Communities across Pennsylvania are growing and thriving because their community banks care. The service and commitment demonstrated by community bank employees keeps customers faithful, and their sincerity keeps others hopeful. It is because of these employees that communities across the Commonwealth are thriving and becoming better places to live and work.
When it comes to community banking in Pennsylvania, the uniqueness, talent and attributes of the 14,000 individual community bank employees combine to make the entire industry greater than the sum of its parts.
As we travel across Pennsylvania, we meet community bank employees from many different backgrounds. Some are new to the industry, others have worked their entire careers in it. No matter how long these employees have been involved in community banking, they all share a common thread – a love for their community. They truly are the ones responsible for #KeepingTheLightsOn in their hometown.
As part of an ongoing series, each month we will be featuring brief interviews with these community bank employees, these “Hometown Champions”. Through these interviews, we hope to gain some insight into what makes the community banking industry great in Pennsylvania.
This month, we chat with the hometown champions from Ambler Savings Bank, serving customers in Montgomery County since 1874. Ambler Savings Bank is committed to treating their customers like a part of their family and serving their communities by being more than just a bank. They believe in building a relationship with each of their customers to meet all of their needs. Ambler Savings Bank’s Board of Trustees, management and staff really understand the communities they serve because they are an active part of these communities. This means their customers are provided with quick and creative solutions for their banking needs by the bank’s experienced professionals.
Debbie Madden
Customer Service Representative
How did you get into community banking?
Debbie: I got into community banking later in life. I worked in IT as a software engineer for a national magazine for years & was laid off because of dwindling circulation. Working in a bank allows me to use my IT knowledge while interacting with the community.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Debbie: As I stated above I enjoy the people. I like helping our customers & also doing community events that promote the bank.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Debbie: To me a community bank is one that knows its customers. They are a face and not just a bank account number. When I see our customers out of the bank, they appreciate that I know who they are & remember their name.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Debbie: I’ve been to Guatemala 11 times doing medical mission work. I am in charge of the pharmacy, mainly because I work in a bank & I can count. Also I’m a semi-professional musician playing various instruments, mainly keyboards, & I can carry a tune pretty well.
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Debbie: My 5th picture is of a buck in my front yard. I’m not very brave around animals so it was taken from inside.
Jackie Hood
Teller
How did you get into community banking?
Jackie: My previous manager was a paying member of the fire department I volunteer for. We connected one day which was when I found out there was an opening for a Branch Associate at Ambler Savings, I applied and am still here today after almost 3 years.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Jackie: Being able to provide personal service to our customers. Everyone doesn’t have the same needs or wants and we are able to customize the service we provide.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Jackie: A community bank should be involved in the community, Ambler Savings does that twofold. 1 by being present in the community and at community events and 2 by allowing me to assist on emergency calls during business hours.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Jackie: I am pretty much an open book, there isn’t much people don’t know about me.
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Jackie: The 5th picture on my camera is a full length selfie. I was sending the outfit I was putting together to a friend to make sure it looked fantastic before heading out for the night!
Theresa Speiss
Loan Records Specialist
How did you get into community banking?
Theresa: My mom worked for a community bank, she encouraged me to apply after my daughter went into 1st grade 21 years ago.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Theresa: I like the, small, cozy feeling of community banking. Our customers have been banking with us for a very long time, some since they were kids. With bigger banks, after they merge or are bought out, they lose existing customers. Our customers don’t leave, we build lasting relationships!
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Theresa: We have a lot going on in our town, festivals, shows and charitable events. We sponsor and have been a part of these events in our community for years. We are more approachable than bigger banks and we are very interested in what is going on outside our doors.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Theresa: Well frankly, if there is something about me that people I know don’t know, I’m not sharing it. hehe
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Theresa: Most of my co-workers are very serious about Halloween, we get dressed every year. Here we are…
