For Immediate Release

PHOENIX, AZ – September 8, 2011 – The Arizona Bankers Association (AzBA) would like to recognize the significant impact our member banks have within the communities where they do business.  Using 2010 data, collected and aggregated, AzBA has created a publication highlighting these good works.  We’ve entitled the publication “Arizona Banks Give Back.”

“Arizona Banks Give Back” is a 12 page brochure that provides a rarely seen snapshot of the Arizona banking industry.  Banks are the single most important component of Arizona’s economy.  Not only do they lend to Arizonans, but they employ thousands of Arizonans, reinvesting in their communities and providing financial and social stability in their markets.  Bankers educate young adults on the importance of financial responsibility.  Bankers donate significant time and money to charities.  Banks are, in many ways, the lifeblood of our neighborhoods and communities.

The 2010 data revealed:

·       Arizona banks employ over 42,000 Arizonans working in more than 1,300 banking locations in each of Arizona’s 15 counties, with an average employee compensation of $66,625. 

·       Arizona banks distributed more than $11 billion in new and renewed consumer loans and $5.9 billion in new and renewed commercial loans. 

·       Arizona banks paid $567 million in federal income tax and $240 million in state income tax. 

·       Arizona bankers reached 19,551 Arizonans via financial literacy outreach, donated 211,615 volunteer service hours and $15.5 million to charitable organizations. 

More information can be found in the brochure itself (attached).