We have been saying for some time that Wallkill Valley Federal Savings & Loan is banking that puts Community First but what does it really mean in practical terms?
Here are 5 ways we work every day to put you, our community, first.
Community First
1 – Day to Day Engagement
We are present in our communities. We live, work and play in the communities we serve. Many of the employees of WVFSL grew up right here in the Hudson Valley. We put community first just by being a part of the daily fabric of the community itself.
“We are involved on a local level on a daily basis, whether it is participating in a coat drive or attending a Chamber Breakfast or having a booth at a community day event.” Domenic Baiocco – Commercial Loan Officer
2 – Face to Face Interaction
We sit with our customers. We get to know potential customers and find out about their needs so that we can serve them better. Our loan process is completed in house from start to finish. We work with customers to complete the paperwork and our approvals and underwriting is done at the branch level.
“We don’t have people in other portions of NY or other states that you will never meet who only talk to you on the phone. We are all the faces of Wallkill, right here in your community, our community.” Mary Beth Maio – VP, Branch Manager
“We don't just want an account or a loan. We want a relationship.” Jim DiSalvo – AVP/Branch Manager
3 – Philanthropy
We make donations to local charities and non-profit organizations that are doing good works within our community. Our philanthropy extends beyond the checks we donate. As a team we frequently participate in Walk-a-Thons or Golf outings that support causes that are meaningful to us. Individually, we encourage and support our employees in the organizations that they are passionate about.
“My community activities, whereby I have served on approximately 15 not-for-profit boards, has been supported by Mike Horodyski and the WVFSL board. This has been a win-win for myself, the bank and the community.” Rolland B. Peacock, III – Vice President, Commercial Lending
4 – Meeting Customer’s Needs
We actively look for ways to better serve the needs of our customers. Meeting those needs can be traditional in nature – meaning we help to identify bank products or services that can fill a customer’s needs but it can go well beyond traditional.
“When I hear of the term Community First, I think about looking for ways of identifying and solving the needs of the folks within our local communities. Such as helping a family in need or providing some gift wrapping services for the seniors in our community.” Denise Mathelier, Branch Manager
5 – People Before Profits
This hits at the core of what being a bank that puts Community First means to WVFSL. People come first.
“Very simple. Put people before profits. We are successful because we are different from everyone else. As soon as we lose sight of that, we are no different than a big corporate bank.” Jim DiSalvo – AVP/Branch Manager
Want to know more? If you are ready for a more personal banking experience, then we would encourage you to stop by one of our branch locations. We would be happy to sit with you, discover your financial needs and help you come up with a plan to achieve them.
jim.jpg