May 27, 2026
Community partnerships and downtown investment go hand in hand—and Heartland Bank and Trust Company’s new downtown DeKalb branch is a reflection of both. As a longtime supporter of local organizations, including the Egyptian Theatre through its Birthday Club sponsorship, Heartland continues to strengthen its connection to the community through service, collaboration, and relationship-focused banking. In this Q&A, Egyptian Theatre Marketing Intern Myah Mackey spoke with members of the Heartland team about the inspiration behind the new branch, the importance of community involvement, and what it means to continue investing in the heart of downtown DeKalb.
MYAH: What inspired Heartland Bank and Trust Company to open a new branch in
downtown DeKalb, and what does this move represent for your team?
HEARTLAND: Heartland Bank and Trust Company has proudly served DeKalb and its surrounding
communities for years, and opening our new downtown DeKalb location was a natural
next step in that commitment. Downtown is the heart of the community; home to local
businesses, events, and organizations that make DeKalb unique. This new branch
represents our continued investment in DeKalb’s growth and our desire to be even more
accessible and connected to the people we serve. For our team, it’s an exciting
milestone that reinforces our long-term presence and relationship-focused approach to
banking.
M: How does Heartland Bank and Trust Company approach community involvement
and why is that important to your mission?
HB&TCo: At Heartland Bank and Trust Company, community involvement is not separate from our
work—it’s part of it. We believe strong communities are built through partnership,
service, and local support. Our team looks for ways to get involved through volunteer
efforts, sponsorships, and collaborations with organizations that are making a positive
impact in DeKalb. It’s important to our mission because we’re committed to being more
than a financial institution. We aim to be a trusted neighbor and an active participant in
the community’s success.
M: As someone who is very active in the community, what does it mean to you
personally to serve the DeKalb area in this role?
HB&TCo: Tia Anderson, Assistant Vice President and Retail Manager, expresses, “Serving the
DeKalb area in this role is personal for me. I’ve built relationships here, I’ve listened to
what families, non-profit organizations, taxing bodies, and small businesses need, and
I’ve seen firsthand both the challenges and the pride people have in this community. It’s
about showing up for the people and places that have shaped me.
DeKalb is a community that values connection, tradition, and progress, and it’s a
privilege to serve in a role where I can support local individuals, families, and
businesses every day. Personally, being active in the community helps me better
understand what matters to the people we serve. It makes the work more meaningful.
I’m proud to represent Heartland in DeKalb and to help strengthen relationships that
contribute to a thriving community.”
M: How do partnerships, like your support of the Egyptian Theatre’s Birthday Club,
reflect Heartland Bank and Trust Company’s values?
HB&TCo: Our partnership with the Egyptian Theatre through the Birthday Club sponsorship is a
great example of what Heartland values: community, connection, and investing in local
institutions that bring people together. The Egyptian Theatre is an iconic part of DeKalb
and a place where families and neighbors can share memorable experiences. We’re
proud to support programs like the Birthday Club that create fun community moments
while helping sustain an organization that adds so much to downtown DeKalb and the
region.
M: What are some ways Heartland Bank and Trust Company hopes to continue
engaging with and supporting the DeKalb community moving forward?
HB&TCo: We’re committed to continued involvement in DeKalb through local partnerships,
volunteer service, and support of community events and organizations that strengthen
the area. We also look forward to our new location being a convenient, welcoming place
where community members can connect with our team. Moving forward, our focus will
remain on building relationships, supporting local growth, and helping the DeKalb
community thrive for years to come.
