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 Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank. It is the goal of Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank to serve as the “financial cornerstone of the community” by maintaining their status as a truly independent bank and through the development, sale and servicing of high-quality financial services and products. The bank has always adhered to, and will continue to adhere to, the principles of service, integrity and trust. They continue to grow and prosper while maintaining a consistent and superior return on investment with their stockholders, employees and community.
Sally Smith
AVP/Deposit Operations, Electronic Banking Manager
How did you get into community banking?
Sally: After graduation from high school, I began working at the local five and ten in downtown Jim Thorpe. The bank’s Administrative Assistant would stop over to shop on Friday nights and we would chat about my job and family. One particular night she asked me if I was interested in changing careers and I said “yes.” She offered me a job application and said fill this out and get it back to me. I interviewed and was hired a few weeks later as a teller. I worked my way through various positions within the bank to where I am today. Thirty-nine years later I’m working at a wonderful community bank, Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Sally: It is hard to pinpoint one aspect of working in community banking. I value the relationships made throughout the years with the customers I have come in contact with. You see these individuals at functions within the community or the corner store and they stop to talk or share a story. The atmosphere at the bank is like that of a family; we are there for each other in good times and also in times of need.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Sally: We are here to support our customers and make a difference in the community where we live and work. We help businesses and individuals with their financial needs. At JTNB we are committed to our local schools through career days and community banking activities. We believe in giving back to our community and that is true in the ways that we volunteer. Because JTNB encourages volunteerism, I have been given the opportunity to help the organizations that are dear to my heart. I lost a nephew to leukemia at the young age of 15, so I became very involved with our local American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Our bank sponsors a team and our employees have been raising funds for cancer and walking in the 24-hour event for the past 19 years.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Sally: I love to color in my spare time. It is very relaxing. It gives you an outlet to immerse yourself in instead of your everyday tasks.
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Sally: The majority of my pictures are of family and friends. It is so important to take the time to have fun with family and friends. My husband and I especially enjoy spending as much time as we can with our grandson. He is growing up so fast and we don’t want to miss any part of it. Time is precious.
Amy Behrens
Executive Assistant
How did you get into community banking?
Amy: I was fresh out of school and looking for a full-time job. On my way back home from a job interview, I happened to stop into the bank and I bumped into the President/CEO Harry W. Hintz. I mentioned to him that I had put an application into the bank earlier and was interested to find out if there were any upcoming openings. Although he and his wife Janice, who was the Administrative Assistant at that time, were heading out to lunch, he asked me to come into his office to discuss employment. Shortly after I returned home, I received a call to come back in for an interview with one of the branch managers later that afternoon and was hired on the spot. I began as a teller in 1987 and worked my way up, eventually taking Janice’s position when she retired.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Amy: I would say that the most rewarding aspect of working for JTNB is knowing how deeply everyone is rooted in the community and is committed to its betterment. Many of us belong to organizations or serve the community in one way or another and the bank’s management and directors always support us in our endeavors. My personal passion is our local cat shelter where I serve as a director and treasurer. I am very fortunate that JTNB supports me by allowing me time to attend to shelter business and also provides monetary support.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Amy: To me, a community bank, is defined as being the cornerstone of the community. It is the place where people know they can go to for help, whether it be for personal finances or community support.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Amy: I suppose one thing that many may not know about me is that I like to “haunt” cemeteries in my free time. I love driving around back roads looking for churches (the older the better) to photograph tombstones. The incredible detail and craftsmanship of some stones amaze me. Another would be my love for cats; I have several and love to photograph them as well.
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Amy: The fifth picture on my phone is that of my cat Yuri. He was brought in to the shelter just barely old enough to be separated from his mother and he was sick to boot. So, I brought him home to give him extra TLC and he never left. I’ve learned that I’m not a very good foster mom as the animals rarely return to the shelter. On the other hand, I suppose that makes me an awesome forever mom because I keep them and provide them with a loving home.
Jay Miller
Sr. Vice President/Compliance Officer
How did you get into community banking?
Jay: By accident. I worked for a local bank and was furloughed. After two months I had an opportunity to work for another bank in town.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Jay: To know everyone in town and the surrounding towns by their first name, with the knowledge that they can call us and actually get us on the phone.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Jay: Hometown values, actually caring for your community by volunteering. I’ve given my adult life to my community in several ways.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Jay: I have lived a “public” life for the most part, and I am a Civil War history nut.
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Jay: The picture I have is one of the front of the fire engine that I drive and operate. I’ve been with the Jim Thorpe Fire Department since I was 16 years old. This year will mark my 47th year of being active.
Lori Cinicola
Branch Manager/Mortgage-Consumer Lender
How did you get into community banking?
Lori: I had just graduated from high school and the president of our local bank called my father to see if I would be interested in a job at the bank. Of course I said yes! Thirty-eight years later I’m still working in our community bank and loving every minute of it.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Lori: Building relationships and helping my neighbors and friends with their banking needs. When attending sporting events or shopping at our local market, people approach me asking questions about their checking account or how they go about doing some home improvements to their home. I’m honored that they trust me enough to come to me for their personal and financial needs.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Lori: As a community bank we know the people who live and work here on a deeper/personal level, allowing us to help them in a unique way.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Lori: I’m a face painter and I volunteer my time to local organizations for their fund raisers.
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Lori: The 5th picture in my phone is of my nieces and nephews at one of our summer picnics. Family is very important to me, so I have parties and picnics many times throughout the year.
Courtney Miller
Loan Processor
How did you get into community banking?
Courtney: I worked for an abstract company for 15 years and my boss decided to retire. I had a great working relationship with the bank, having worked with the staff for many years, and I decided to apply. I’ve been working at JTNB ever since.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Courtney: Our customers; taking care of them on a personal level, getting to know them, and greeting them during hot dog day and other community events. We are fortunate that JTNB allows its employees to give up their time and offer their talent working with the public.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Courtney: Community banking is serving the customers and meeting their needs on a personal level.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Courtney: In my free time, I love gardening and reading books, especially horror novels.
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Courtney: My fifth picture is of my two daughters, Madison, 13, and Riley, who is 8. They are the light of my life and center ofmy world!
