A July 27, 2026 PRNewswire release featuring Deja Hawkins of PriorityOne Bank says relationship banking, small business loans and mortgage lending help support businesses, families and community development.
HelloNation highlighted community banking as a driver of local economic growth, citing insights from Banking Expert Deja Hawkins of PriorityOne Bank in Ridgeland, Mississippi. The July 27, 2026 article says community banks help keep financial resources working within the areas they serve through personalized service, local decision-making and long-term customer relationships. It says that local knowledge can shape lending decisions around both financial qualifications and community needs, while small business loans support entrepreneurship, hiring and business expansion. The piece also points to mortgage lending as a contributor to neighborhood stability and says community banks often reinforce local development through volunteer work, sponsorships and charitable giving to schools, nonprofits and civic groups. HelloNation concludes that relationship banking, responsible local lending and continued community investment help create conditions for businesses, families and neighborhoods to grow together.