In celebration of its 95th anniversary and in honor of Community Banking Month, every Citizens National Bank office will be serving cake to customers on Friday, April 24.

During April, CNB will focus on its 95 years of serving local communities. The bank opened its first location in Bluffton in 1920, and now includes eight locations, serving more than 10 counties in Ohio. The bank’s original cashier and president, Elmer Romey, is the grandfather of current President/CEO Mike Romey. The legacy of hard work, community involvement and local lending continues to allow CNB to flourish.

“When my grandfather and the local businessmen of Bluffton started this bank in 1920, their goal was to provide a trustworthy financial institution that our customers would feel confident in placing their money in and borrowing from. I truly believe we’ve fulfilled that mission and I look forward to seeing us continue to grow and provide that for the next generation,” said Romey.

Across the nation, community banks operate 52,000 locations, employ 700,000 Americans and hold $3.6 trillion in assets, $2.9 trillion in deposits and $2.4 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community.

Jack Hartings, chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America, said “Community banks are relationship lenders that flourish when their customers and communities do the same. Taking care of customers and looking out for the best interest of local communities is the community banking business model. ICBA Community Banking Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate the unique and critical role they play in our local hometowns.”

Throughout the month of April, CNB customers may register to win one of seven gift baskets including local items from each of our branch communities. The drawing will be held on Friday, April 24 during the cake celebrations. Customers should also check out the bank’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cnbohio for posts highlighting the history of the bank.. 

With offices in Bluffton, Elida, Lima, Van Wert, Celina, Findlay, Springfield and Defiance, CNB has assets totaling more than $650 million.