Community Events
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It’s Time for a Financial Check Up
April 29, 2024
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, General
This blog post was published by Jean Chatzky from SavvyMoney Hub, with reporting by Casandra Andrews. Why track spending and saving? Because what gets measured gets managed If you already live on a budget and have been dutifully checking your spending plan at the end of each month, bravo! Unfortunately, research shows that not everyone is disciplined enough to track their financial habits with regularity. For those who could use a little — ahem -– nudge, read on. In
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FCBT, ICBA: Learning Fiscally Responsible Habits Can Help You Reach Your Financial Goals
April 4, 2024
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, General
Beecher, IL. (April 4, 2024) First Community Bank and Trust (FCBT) and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are celebrating Financial Literacy Month in April by encouraging Americans to take control of their financial future and learn fiscally responsible habits that can benefit them at every age and stage of their financial journey. Twenty-seven percent of Americans report that “just getting by financially or finding it hard to get by” describes them completely or very
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ICBA and FCBT: The Power of Reinvesting in Our Community
April 1, 2024
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, General
Reinvesting in your community sounds great, but how does one really put that into action? If you’ve ever wondered if it matters where you deposit your hard-earned money, let us assure you it does. Not only does banking locally support small businesses (community banks fund more than 60% of small business loans and more than 80% of ag loans nationally), but as locally owned and operated businesses themselves, they are part of the economic engines that create 62 percent of new jobs annually
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Don't Be Fooled: Recognize the Signs of Check Fraud and How to Combat It
March 6, 2024
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, Electronic Banking, General
Check fraud continues to be a pervasive threat in today's digital landscape, with perpetrators employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive individuals and businesses alike. Recognizing the signs of check fraud is paramount to protecting your finances and avoiding potentially devastating losses. We'll explore common red flags and proactive measures you can take to stay one step ahead of fraudsters. Understanding Check Fraud Before exploring the signs of check fraud, it's
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SecureNow, a New Enhanced Security Service, Launches March 19, 2024
March 6, 2024
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, Electronic Banking, General
First Community Bank and Trust is excited to introduce SecureNow, a new enhanced security service to further protect FCBT customers when logging into First eBanc and First eBanc Mobile. March is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and it’s the perfect time to add additional security to protect customers from cyberattacks and to protect your accounts from harm. On or after March 19, log into either First eBanc or First eBanc Mobile to activate SecureNow. You will be prompted at log in to provide
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Kelly Knecht, Savvy Hair Gallery & Spa Recipient of FHLB and FCBT $25,000 Community First Accelerate Grant
February 21, 2024
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, General
Pictured from left: Cameron Ohlendorf - Senior Vice President of Finance; Gabi Knecht; Kelly Knecht; Tammy Hoffman - Chief Administrative Officer. January 31, 2024 (Peotone, IL) – FHLBank of Chicago and First Community Bank and Trust are happy to announce the recipient of a FHLBank of Chicago Community First Accelerate Grants for Small Business ("Accelerate Grants") program. This grant program is used to assist the growth and development of small businesses in Illinois and Wisconsin,
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What Do I Do If I’ve Been a Victim of Identity Theft?
November 13, 2023
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, General
This guide was published by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. By contacting the nationwide credit reporting companies, you can place a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit report. You can also request that they block or remove fraudulent debts. You can contact the three nationwide credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion: Equifax (800) 685-1111 Equifax Consumer Fraud Division P.O. Box 740256 Atlanta, GA 30374 Experian (888)
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FCBT and ICBA Share Tips to Help Safeguard Sensitive Data
October 11, 2023
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, Electronic Banking, General
Beecher, IL (Oct. 11, 2023)—In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, First Community Bank and Trust (FCBT) and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are reminding customers of practical steps to help safeguard their sensitive data and shield against losses in the event of a data breach or compromise. “In today’s environment, cyber and data security requires constant vigilance,” said Steve Koehn, Senior Vice President at FCBT. “This can
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First Community Bank and Trust and ICBA Share Tips for Traveling Safe
July 12, 2023
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, General
Beecher, IL (July 12, 2023)—As Americans take off for summer, First Community Bank and Trust (FCBT) and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are providing advanced planning tips for consumers that can take the financial sting out of unwanted surprises during travel to maximize their enjoyment regardless of how long or how far they venture. “Planning for the unexpected—including trip delays, lost or damaged merchandise, and last-minute expenditures can offer greater
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How Community Banks can combat the Rise of Check Fraud
July 3, 2023
Categories: Community Banking, Community Banking Advocacy, Community Events, Community News, General
This article was published on June 12, 2023 by Steven Estep from the Independent Community Bankers of America. In recent years, community banks across the nation have seen a drastic rise in check fraud. To compound the issue, many community banks are faced with challenges getting funds reimbursed from the banks of first deposit and are left to reimburse affected customers even when the community banks aren’t liable for the fraud. The following post will discuss why this sudden
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