Who can forget the great bailout of banker George Bailey in the classic It's a Wonderful Life? Bruce Rosenblat, chief marketing officer of Main Street Bank, writes on the hyper-local focus of the region's community banks and why these pillars are not pulling up stakes here.
Post 2: A sax player touts community
Posted By: Bruce Rosenblat
Posted: 7/22/2011
Some say he was the greatest saxophone player that ever lived. Others say he was the spirit of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. Clarence Clemons — the Big Man with the big horn who died last month at age 69 — was undeniably a man of unprecedented musical talent, but more than the incredible sounds he created, I will remember him as a man of community. It was Clarence Clemons who said:
Being involved in the well-being and advancement of one's own community is a most natural thing to do. Clarence Clemons. How profound.
While every community normally has activities, groups, and events taking place throughout the year, how involved are you or your business in the metropolitan Detroit community? Being active not only helps others, it allows you to learn and gain education into how you can help to move your community forward.
I'm proud of my co-workers at Main Street Bank. We support many local charities and offer scholarships to those willing to make a commitment to our local communities here in metropolitan Detroit. We participate in many local community functions and when we purchase goods and services to support the bank, we stay local.
So how do you get involved?
Well, there are two pretty simple ways.
Buy in your communities. Of course we subscribe to buy American, but I'm talking even more specific. I'm talking buy local. Support your neighbors and your friends as they make up the community where you reside. Don't feel bad after your neighbor who owns the local corner grocery store loses his house to foreclosure, when you shop down the street at the big box retailer.
If you want to advance your neighborhoods, spend your dollars there.
Volunteer. Contact your local municipality to find out about different upcoming events. Most communities have officials whose sole responsibility is to help raise awareness and garner assistance for their cities. Whether it's through a grass roots campaign, a bulletin board full of postings, or word of mouth, they know where assistance is needed. You can also:
- Surf the Internet.
- Find other Metropolitan Detroit business that share your vision.
- Network at public and private gatherings.
- Utilize social networking sites.
- Volunteer at a food bank.
- Assist with special housing programs.
Once you obtain information on the community functions that peak your interest, it's up to you to take it to the next level. Make up your mind to be serious about the commitment and don't "short-change" your efforts.
Whatever you choose to support. there are usually contact numbers and or email addresses to the appropriate individuals that you can contact if you or your business are interested in volunteering your time or service.
There are limitless activities that you or your business can become involved in. Community members are always looking for devoted residents who are willing to give their time to help others and make a difference.
You just might be surprised at what a difference one person can make by giving back to their community. Take it from us at Main Street Bank; it's an incredibly emotional and rewarding experience.
Visit Main Street Bank on Facebook to see what community projects we're involved in.