When it comes to organic growth, niche lending is one way to reach lucrative new markets. Here, three community banks tell us how they work with specialized industries such as aviation, commercial fishing, and veterinary and dental practices. The goal is to build partnerships that are valuable to both business and bank.

On June 5 and 6, employees at Grand Savings Bank in Grove, Okla., volunteered to serve meals to families and volunteers cleaning up after two tornadoes hit Decatur, Ark., on May 26.

From 3D printers to robotic feeders, equipment has shifted toward tech-savvy solutions that require community banks’ equipment financing expertise.