October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Identity theft is a serious problem affecting millions of people each year. It involves acquiring key pieces of someone’s identifying information, such as name, address, date of birth, social security number and mother’s maiden name, in order to impersonate them. It can start with lost or stolen wallets, stolen mail, a data breach, computer virus, “phishing” scams, or paper documents thrown out by you or a business. Because of the nature of the crime, victims often do not realize their identity has been stolen until they are denied credit, turned down for a job or sent a bill for purchases they did not make. Remember that cyber security is a shared responsibility!

Heartland Bank has deep ties to Ohio’s farming community. Visionary bank founder Tiney McComb championed the cause of the agriculture industry and made growth and success a reality for central Ohio’s farmers and producers. When your livelihood depends upon changing weather, changing technology and changing commodity prices, you expect and deserve a stable financial partner. A partner that will to help you grow your income and net worth. A partner that will weather the cyclical nature of the markets. A partner like Heartland Bank.

In 2006, Heartland Agribusiness clients Cindy and Steve Burkhart were not farming. Far from it. Cindy worked a public service job and Steve was a crop insurance adjuster. But they’d always dreamed about being able to work from home, side by side with their family, as full-time farmers. Reflecting back on their own upbringing on family farms, the couple decided to purchase a 266 acre plot of land in Norwich, Ohio and opened Burkhart Farms with their daughter and son-in-law. In 2013, the Burkharts built two cage free broiler barns and, and with Heartland Bank’s help, they recently added a third barn to their farm. They also grow hay, corn and soybeans as well as raise a small herd of beef cattle.

Learn when and how to best use your home equity loan or line of credit

The equity in your home can be used for a variety of things, including home improvements, car loans and debt consolidation. But, it's not limited to just that. Homeowners can use the equity they build in their homes to pay for any purchase they want. Whether you've opted for the fixed-rate, lump sum home equity loan or a revolving home equity line of credit, you should carefully consider how you utilize these funds since you are using your home as collateral.

Heartland Bank is pleased to announce improvements to our credit card program. With EMV chip card technology, a modern new design, conversion from MasterCard to Visa, an updated rewards program and real time card activity via the secure portal on HeartlandBank.com, you’ll find that we remain committed to great service.