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 Mid Penn Bank, a community bank servicing customer’s across Pennsylvania. Since 1868, Mid Penn Bank has remained committed to serving the local community and providing comprehensive financial solutions. The bank has been named one of the “Top 200 Community Banks” and one of the “Best Banks to Work For” in the nation, has been recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania” and has been named a recipient of the “Grow Your Community Award” by PACB.
Amanda Brigaman
Regional Market Manager, Capital & Lancaster Region
How did you get into community banking?
Amanda: After graduating from West Chester University with a business degree, I felt that banking would be a great way to immediately utilize my education. It provided the professional foundation I felt was needed with health benefits… I was hooked! I began as a teller and was the self-described “Queen of the Drive-thru.” After a few months, I was promoted to customer service. I found joy in meeting clients, understanding their needs and strived to give exceptional service. Other opportunities soon presented themselves to me because I was dedicated to learning and put my team first.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Amanda: What I love the most is creating employment opportunities and developing individuals that live, work and play within our footprint. Our employees are dedicated to the communities they live in, the businesses they patronize and the schools they send their children to. That mirrors the dedication Mid Penn Bank has had for more than 150 years, to all of its communities. Beyond traditional banking options, community banks provide volunteer, leadership and financial support of local non-profits. By investing resources in the development of our teams, we can directly and positively impact the communities that we serve.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Amanda: Community banks provide support to the businesses and individuals in the communities we serve. The hallmark of Mid Penn Bank being a community bank is that we are comprised of local people, making local decisions to support local needs.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Amanda: By the time I was in 5th grade, I had attempted to start four businesses. When I was six years old, I went door to door selling my mother’s fruit and lemonade. In third grade, I used blank mailing stickers to create my own stickers and sold them to my friends. In fifth grade, I would purchase candy at a nearby store, increase the price and sell it to my friends at recess for a nice profit. I even had one person working for me. It was simple: supply and demand. Unfortunately, I was eventually forced to stop when the school received a complaint that the students were using their lunch money to buy my candy! Later, I would make my own mixtapes with my tape recorder and synthesizer and sell them to my friends. I am really showing my age with my answer to this question!
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Amanda: The 5th picture in my camera is of me and my mom. She is a constant inspiration to me and is the strongest woman I know. She balanced her teaching career while raising my two sisters and I. In 2014, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and I am happy to write that she is in remission. This picture was taken at an event to support the United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County. I have volunteered for that organization for many years, most recently as President of the Board of Directors. My mom was there to support me as she has done throughout my life.
Melinda Powell
Community Banking Liaison, Scottdale Region
How did you get into community banking?
Melinda: While continuing my education after high school graduation, I had an opportunity to work in a community bank. I loved it! Now, 32 years later, I am working for a great community bank, The Scottdale Bank & Trust Co., a division of Mid Penn Bank, located in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Melinda: I could write a book about the rewards of working for a community bank, however I will write a condensed version for this publication. The most rewarding aspects is our customers. Our customers are our community every day, not only in our branches, but out in our local towns. It’s wonderful to walk down the street and see smiles on faces and hear hello from the citizens of these communities. The connections that are made at a community bank are strong and inspiring; both with our customers and with my fellow Mid Penn Bank employees. For example, our CEO is a marathon runner. This inspires me daily. If he can run a marathon, I can go the extra mile.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Melinda: There is no true definition of a community bank. We define it, it defines us. I became a community banker because of the connections we build in our community through volunteering, donating or working with customers to develop custom solutions for their financial needs. We get our hands dirty, or do whatever it takes to lend assistance to the people of these local areas. As members of local organizations we volunteer our time to many groups. We work hard every day with local people, to make local banking decisions and support local needs. Community banking is an energy that comes from within.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Melinda: If I tell you something about myself that most people don’t know then everyone will know! Okay here it is: I am very afraid of thunderstorms. Why? I really don’t know, but I am.
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Melinda: “I love my dog!” His name is Tyson and he is 3 years old.
Laura Melfi
Cash Management Officer, First Priority Region
How did you get into community banking?
Laura: This is a cute story – When I was 2 years old, my parents took me to their bank which, at that time, was PNB Bank out of Philadelphia. The teller gave me a lollipop and I always remembered that. I figured if a place gave out candy, it can’t be a bad place to work! Candy is how I got into banking. It stuck with me.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Laura: There are two aspects that are very rewarding to me. They are:
1) Customer Service – I treat people the way I would like to be treated and to help out where ever is needed.
2) And, being part of the community – As a banker, we work hard to build a solid reputation; there is a level of respect that we all try to achieve. A big part of that is being part of the community. I enjoy being on boards for organizations that serve young people, whether it’s for their education or after school activities. In the past I’ve served as a regional and state judge for the DECA program, which prepares high school students to become emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Laura: My definition of a community bank is being there for the customer. If there is an issue, we follow it through to the end until the issue is resolved. If we bring on a new customer, we don’t forget about them. We stay in touch. We’re part of the community to make it a better place.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Laura: I’m the type of person that is always striving to be the best person I can be and do my best in all aspects of my life. I love what I do and try to be the best at it.
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Laura: My 5th picture in the camera roll is a picture of me in San Gimignano located in beautiful Tuscany Italy. This is one place that I can honestly say is my favorite place to be with my husband, and I’m looking forward to going back there again in September.
