Event celebrates Berks farmers
WYOMISSING >> Tompkins VIST bank recently hosted about 215 agricultural customers for the bank’s fifth annual agricultural luncheon.
The event is meant to show appreciation for the area’s agricultural community — including farmers and agribusiness, said Lynette Gelsinger, agricultural relationship lender.
“The luncheon is a thank you from Tompkins VIST that provides fellowship and acknowledgment of their efforts,” she said in an emailed response to questions.
The July 11 luncheon was held at the Leesport Farmer’s Market, and included attendees from the agricultural communities in Berks and Lebanon counties, according to Gelsinger.
Following a welcome from Scott Gruber, Tompkins VIST president and CEO, the lunch was served by bank senior leadership and staff, according to a press release.
“You are the reason we’re here,” Travis Werley, senior vice president, agricultural lending relationship manager, said as he welcomed the guests. He noted that it was a “privilege to work with people who are stewards of the land and who are working hard to overcome the challenges facing farmers today,” the release stated.
Werley and Gelsinger, in addition to being bankers, both have working farms with their families.
“Since Travis Werley and I are farmers ourselves, the foundation of our relationships is that we share common ground with the agricultural community. This allows us insight into specialized banking and lending needs to better serve our customers,” Gelsinger said.
Werley has served the financial needs of the agricultural community for more than 25 years, she said. Gelsinger joined the Tompkins VIST team in October 2018.
“Tompkins VIST is committed to the agricultural community and is dedicated to expanding these efforts,” she said, adding that the bank has agricultural customers throughout the tri-county region.
Gelsinger said agricultural lending is unique, because of the strong personal connection that comes from farm families living and raising their families at their place of business, adding that the bank takes that into consideration when looking to identify the right options.
“We evaluate agricultural business differently because collateral includes — and isn’t limited to — farms, equipment, livestock and feed inventories,” she said. “Due to the complexity, we strive to provide tailored financial solutions that are appropriate on a case by case basis.”
For more information about Tompkins VIST Bankvisit www.vistbank. com. Email business story ideas to business editor/ writer drovins@21stcenturymedia.com.