Reps. Callton, Barnett, Brown, Cavanagh, Cotter, Crawford, Darany, Durhal, Heise, Howrylak, Kelly, Lori, Poleski, Santana, Singh and Slavens offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 116.

            A resolution to declare the month of April 2013 as Community Bankers Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Community banks have and continue to play a pivotal role in our economy and this state’s economic comeback; and

Whereas, Throughout the country there are more than 7,000 community banks, with over 100 in the state of Michigan, employing hundreds of thousands of Americans nationwide; and

Whereas, Community banks are a driving force in the banking community, constituting 96.6 percent of all banks and are key in providing financial services to millions of Americans and businesses; and

Whereas, Community banks help grow and strengthen our communities through their partnership with local charities and organizations; and

Whereas, Local businesses rely on loans and funding from community banks, with 60% of all small businesses under $1 million being funded by community banks nationwide; and

Whereas, Community banking keeps money in communities through reinvestments into local businesses and people, proving greater opportunities and flexibility in lending decisions that help families and businesses, especially during tough economic times; and

Whereas, Community banks not only help the communities in which they are located, but they too are part of the small business community that forms the backbone of our state’s and nation’s economies; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare April 2013 as Community Bankers month in the state of Michigan. We recognize the important role they play in strengthening and building our communities and our state. We urge all citizens to show their support for their community banking and to acknowledge the contributions and personalized service provided by community banks.