Thank you to Farmers State Bank.

Why?

Because some businesses claim to be involved in the community, but when big news happens, they clam up and don’t want to speak to the local press.

Not Farmers State Bank. In fact, it didn’t wait for reporter phone calls. It took the wise steps to issue an embargoed press release about changes it will face in ownership. The press release enabled the Tribune to tell Albert Leans what’s going on and to do so in a timely manner. In the end, little is left to the local rumor mill because information is right here in black and white.

Now, of course, there were details that could not be divulged, like with any transaction, but we at the Tribune are used to that in all areas of business and civics we cover. It’s OK to say what can be shared now and save the rest for later, if at all.

Being involved in the community doesn’t just mean sponsoring a Little League team and calling it good enough. No, it’s a top-to-bottom philosophy, and places like Farmers State Bank understand that. It means being part of the fair, sponsoring local events like Relay for Life or Eddie Cochrain Weekend, having employees be active in local service clubs like Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary and working with the press when the company faces changes. Why? Few things bind a community together like a newspaper does.

Not working with the press seems to lead to speculation and rumor about what is happening with a business. In contrast, having a story in the paper makes a business seem like it has its act together. It’s professional.

Let’s hope other local businesses — ones who claim to be involved in the community but don’t follow through with actions — learn from the example set this week by Farmers State Bank.