PeoplesBank Offers a "Simple" Banking Experience

This Patch article is sponsored by PeoplesBank

PeoplesBank is a $3.8 billion mutual bank operating in Connecticut and Massachusetts. They are an independent, mutual bank, and will never be bought or sold.

Patch had a chance to talk with several local representatives of PeoplesBank, including Regional Manager Roma Odedra, Business Banker Jennifer Yergeau, and Peter Sulick, Mortgage Loan Originator.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town, or how long has your organization been around in the community?

Odedra: Our newest location in Connecticut has opened this spring in South Windsor, making this our fourth banking center in Connecticut, along with 16 locations in Massachusetts. We were founded in Holyoke, Mass., in 1885 and have a track record of stability, innovation and community support.

Patch: We’re talking with a team of three folks here. Why the extra bodies?

Odedra: PeoplesBank offers much more than just traditional checking and savings accounts, and our staff representation in South Windsor 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.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Odedra: Make banking a simple experience.

Patch: Let’s talk Business. What’s the biggest challenge you face in the current environment?

Yergeau: This is a difficult economic environment for businesses of all sizes. The biggest challenge can be helping business owners see that they still have options, and that the right bank can still help them grow and prosper.

Patch: It’s been a tough real estate market lately, Peter. What keeps you going?

Sulick: Honestly, it’s having happy, satisfied customers. When I hear our current customers promote us to their family and friends, I know that’s a testimonial that cannot be bought or sold. Just like PeoplesBank.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Odedra: A “Simple” banking experience, great customer service and local decision-making.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about? If so, what details can you share and what makes it so exciting?

Odedra: We have introduced a new technology to our markets called VideoBankerITM. The ITM stands for “Interactive Teller Machine,” meaning you talk to a live human via video, allowing you to perform almost any transaction you could do inside a bank from the comfort of your car. The VideoBankers also allow us to offer longer operating hours, seven days a week.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community? If so, tell us about them.

Yergeau: We sponsor fundraising events for hundreds of local area nonprofits, and so you can find our associates out and about in almost every community, supporting and volunteering. In the past year alone, we donated over $2.3 million to area charities and causes.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Sulick: We can be found at bankatpeoples.com or you can follow us on various social media platforms at @bankatpeoples