ICBA Independent Banker, the magazine of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), recognized Citizens National Bank, Bluffton, as an outstanding "ICBA 400" community bank performer in its June issue.

The ranking is based on Citizens National Bank's 2011 year-end earnings and operational efficiencies.

"The community banks highlighted in this year's ICBA 400 exemplify the mission of community banking by reinvesting locally in their communities and making them a better place for their customers to live and work each and every day," said Chris Lorence, ICBA executive vice president and chief marketing officer.

"We commend Citizens National Bank for their ongoing dedication to the positive mission of our great industry."

This year's ICBA 400 shows that the overall performance of community banks across the country continues to steadily improve since the Wall Street financial crisis. The magazine's year-end rankings of ICBA members are based on return on average assets and return on average equity as reported in final 2011 FDIC call report data.

The performance rankings include listings for Subchapter S corporation and Subchapter C corporation community banks among five asset categories.

"Citizens National Bank is honored to be named to the ICBA 400 for the third year in a row," said Mike Romey, CNB's President and CEO.

"In spite of the economic hardships the country has faced, Citizens National Bank has been able to not only sustain our business, but grow it by investing in our local communities through lending and continuing to provide excellent customer service."

To see the ICBA 400 Top Performers listing, read the article "Mapping the Future" on ICBA Independent Banker's website at www.independentbanker.org.
About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America, the nation's voice for more than 7,000 community banks of all sizes and charter types, is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education and high-quality products and services. For more information, visit www.icba.org