Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has proclaimed April 24-29 as Kansas Community Bank Week.

As part of a nationwide event, members of the Community Bankers Association of Kansas will celebrate independent community banks and how they help strengthen America.

Shari Weber, CBA president and CEO, said community banks are the anchors that help stabilize Kansas communities.

“The banks provide needed capital for small business growth and funding for agricultural production, as well as provide loans for everyday living to individuals and families,” Weber said. “They understand the economic conditions of the local area like few other lenders can.”