Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown -Butler County Chamber of Commerce held its monthly luncheon last week at the Butler County Extension Office.  PBI Bank was the monthly sponsor and John Taylor, President/CEO of PBI Bank, shared a little background about himself, of PBI Bank, and the future of banking.
Raised in Chicago, Taylor attended the University of Kentucky on a swimming scholarship, earning a Bachelor's degree in business. Not happy with his job, Taylor was encouraged to return to school to take more classes in finance.
 "I was told if I was to raise to a position of importance in the business world I would have to account for the money coming in, account for the money while I had it, and account for the money going out," said Taylor.  "Then, go to work for a small bank and lend money to people in small businesses."
So Taylor returned to the University of Kentucky and earned a Master's degree in business administration (MBA). He served as President of the Ohio/Northern Kentucky region of PNC Bank, N.A., for six years.
 In 2007, Taylor served as President and CEO of American Founders Bank, Inc. of Lexington, Kentucky.
"I fell in love with Community Banking," said Taylor.
Taylor joined PBI Bank in 2012 and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Porter Bancorp and Chairman of the Board of PBI Bank.
The Porter Bancorp, started in 1985 by the late Chester Porter, now owns banks in 12 Kentucky counties. PBI bought Green River Deposit Bank, which was founded in 1898, in 1988, and it is the 10th largest bank in the Commonwealth with 950 million dollars in assets, 250 associates and 1500 shareholders.
"We are on a mission is to serve the communities we are invested in by partnering with the Chambers of Commerce and the local school systems.  The stronger the community become, the more value of our franchises," added Taylor.
According to Taylor, banking is still a people's business.
"We have 30,000 customers, and 9,000 of them participate in online banking. At PBI we believe technology compliments personal service," said Taylor.  "Jennifer Hammer, Market President, who does an unbelievable job, and her team -Andrea and Cindy - make the difference in your banking experience," added Taylor.
According to Taylor, when he started in the banking business there were 13,000 banks; today there are 6,000.  Kentucky has 168 banks.
"We are an agriculture bank; we have 73 million dollars in loans to farmers, 33 million dollars in loans for agriculture production, and the largest equine lender in Kentucky," stated Taylor.
PBI Bank offers free checking accounts and free gifts when you open an account.
The luncheon was catered by Tin & Tray Catering.