The Community Bank N.A., located in the Owego Fairgrounds Plaza across from Marvin Park at 50 West Main St. in Owego, N.Y. is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. For information on the services the bank offers, visit their website, www.communitybankna.com, or call the Owego Office at (607) 687-8125. Lobby hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Photos by JoAnn R. Walter)
From left, Janice Funaro, Nicole Jacobs, Mel Kania, Amy Hoke, Florence Rossi, Denise Sweet, Pam Brown, and Don Bower pose inside the Community Bank N.A., located in the Owego Fairgrounds Plaza across from Marvin Park in Owego, N.Y. The bank is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
The Community Bank N.A., located in the Owego Fairgrounds Plaza across from Marvin Park at 50 West Main St. in Owego, N.Y., is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
Community Bank N.A.’s roots can be traced back to 1866, which was the year the predecessor bank, St. Lawrence National Bank, was chartered. The bank started with a single branch in Canton, N.Y., and has since grown to nearly 200 branches, expanding into the Northern Tier, Southern Tier, Western New York and Pennsylvania. Locally, along with Owego, there are branches in Nichols, N.Y. and Little Meadows, Pa.
The Owego location celebrated their grand opening and ribbon cutting in January 1998 and was the first bank to re-open after the flood of 2011.
According to a press release, David Sloan, regional retail banking manager stated, “Taking excellent care of our customers and providing top-notch service is something we pride ourselves on here at Community Bank N.A.,” and he added, “The Tioga County team works by this motto and strives to make the customer’s banking experience a happy one.”
Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of the Owego location, Florence Rossi, who has 36 years of banking experience and has been at the Owego office for 15 years, cannot agree more with that motto.
Rossi shared, “As a local community bank, we have the greatest customer service. We give that personal touch and we care about our customers,” and she added, “In total, all of us here in Owego have about 103 years of experience.”
Rossi commented that Community Bank N.A. recently ranked in the top ten in customer service. In 2015, the bank was named “most trusted bank” in the Northeast in the MSR Best in Retail Banking Awards.
A lot has changed in the banking industry in the past 150 years. Technology may have changed with modern trends, however the personal care each employee takes is reminiscent of an earlier time, when the customer came first.
Branch Assistant, Amy Hoke, and Rossi both explained that when customers walk in the door at Community Bank N.A., they can find help with any banking needs since employees are cross-trained in multiple specialties. Appointments are suggested for more detailed needs, such as mortgages.
Hoke explained that the Owego branch understands the needs of the community and shared, “We offer local lending decisions.”
That personal understanding is all part of Community Bank’s slogan “Bank Happy.” One of many points the bank highlights is that local decision makers understand your goals and know how to get you what you need.
Rossi explained that the Owego location is “community-minded” and also gets involved in other ways, such as organizing bake sales to support Tioga County Rural Ministry and various other activities to support local non-profits.
For their many years of outstanding community service, Community Bank N.A. received a Congressional Proclamation from Senator Tom Reed (R-23) and a New York State Assembly Citation from Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R-137).
Not heard of as often today, Community Bank N.A. offers a free gift when new customers open an account, and again when customers refer a friend.
For additional information on the services Community Bank N.A. offers, visit their website, www.communitybankna.com, or call the Owego Office at (607) 687-8125. Lobby hours are Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
