Vermont banks are vital financial resources for the business community. The banks help stimulate local business by working in partnerships with such organizations as Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation, Vermont Economic Development Authority, Small Business Administration, and Vermont Community Development Program, and other public and quasi-public sources. Vermont offers some of the lowest tax rates in the New England/New York region as well as tax credits for certain job creation. Franklin County has several commercial lending institutions with assets in excess of $4.0 billion.  Many of these institutions, offer a wide spectrum of services, including cash management, certificates of deposit, letters of credit, business and agricultural loans, international services, payroll services, and employee benefit plans. Local banks are more than willing to work with individuals and institutions to develop an appropriate package of services.