Katrina E. Williams
Northeast News

Central Bank of Kansas City has been an icon in the Northeast community for 65 years. While the financial institution has branched out over the decades, it remains committed to serving the community where its roots are planted. To that end, Central Bank continuously introduces new programs.

The bank has recently received a large allocation of $55 million in new market tax credits. Essentially, these credits can be converted into improvement projects in lower income areas, such as the Northeast. Central Bank of Kansas City is making the area a priority.
“Kansas City is our home base and that is where we would like to promote those projects,” said Bill Dana, President and CEO of Central Bank of Kansas City.

In the spring of 2018, the bank will be implementing a program called CD4KC. The acronym stands for Community Development for Kansas City. This program will appropriate funds for the purpose of investing in the Northeast area. The concept is meant to be a socially responsible program that still yields financial returns, which can then be reinvested in the community.

“We are a CDFI, which is a community development financial institution. We are certified by the U.S. Treasury, and have been, continually, since 1998,” Dana said. “At the heart of the new market tax credit program, it is an economic development tool. Whether it is the building of a community facility or the creation of new jobs, it will have an impact.”

That certification comes with a responsibility to deploy assets into lower to moderate income communities – a role that Central Bank of Kansas City has gladly fulfilled for more than twenty years.

One current project the bank has been involved with is the Pendleton ArtsBlock – a four story building under construction that is part of the CHOICE Neighborhood Revitalization Effort. The building is set to include three floors of mixed-income housing; the ground floor will host an art gallery.

Aside from project funding, the bank has also delivered community services in the form of free financial education tools and workshops.

On April 7th, 2018, the bank will host a class during the Money Smart Day Kansas City event at the Kansas City Public Library. The free class will take place from 2-2:50 p.m. and is aptly named ‘Top Personal Finance Apps.’ It will focus on teaching attendees about apps for their smartphones that will help them streamline their money management through saving, investing, budgeting and more.

On Tuesday, April 17th, the bank will be part of a three-day event at the Don Bosco Senior Center (580 Campbell). The first day is aimed at providing coaching to help senior citizens avoid financial scams they may encounter via phone, email, mail or even under the guise of door-to-door sales calls. This event will take place, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

On April 18th, Central Bank will return to the center to give another presentation about money management, bank account options and finding the right financial institution. That event will also take place from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

The third event set to take place at Don Bosco, on April 19th, is focused on preventing identity theft.

Another educational service CBKC participates in to the benefit of the community comes in the form of a website that has many free resources regarding finances and financial decisions. To access this valuable information, you can visit: www.moneysmartkc.org
Marketing and Community Outreach Director Sarah Cousineau pointed out that Central Bank of Kansas City also participates in community outreach events like the upcoming “Family Game Night” that they will be hosting at St. Mark Child and Development Center – located at 2008 E. 12th Street in Kansas City. This free event is open for the entire family. Dinner will be served at no cost to participants, and prizes will be distributed. The event will take place on Tuesday, April 24th from 5-7 p.m.

Additionally, the bank will sponsor the Annual Shark Tank Youth Contest – an event in which students throughout the KC area form teams of four to compete in an innovative challenge.

Central Bank of Kansas City is located at 2301 Independence Avenue, and is open Monday-Thursday, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.