Mission Valley Bank's local roots run deep, motivated by the desire to be an integral part of the area they serve. A strong community thrives on personal relationships and Mission Valley Bank supports - and is honored to be supported by - the Santa Clarita Valley community.

Community banks, so aptly named, help local economies thrive. They put deposits back to work in their communities through loans to residents and businesses. Based on relationships, not just transactions, community bankers work to develop a deep understanding of a client's business - how they operate, the landscape of their individual industry, their challenges, as well as their goals. As members of the very community they serve, the success of community banks within a region often coincides with the success of the community.

Social media and the emergence of millennials as informed consumers place even more importance on corporate philanthropy than with past generations. The growing movement to seek out businesses identified with causes they relate to and shun companies whose activities violate their values is increasingly apparent.

Not only does charitable giving develop meaningful relationships within the community, but it can also help distinguish and reinforce a company's mission and culture, as well as introduce it to new ideas, partners and innovations.

At Mission Valley Bank, people are the greatest asset. Senior Vice President and Chief Business Banking Officer Marianne Cederlind serves as president of Carousel Ranch. Chief Executive Officer Tamara Gurney has a passion for building a better community that runs deeper than banking. She serves on the board of directors of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, Valley Economic Alliance, Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley, College of the Canyons Foundation, BizFed and the YMCA of the Santa Clarita Valley Advisory Board.

The bank prides itself on involvement in charitable works that help individuals, along with economic development initiatives to attract and retain businesses within the region.

GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE SCV
In response to the growing needs of its nonprofit partners, Mission Valley Bank hosts the Give Where You Live SCV initiative. Participating organizations include: Carousel Ranch, Boys and Girls Club of SCV, Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, College of the Canyons Foundation and the Santa Clarita Valley Family YMCA. Each month Mission Valley Bank features a nonprofit client on its website, in advertising and articles, and throughout its social media platforms. Bringing awareness to the needs and work of these organizations, while connecting each cause with residents, strengthens the community as a whole.

KEEP THE GIVING GOING
Everyday purchases can also help nonprofit organizations. Sign up at Amazon Smile and a percentage of each purchase will go toward a designated charity of choice (smile.amazon.com). Also think about Payforward.com. PayForward is a new Valencia-based Social Financial Platform®. When using a PayForward debit card and shopping with participating merchants, charities reap the rewards since a percentage of the total purchase is donated to the participant's cause of choice. Visit www.payforward.com for all the details.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
CAROUSEL RANCH
Providing equestrian therapy for children with disabilities, Carousel Ranch creates a unique and individualized program to meet each child's specific needs and goals. Each year there are children with special needs on a waiting list for the opportunity to improve their health and quality of life. www.carouselranch.org

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SANTA CLARITA VALLEY
Since 1968, the club provides services to nearly 2,400 local young people ages 7 to 17 with quality year round and after-school programs focused on education, career development, character, leadership, health, fitness, sports, recreation and the arts. www.scvbgc.org

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY FAMILY YMCA
Serving families has always been at the heart of the YMCA. Their focus is three fold: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. www.ymcala.org/santaclarita

SAMUEL DIXON FAMILY HEALTH CENTER
It is the mission of Samuel Dixon Family Health Center to never refuse healthcare services to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay.
www.sdfhc.org

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS FOUNDATION
COC needs charitable gifts to endow scholarships and to support educational programs and capital improvements, which can mean the difference between ordinary and extraordinary programs and services for student success. www.canyons.edu