GUEST COLUMNIST - Midland States Bank launches Community Impact Investment Statement

Midland States Bank announced the Rockford-area launch of its corporate Community Impact Investment Statement (CIIS).

Midland’s CIIS focuses on six key pillars: traditional and nontraditional education, workforce development, financial empowerment, housing, small business development, and health and wellness.

“Our local partnerships are a great example of how collaboration that aligns with the specific needs of a community can be mutually beneficial,” said Martesha Brown, Midland States Bank director of community economic development. “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 goals through our regional Community Impact plan. In Rockford, these groups included Think Big, 815 MAAG and Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity.”

Midland’s CIIS calls for lending, investments, philanthropy, products, services, program development, and community engagement to help expand financial services to traditionally underserved groups. 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,” said Jeffrey S. Mefford, Midland States Bank president.

“We believe it is through community collaboration and execution that this is most successfully accomplished.”

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