DT #613 Community Banks and Economic Development: Why Local Relationships Still Matter

Jan 21, 2026

Community banks play a critical—yet often underappreciated—role in economic development. In this episode of Develop This!, the #1 podcast for economic development professionals, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Matt Morris, President and CEO of Connection Bank in Fort Madison, Iowa, to explore how community banking fuels local economies, supports small businesses, and strengthens rural communities.

Matt shares his career journey from working at large financial institutions to leading a community bank and explains why relationship-based banking remains essential to sustainable economic development. Together, Dennis and Matt unpack how community banks serve as trusted partners for entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and local leaders—often stepping in where larger institutions cannot or will not.

Key Takeaways

• Community banks support their communities in diverse and meaningful ways
• Strong relationships are the foundation of community banking
• Economic development depends on healthy, engaged local financial institutions 
• Community banks often fill critical gaps for small and rural businesses
• Trust is essential to effective banking relationships 
• Community banks are deeply involved in local economic development efforts 
• Technology has changed how banks operate—but not the need for relationships
• Non-traditional competitors present new challenges for community banks
• Developing the next generation of leaders is key to community growth
• Better storytelling can improve understanding of the community bank model