Experts, editorial boards, and news outlets agree:

American consumers benefit from local credit unions and community banks that provide service with a personal touch.

"Private local lenders may be more familiar with a region's business climate, so they are better able to look beyond national trends to base their decisions on the more immediate factors affecting an individual business."

Wall Street Journal
("Small Firms Get Local Loans: Community Banks May Be Option for Strapped Borrowers", Anjali Cordeiro, November 11, 2008)

“Profitability has allowed Evergreen Federal to participate in a local housing program in which contractors have provided in-kind services to create homes for low-income residents.”

Entrepreneur.com
("Some Small Banks Are a Refuge From Credit Crunch, Dunstan Prial", November 10, 2008)

"Many are finding soft landings locally at community financial institutions where they can earn up to 7% interest on their checking accounts, feel the safety of a locally-owned bank, and know their deposits are being reinvested in their community through loans to local businesses and individuals."

International Business Times
("Community Financial Institutions Bail Out Big Bank Customers: Community Banks and Credit Unions Offer Rates Up to 7% on Checking and Keep Lending Locally", November 10, 2008)

“More personal loans. Credit unions pride themselves on taking into consideration the character of a person asking for a loan, making a personal loan more likely than at a traditional bank.”

The Morning Call
("Credit unions still offer an alternative", Gregory Karp, November 7, 2008)

"Credit unions are cooperative businesses, owned by members (depositors) who share something in common, such as where they work, live or worship. Because credit unions tend to be smaller and cater to a select group of people, you can expect a more personal relationship between the staff and the members."

GetEntrepreneurial.com
("Credit Unions: A Better Alternative to Banks", Marcel Sim, March 2, 2009)