In North St. Louis, a transformation is underway. This reimagined future isn’t just about new buildings and revitalized spaces; it’s about building a community where everyone has the chance to succeed. At the heart of this effort is Midwest BankCentre, a local bank deeply committed to giving back. In their video series Real Stories of Rising Together, Orv Kimbrough, Chairman and CEO of Midwest BankCentre, highlights how investing in communities leads to long-term success for all.
A Vision for Dellwood: R&R Marketplace
In a recent episode, Kimbrough sat down with two local pastors to discuss the powerful vision behind the R&R Marketplace in Dellwood. This five-pillar model includes a career development center, an innovation hub for entrepreneurship, a Midwest BankCentre branch, a behavioral health center, and more. Together, these services create opportunities for economic mobility, particularly in a community that has experienced its share of struggles, including the lasting impact of the Ferguson unrest.
Despite the challenges, the pastors see resilience as a defining strength of Dellwood. Unlike outside organizations that have come and gone, these grassroots leaders are committed to staying in the community they call home. By listening to what residents truly want, not just what they need, the R&R Marketplace aims to give people the tools and resources to build a better future.
Why Banking Local Matters
One of the key messages from Midwest BankCentre is the importance of banking locally. When you bank with a local institution like Midwest BankCentre, your money stays in the community. Those dollars are used to provide loans for local families to buy homes, cars, and help small businesses grow. This creates a ripple effect, empowering entire neighborhoods to thrive.
“Where you bank matters,” Orv Kimbrough emphasizes. “Your dollar stays local, and when invested properly, it benefits the entire region.”
Innovating for the Community’s Needs
Midwest BankCentre is dedicated to providing innovative solutions for the community’s financial needs. As part of the Delwood Innovation Center, they offer products and services designed to help residents avoid the trap of predatory payday loans, which can charge up to 400% interest on short-term loans. Instead, Midwest BankCentre offers fair, responsible options to meet urgent financial needs.
The need for these services is stark: within a five-mile radius of the Dellwood Innovation Center, there are 35 payday lenders, underscoring the predatory nature of short-term loans in underserved communities. By partnering with local organizations and residents, Midwest BankCentre is working to replace these harmful options with real, sustainable financial opportunities.
Impact Banking: Creating Change with Every Dollar
Midwest BankCentre’s approach to banking is about more than just transactions; it’s about making an impact. Through what they call “Impact Banking,” they are intentional about how they direct capital, ensuring that it reaches the communities that need it most. With $200 million in access to capital for underserved neighborhoods, Midwest BankCentre is committed to investing in the future of the region.
Whether it’s helping families buy their first home, starting a business, or providing alternatives to payday loans, Midwest BankCentre is passionate about making a difference. Their investments in projects like the R&R Marketplace are not just about banking, but about building pathways for equity and opportunity.
Helping St. Louis Rise Together
As the conversation between Kimbrough and the local pastors draws to a close, the message is clear: when local institutions invest in their communities, everyone rises together. At Midwest BankCentre, the commitment to helping neighbors dream big and escape financial hardship is more than just a mission—it’s a way of life.
By banking local, you’re not just securing your financial future; you’re investing in the future of your community. And together, with the support of institutions like Midwest BankCentre, we can all rise.