that we had been selected to receive this wonderful grant from the Community Multiplier program. We are thrilled for the future Habitat homeowners who will be impacted by the financial education programs that we can offer due to this tremendous support.' The Community Multiplier – Member Match program is FHLBank Indianapolis' newest program offering, designed to support targeted affordable housing initiatives that fall outside of FHLBank Indianapolis' other grant programs. Community Multiplier offers grants between $25,000 and $125,000 for non-profit organizations headquartered in Indiana or Michigan who partner with an FHLBank Indianapolis member financial institution on targeted affordable housing initiatives. With a 10% matching funds commitment from the member financial institution, FHLBank Indianapolis is providing grants between $25,000 and $125,000. The program opened March 27, 2025 with a $5 million allocation and is available until October 1, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. You're Invited To celebrate this meaningful partnership, First Federal Savings Bank and Habitat for Humanity of Evansville will host a press conference and check presentation ceremony on Wednesday, April 9 at 3:30 PM CST at First Federal Savings Bank's corporate headquarters located at 5001 Davis Lant Drive Evansville, IN 47715. We invite the members of the media, community partners, and the public to join us as we present a $27,500 contribution in support of Habitat for Humanity's mission to provide educational assistance programs for current and prospective homeowners About First Federal Savings Bank Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender First Federal Savings Bank was established on Evansville, Indiana's Westside in 1904. A community bank offering eight locations in Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Henderson County. First Federal Savings Bank is also proud to offer Home Building Savings Bank locations in Daviess and Pike County. Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis: Building Partnerships. Serving Communities. FHLBank Indianapolis is a regional bank included in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to ensure access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with particular attention paid to providing solutions that support the housing and small business needs of members' customers. FHLBanks are privately capitalized and funded and receive no Congressional appropriations. FHLBank Indianapolis is owned by its Indiana and Michigan financial institution members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions and community development financial institutions. For more information about FHLBank Indianapolis, visit and follow the Bank on LinkedIn and X (formerly known as Twitter) at @FHLBankIndy.
Associated Press
14-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
ICBA and First Federal Savings Bank: How Relationship Banking Funds Local Prosperity
EVANSVILLE, Ind., Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Federal Savings Bank and Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) are reminding consumers that banking locally is an investment in the community and creates a lifelong relationship with a hometown lender with community ties and a vested interest in their customers' financial success. 'At First Federal Savings Bank, we believe that banking is about more than transactions – it's about relationships and giving back to the place we call home. Thank you for being part of our story. We pledge to continue supporting local initiatives, investing in our neighbors, and making a positive difference together,' said Courtney Schmitt, VP, Marketing Manager. Community banks are financial stewards of their communities, funding more than 60 percent of small businesses, more than 80 percent of agricultural loans, and helping local families finance major purchases and build financial security. Community banks: Respect and honor community ties by channeling loans to neighborhoods where their depositors live and work, which helps drive the local economy. Are relationship lenders, taking a holistic approach to lending to consider numerous data sources, including credit history and discretionary spending. Understand and embrace local businesses. The Federal Reserve has repeatedly found that small businesses that apply for loans with community banks are more successful and satisfied. Are innovative, partnering with technology providers (as showcased through ICBA's Innovation initiatives), to deliver high-tech, high-touch experiences. Give back. Serving local communities is a part of the community bank tradition, as reflected in ICBA's National Community Bank Service Awards. 'Community banks are motivated to provide support through every phase of your financial journey, building a reputation as relationship lenders,' ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. 'ICBA is proud to represent the nation's community bankers who are not only committed to empowering their customers to succeed financially but also to strengthening the communities they serve.' For more information about community banks and to find one of First Federal's local branches, visit Join the conversation on social media with the hashtag #BankLocally. About First Federal Savings Bank Member FDIC First Federal Savings Bank was established on Evansville, Indiana's Westside in 1904. A community bank offering eight locations in Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Henderson County. First Federal Savings Bank is also proud to offer Home Building Savings Bank locations in Daviess and Pike County. About ICBA The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation's community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation. As local and trusted sources of credit, America's community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers' financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA's website at
