Eagle Bancorp Montana (EBMT) in Helena, Mont., has named Laura Clark as its chief financial officer.

Add PrivateBancorp to the list of financial institutions that have managed to grow commercial loans organically and are eyeing acquisitions that would improve liquidity in a rising-rate environment.

Anchor Bancorp (ANCB) in Lacey, Wash., is facing pressure from an activist investor to sell itself.

Community banks reported increased lending in the fourth quarter. Experts believe loans could continue to grow this year, but at a marginal rate.

Westfield Bank in Massachusetts plans to offer its customers wealth management and insurance services through a new partnership with Charter Oak Insurance and Financial Services.

The Treasury Department expects to receive $20.6 million in proceeds from its latest auction of Troubled Asset Relief Program shares.

Simmons First (SFNC) in Pine Bluff, Ark., is reportedly in talks to buy Delta Trust & Banking in Little Rock, Ark.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. took action against eight companies and lifted orders against eleven banks in December, according to its latest monthly roundup of enforcement actions.

Central Valley Community Bancorp (CVCY) in Fresno, Calif., has named James Ford president of its bank.

The Senate is poised to vote on a massive, five-year farm bill this week that includes several provisions important for community bankers and agricultural lenders.

There were a lot of deals last month involving larger community banks, and prices rose nearly 60% from a year earlier. The results will only feed more of those kinds of transactions.

TGR Financial (TGR) in Naples, Fla., has added a former bank leader to its board.

Access National (ANCX) in Reston, Va., has named a veteran banker to joins its board.

Maria Contreras-Sweet, selected to succeed Karen Mills at the Small Business Administration, has a background in lending to Hispanic groups and women. But bankers hope she'll focus on shifting the SBA to more online loans.

Colonial Financial Services (COBK) in Vineland, N.J., has revised its third-quarter financial statements to reflect non-compliance with regulatory capital ratios.

First Bancshares (FBSI) in Mountain Grove, Mo., has completed its conversion from a thrift to a state-chartered bank.

Old National Bancorp (ONB) in Evansville, Ind., benefited from lower expenses in the fourth quarter.

UMB Financial (UMBF) Kansas City, Mo., has a new chief financial officer.

Contrary to sensationalistic headlines, community banks remain the lenders of choice for small businesses, who appreciate these institutions’ expertise and personal attention.