From December 22, 2018 to January 25, 2019, the Federal Government experienced the longest government shutdown in history.  Perhaps you recall the headlines and social media talk about how many people were not going to be paid.  The number of workers that were furloughed even statistic on the agencies that were required to continue to work but not get paid until funding authorizations were made.  
Locally, the U.S. Coast guard was one agency that had to continue their mission critical functions.  Fortunately, there were avenues of assistance to our local Coast Guard personnel; however, some of it was stretched thinly, as military support organizations were trying to figure out how to appropriately spread assistance to nearly 40,000 people. 

It was remarkable to see the tables of various items donated by local citizens; however, while visiting the unit, there was a sense that some needed a financial band-aid until funding was reinstated. 
This was Paducah’s local banks came to the rescue.  Local and small reginal banks are vital partners in a true community setting.  More than partners, they are locally controlled by local citizens that directly see the impact of their clients.  By offering short-term, low interest loans, and with streamlined approval, Paducah bank stepped up to help our local Coast Guard personnel.   Food, doctors’ visits, utility bills, diapers, and gas for the car are just some of the things that could continue with such loans.

Paducah Bank is an award-winning, locally-owned bank with six locations in Paducah and Louisville.  Paducah Bank employs 135 people and is currently the top small business lender and the top mortgage lender in Paducah/McCracken County.  Paducah Bank was named the #1 Best Place to Work in Kentucky among all medium-sized companies in 2006.  In 2008, Paducah Bank was chosen by the Wall Street Journal as one of the nation’s Top 15 Small Workplaces.  Paducah Bank was named Best Bank in the Paducah Sun Readers’ Choice Awards in 2012-2019. They also won the Governor’s top Worksite Wellness Award in 2018 and the Kentucky Business Service Award earlier this year.

© Photo(s) by Jeff L. Yates.