Midland States Bank presented the Joliet-area launch of its corporate Community Impact Investment Statement (CIIS). This initiative provides a collaborative framework for Midland’s Corporate and Regional Community Economic Development Plans to serve its communities.

Midland’s CIIS focuses on 6 key pillars: traditional and non-traditional education; work force development; financial empowerment; housing; small business development; and health and wellness. 

“We strongly believe that these 6 key pillars help drive thriving communities with strong, foundations,” commented Cornell D. Lurry, Sr., Northeastern Regional Community Development Relationship Manager for Midland States Bank. “Our local community partners are a great example of how collaboration that aligns with the specific needs of a community can be mutually beneficial. As a community bank, we intentionally take the approach that rather than assuming what our communities need, we engage in conversations with numerous community groups to guide and bring insight to the best ways to meet our shared focus and goals through our regional Community Impact plan. In our area, these groups included Will County Community Development Division – Land Use Department, National Hook Up of Black Women, Inc., Will County Center for Community Concerns and Workforce Services Division of Will County.”

Midland’s CIIS calls for a focus on lending, investments, philanthropy, products, services and program development, community engagement, with the goal of expanding financial services to groups that have traditionally been underserved.  Under its CIIS, Midland’s proactive multi-year lending goals are $57 million in investments and $260 million in community economic development loans.

“Midland strives to support diverse economies through financial empowerment, community involvement and banking services,” commented Jeffrey S. Mefford, Midland States Bank President. “We believe it is through community collaboration and execution that this is most successfully accomplished.”

Midland States Bank ranks on list of America’s Best Banks

Midland was recently named to Newsweek Magazine’s ranking of America’s Best Banks. The national listing recognized Midland as Best Small Bank in Illinois.

“This acknowledgement emphasizes our mission of serving our customers where, when and how they want,” commented Jeffrey G. Ludwig, CEO of Midland States Bank. “We thank our customers and communities for placing trust in us to handle their financial needs in a responsible and transparent manner for more than 140 years.”

Newsweek worked in partnership with LendingTree to evaluate thousands of FDIC-insured banks and credit unions on more than 50 different categories. Factors included the health of the bank, customer service performance and features, digital and branch presence, as well as account and loan options to identify the best-in-class options for consumers.

The complete Newsweek ranking can be found here.

More information about Midland’s CIIS can be found at www.midlandsb.com/community.