Tompkins VIST Bank opens branch in Boyertown
Opening is part of strategy to bolster community banking
Tompkins VIST Bank has opened a new branch in Boyertown; its second new branch opening in 2016.
The new location, at 101. E. Philadelphia Ave. in downtown Boyertown opened Tuesday and supports the need for community banking in the community, according to a press release. In June, VIST opened a Pottstown branch location at 258 E. High St.
“With the Boyertown and Pottstown offices, we look forward to filling the need for community banking that has arisen from the recent merger activity,” said Tompkins VIST Bank president and CEO Scott Gruber in the release. As head of the Montgomery County region in a former banking role, Gruber is familiar with the region and understands its potential. “We also recognize the community pride that Boyertown folks have and want to support their efforts,” he said.
In an October interview, Gruber said that the decision to open branches in Pottstown and now Boyertown is a deliberate strategy in the communities. Both Boyertown and Pottstown have experienced a loss in community banks through mergers and acquisitions, including the acquisition of National Penn Bank and Susquehanna Bank by BB&T.
“We are locally headquartered, have a local board and local decision making — which is important,” he said.
The 2,500-square-foot Boyertown location features office space, customer service areas, a night drop, a drive-up and a drive-up ATM. The branch also has a large lower level room that the bank is offering as a meeting space for community organizations. The branch has a staff of four that includes Manager Lori Carnes, who is well known in the Boyertown area as a banker and volunteer. Last year Carnes was named Boyertown Citizen of the Year.
At Tuesday’s opening of the branch, Gruber and Tompkins VIST Bank staff celebrated the new office with a $1,000 donation to the Boyertown Community Library. The bank will also donate $50 to local organizations for each customer that opens a qualifying checking account through Feb. 15. The organizations are: The Boyertown YMCA; United Way of Boyertown; Boyertown MultiService; and the Colebrookdale Railroad.
“I’m proud of Boyertown and am especially proud that Tompkins VIST Bank recognizes the value of our local employees who are now working at the new branch,” said Boyertown Mayor Marianne Deery. “I’m also pleased that the bank is demonstrating a commitment to our local community.”
Grand opening festivities at the new branch will continue this weekend. The celebration will have a holiday theme and will include music, refreshments and some special appearances. On Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., music will be provided by the Holiday Tubadors. From 2 to 3:30
“We are locally headquartered, have a local board and local decision making — which is important.”
p.m. Slapshot, the mascot for the Reading Royals will visit. And on Saturday, Santa will make a stop at the bank from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with portraits being done by a caricaturist.
The bank, which has its headquarters in Wyomissing, has 20 branches serving Berks, Montgomery, Philadelphia and Schuylkill counties. Tricounty area branches now include Birdsboro, Oaks, Pottstown and Boyertown. For more information about Tompkins VIST Bank visit www.vistbank.com. Email business story ideas to business editor drovins@pottsmerc.com