Bank branch sees marked growth after only one year
In just one year’s time, Citizens State Bank has become an integral part of Cornell, not only donating funds for community needs, but also providing service and ideas to better the area. Since they opened their doors at the intersection of State Hwys. 27 and 64 Sept. 4, 2019, the bank has jumped into helping the community grow.
Tim Cruciani, president/CEO, says branch lead Hannah Cowan is to thank for immersing the bank in the culture that is Cornell and Holcombe.
“If you think about the growth and the culture, and the reason people are banking here, it’s because of Hannah,” said Cruciani. “It’s been an amazing year here for us.”
Through Cowan, the bank has gotten involved in planning community events, making donations from grant money and reaching out to the schools.
“For a while, before COVID started, we had (kids’) artwork displayed…in our lobbies and it was great to connect that way,” said Cowan.
Cruciani says they want to reach out to the whole area, not just Cornell, and said as part of working with the schools, he’s had the pleasure of going to after-school programs to show banking procedures and tell about saving money.
In addition to the fun things, Cruciani says they are looking at expanding the bank’s digital horizon, and are always pleased to see promotions from within, as it shows the level of leadership and commitment from not only employees, but their branch leaders.
“We’ve more than doubled our expectations on the loan side and we’re almost to the point where we’re going to triple our expectations on the deposit side,” said Cruciani. “So, that tells me we have good products, but it really reinforces the service level of Hannah and her team.”
The banks many branches provide employment to 50 people, as well as partnering with local organizations for events and projects.
“We want to be good stewards to our communities,” said Cruciani.
As the Cornell branch turns one-year-old Sept. 4, Cowan says she thinks back to when she started tallying how many people said they were glad to have them in Cornell, and how she gave up not long after that.
“I lost track,” said Cowan. “We’re glad we’re here, too.”
Cutline: Citizens State Bank is here to stay, as they hit the one-year mark at their Cornell branch. Present to celebrate the accomplishment, left to right, are president/CEO Tim Cruciani, loan support department Katrina Hakes, Cornell branch lead Hannah Cowan and Cornell teller Georgia O’Connor. Photo by Ginna Young
