Why I Bank Local

Tell Us Your Story

Tell us why banking with your local bank is better than with a big bank and your experience with your community bank.

10 Stories from Others about Banking Local

• Chris Wilder

  May 10th, 2010 at 10:52 am

  When we moved to Focus Business Bank, it was because they seemed committed to the local, non-profit community. We were NOT disappointed! Not only do they “think locally”, they are deeply integrated with the philanthropic aspects of Silicon Valley life. In short, they “get” us, and are on our team.

  This translates to fantastic service, and a real partnership. Working with Shawn, Ervie and Teresa at Focus is such a breath of fresh air…unlike any banking relationship I’ve ever had or hoped for.

  Cheers,
  Chris Wilder, Executive Director,
  Valley Medical Center Foundation
  Chairman,
  San Jose Jazz

• Sally Cotton

  May 12th, 2010 at 12:16 pm

  I bank local and at New Resource Bank specifically for many reasons, but what I have experienced has been far more than I expected, and it has all been a wonderful, very positive experience. I actually have a relationship with my community bank representative, Tracy Tiernan. I can call her or email her and she responses to my needs IMMEDIATELY! I’ve managed my college kids accounts as well as my own and Tracy helps me maintain all in good standing : ) If I stumble, she helps me back up and I’ve never been penalized for not knowing or understanding something! There is absolutely nothing like this close personal connection with a banker and bank. I will never go back! Thanks New Resource Bank for what you stand for and thanks Tracy for your support.

• Jaclyn Konczal

  May 13th, 2010 at 4:00 pm

  My experience with New Resource Bank has changed my opinion of banking drastically. As a young artist with strong convictions about social and environmental issues, I never imagined I would find a bank that I truly felt comfortable with.
  When I met with Chavaugn at New Resource for the first time I was nervous and anticipating a cold reception full of confusing paperwork and sneaky loopholes. My experience was entirely the opposite.
  This is the first time I’ve felt like my bank is actually on my side, and that I am also on their side, believing in what they are working toward and having mutual respect and support for one another.
  It feels really good to know that New Resource is investing locally into individuals, companies and organizations with a desire to see our community strengthened in sustainable and ethically responsible ways.
  I feel lucky to be a small part of this amazing community bank!
  -Jaclyn
  jaclynkonczal.com

• Dave Stein

  May 17th, 2010 at 11:26 pm

  While other banks have perfected the art punitively high (and profitable) ATM overdraft charges, change locations and decor like new pair of shoes, and seem to revel in saying “no” to loyal and long-standing customers, New Resource Bank seems to have been established with the sole purpose of serving their community and in an helpful and socially responsible manner.

  Further, it does blow my mind that I can write an email to a representative who remembers me and my wife on sight and who I recognize as well! Chavaugn is a pleasure with whom to interact and I feel I can write her with questions about banking services and procedures of any kind.

  Also, ten times a month I am able to use ANY and every ATM in the city, even the ones in the liquor store or restaurant, with NO fees (fees refunded). That’s WAY more convenient than WAMU ever was.

  Which brings me to my next point, as I do not wish to support the large institutions which I believe are part of our world and national problems (Chase-JP Morgan, Citibank, BofA, Well Fargo). My wife and I are voting with our dollars, which seems the only last real vote we have. I know this is a hard topic, but I don’t get the sense that NRB is part of the same military industrial complex as the others I mentioned.

  I’ve been recommending New Resource to friends and trying to have my homeowners association switch our group account over. I hope they’ll switch. New Resource please don’t change a thing!

• Branden Barber

  May 18th, 2010 at 6:13 pm

  I bank with New Resource Bank for a variety of reasons – but first and foremost, they care about me and they care about me. They are also highly ethical and are a bank that I am delighted to recommend to people. Their investments stay within the community. They are very open to feedback. They work hard to engage their community with itself – not just the bank. They are passionate (imagine that – a passionate bank!) about the environment and they literally put their money where their mouth is: They promote environmental groups and sponsor them at local events, contribute regularly and invite them to roundtable discussions to see how everyone can be more effective in working to save the planet. The staff are truly excellent. They work with you and bend over backwards to help. They care – plain and simple.

• Christopher M. George, President & CEO of CMG Mortgage, Inc.

  June 7th, 2010 at 1:09 pm

  “The relationship we have with Bay Commercial Bank has been instrumental in the success of our organization. Bay Commercial has been unwavering in their support of CMG’s growth over the years. The service levels are unsurpassed when compared with other banks we have used in the past, and we love the Scan-A-Check technology.”

• Tessie C. Voisan, CFO of New World Environmental Inc.

  June 7th, 2010 at 1:10 pm

  “Our relationship with Bay Commercial Bank has proven to be our greatest asset in surviving as a small business in today’s economy.”

• Mike Wilson, CEO of New World Environmental Inc.

  June 7th, 2010 at 1:10 pm

  “The benefits of Banking with a small community Bank that caters to our needs in an unprecedented way, we are more to them than just another account.”

• Ray Smith

  July 20th, 2010 at 1:14 pm

  I couldn’t believe how easy it was to switch my accounts to a local community bank – Mechanics Bank. I was greated with such a warm welcome I felt like I was visiting family, and the time it took to open my new accounts was less than 20 minutes.

  No ATM fees, no check fees, no on-line banking fees. I look forward to being able to save even more money each year.

  Thank you, Mechanics Bank. So long big bank!

• Michelle Nordquist

  August 6th, 2010 at 1:59 pm

  My experience with my local bank, Golden Pacific Bank has been wonderful and leaves me with nothing but very fond memories of my banking experience with them. From the first person I met, throughout my loan process until the end, all of the staff have been very friendly, professional, efficient, competent and provided the results I sought.

  As a borrower with an 800 FICO score, $200 k down payment and an LTV less than 50%, one would think I could get a conventional residential loan anywhere. It turned out that because I purchased my new house “cash” and I did not have two years of rental income history, Fannie Mae guidelines would not allow me to get a conventional loan at any big banks or mortgage companies. I know, as I called at least 50 lenders and got 50 “no’s”. Golden Pacific Bank not only offers conventional loans, they offer a unique product called Portfolio lending. With this, they underwrite to their own guidelines while ensuring that there is adequate equity in the home, factor in common sense and retain their loan portfolios. They are committed to providing exceptional customer service, and focus on “Quality” rather than “Quantity”.

  I am very happy with the products and services I have received at my local community bank Golden Pacific Bank and would highly recommend this organization to everyone.