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 Fleetwood Bank, a community bank servicing customer across Berks County, Pennsylvania. Since 1907, Fleetwood Bank has remained committed to delivering the highest quality products, service and convenience in financial services. The bank is dedicated to being a true “Community Bank” – their employees live, work and play in their community. Fleetwood Bank measures their impact based on how involved they are in giving back to their community.
Kristy Stitzel
Commercial Credit Analyst
How did you get into community banking?
Kristy: Altogether, I have worked in banking for almost 12 years. The majority of that time was spent working for mid to large sized banks. I started as a teller and worked my way up through various positions in different departments while I went to school. I found my niche in banking when I started in commercial underwriting about six years ago. Formerly, my focus was in C&I. While working for a larger bank, I feel that I was somewhat restricted and specialized in that particular role. I started with Fleetwood Bank just over 2 years ago and I truly feel it was one of the best decisions I could have made for my career. I have become much more well-rounded as an analyst, as I have had the opportunity to work on not only C&I deals, but also CRE and AG. I am involved in aspects of banking that I never was a part of at the bigger banks. I also feel that I have more of a voice. I attend all loan committee meetings and I am actively involved with the presentations and discussion. I enjoy wearing several hats and I embrace these opportunities as I know they will mold me into becoming the banker that I want to be.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Kristy: As a community bank, our main focus is investing back into the local economy and not just building the bottom line. Community banks are at an advantage as we have the flexibility to take on financing requests that the bigger banks won’t even consider. It makes me very proud to look back on the projects that we have been involved with and see how they have positively impacted the community through helping local farmers buy land or equipment, funding new business, which helps with job creation, and also funding the growth of existing businesses in order to retain jobs and build the economy.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Kristy: I would simply define a community bank as “a bank that operates with the main goal of making a difference within the community it serves.”
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Kristy: I love classical music. It is my go-to when I am super anxious or stressed. Also, I have played the violin since I was seven.
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Kristy: Most of the pictures in my phone are of my family. This particular picture was from my son’s first birthday party. My husband, Brandon, who is also in the picture, is my sounding board and back bone. He has stood by my side through the good and the bad and has always been very supportive of me, that is why I love him so much. My son, Mason, is almost two now and he is my angel. I am very blessed to have them in my life. Family is everything to me.
Jill Arndt
Full Time FSS2
How did you get into community banking?
Jill: I had been in banking for nine years with a large bank and decided to try some new things including outside sales and office work. I had an itch to get back into banking and realized that there was a position open with Fleetwood Bank, a small community bank in my hometown. I thought long and hard about it and realized that it would be a welcome change in my life.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Jill: Building not only business, but personal relationships with your customers and members of the local community would have to sit at the top of my list. Also, the community involvement that Fleetwood Bank participates in is also a highlight.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Jill: A multi-faceted financial institution that not only cares about the community and its people, but also has many programs and services in place to benefit them as well.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Jill: While I am primarily right-handed, most people are shocked when they find out that I golf, bat, and kick as a lefty.
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Jill: The Boston Red Sox. I have been an avid Red Sox fan for the past thirteen years and tolerate a lot of playful teasing from all of my Phillies friends. I have a great friend who lives in Boston and I think it’s the most wonderful city I’ve ever been to, so I generally don’t have a hard time defending myself and standing up to the criticism that comes with being a Boston fan in PA.
