BELLAIRE — Mike Taylor is the vice president of lending at Belmont Savings Bank, a community bank headquartered in Bellaire that solely serves the Ohio Valley area.

In his role leading the bank’s Business Relationship Management and Operations, Taylor wears many hats. He is the first point of contact for Belmont Savings’ business clients, helping them find lending solutions that work best for them. He also works to maintain efficiency in the bank’s operations and shapes marketing strategies.

Aside from working at the bank for eight years, Taylor is an active member of his community. He said this is something that has “shaped how he works with people” by allowing him to connect with customers on a deeper level and understand their needs.

“​​Coaching has taught me how to motivate teams and adapt to different personalities. Serving on nonprofit boards has given me insight into the challenges that local organizations and businesses face. Being active in my church and community reminds me daily why local banking matters — we are here to serve people, not just accounts,” he said.

Belmont Savings and other community banks will also have to continue to stay competitive in order to hold their own against bigger banks.

The influx of more digital banking possibilities is one major change that the industry has seen in recent years, Taylor said. This has pushed the bank to adapt marketing strategies to include more social media.

“The key is embracing these tools while still keeping that personal connection. Marketing plans must include digital strategies and meet customers where they are,” he said.

Taylor said he thinks one thing the banking industry can expect in the next few years is further use of automation and artificial intelligence. These are already being deployed in areas like fraud detection, where AI is being used, and online banking, where customers can open accounts and apply for loans entirely digitally.

But at the end of the day, it’s the human connection that matters in banking, he said.

“No matter how much things evolve, people will always value a bank that knows their name and supports their community,” Taylor said.

Many community banks have evolved, with some bought out by larger institutions, Taylor said. However smaller banks are maintaining their unique place in the banking industry by balancing new strategies with their more personal service.

“The future of community banking is evolving, with more of these institutions adopting digital tools to stay competitive while maintaining their community-first approach,” he said.

Taylor emphasized that while the industry is changing and adapting, a trusting relationship between customers and their bankers is paramount.

“But while technology has made banking more convenient, the need for personal relationships hasn’t changed,” he said. “Business owners still want a banker they can trust, someone who understands their business beyond just numbers on a screen.”