Local Business Spotlight PeoplesBank

This Patch article is sponsored by PeoplesBank.

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Joann Uribe, AVP, Banking Center Manager, Avon, of PeoplesBank.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your business or organization:
Joann Uribe: We offer a full suite of products and services, from free checking accounts, to high yield savings accounts, mortgages, home equity loans, and small and large business loans. We also have VideoBankerITMs, which offer banking services 7 days a week.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?
Joann Uribe: We are brand new to Avon, and excited to be joining the community. While we were founded 140 years ago, in 1885, we are as modern and innovative as any other bank out there. We have opened new Banking Center locations is West Hartford and South Windsor recently, and are also planning to open this year in Glastonbury and in downtown Hartford. Combined with our other existing locations in Suffield and East Granby, we are committed to bringing “Simple” banking to these communities.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Joann Uribe: I’ve always loved interacting with customers! I’ve been in banking for 35 years now, as hard as that is for me to believe, having started in 1990. When I started, I just knew that helping people gave me a great deal of satisfaction in my job, and that is still true all these years later.

Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to customers?
Joann Uribe: Often, customers don’t realize the many ways we can help them manage, and improve, their financial position. PeoplesBank offers much more than just traditional checking and savings accounts, and our staff representation in Avon reflects that. We have specialists in business banking, for businesses large and small, and we also have a full mortgage team, to help you get into, or renovate, your dream home. So, don’t just be satisfied with just a checking account, but rather, look at the many ways we can provide assistance.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Joann Uribe: Providing grants to help non-profits achieve their Mission. With funding focus areas that include housing, food insecurity, social services, sustainability, literacy and economic development, last year we awarded over $1.6 million to 450 non-profits in the region. Our philosophy is to “give a little, to a lot of groups”, so rather than a large investment in one particular project, we try and spread our money around, since there are so many worthy causes to support. So, while our grant amounts are small, averaging around $3K per grant, we are able to impact many individuals through the broad range of non-profits we support. I’m glad we will be bringing this level of ‘community building’ into Avon.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?
Joann Uribe: As a mutual bank, we do not have stockholders, rather we are owned by our depositors. This means that instead of diverting money to stockholders, we are able to invest it in the communities we serve. We promise a “Simple” banking experience. “Simple” is a simple word – easy to say, easy to spell, easy to understand. But, don’t be fooled. It’s not easy for a company to be Simple. In fact, it’s hard. Very hard. It’s actually ironic that it’s so difficult making things look easy. We know our customers want their banking to be Simple. They want more clarity, more calm, more expertise. They want less confusion, less frustration, less runaround. And, that’s what Real. Simple. Banking. is all about.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?
Joann Uribe: Find us on online at www.bankatpeoples.com, @bankatpeoples, or I can be reached at the following:

Joann Uribe
Banking Center Manager
192 West Main St, Avon, CT
860-751-0401