To our valued customers,
As we begin a new year, I’d like to start by thanking you for your support in what was the most difficult year most of us have ever experienced. I’d also like to briefly recap how we tried to support you - our customers and communities - in 2020.
Tap. Sign Up. Make a Difference - an easy request that benefited so many. In early fall, Tompkins donated $5 dollars to our local United Way chapters for every new user that signed up for our digital banking service. The donation directly benefitted the United Way’s COVID Relief Fund to help our communities during this trying time.
Tompkins VIST Bank is pleased to welcome to its board of directors Helen Eaton, CEO of Settlement Music School of Philadelphia, one of the largest non-profit community schools of the arts in the United States.
We know a lot about small businesses and have always admired their ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Those qualities have especially been evident since March, when many companies have had to modify their operations to remain viable. And as their partners, we’ve been checking in with them more frequently than usual to let them know we have services that can help them through this difficult time.
As a community bank, we’re dedicated to supporting businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to providing loan programs, we can help businesses hold on to the resources they have through services that help prevent fraud. This is especially important now, when companies are operating with reduced staff, many of whom are working remotely. It’s a time when businesses are especially vulnerable to fraud. In fact, industry experts predict there will be an “explosion” of business and consumer fraud in the coming years.
COVID-19 has impacted all businesses, and farming – Pennsylvania’s #1 industry - is no exception. I own a farm myself, so I know how tough it is to be profitable even in good times. But the pandemic has added to the many difficulties farmers always face, especially during Spring - their most active season. That’s why I and my colleague, Lynette Gelsinger, an agricultural relationship manager also a farm owner, are in constant communication with our customers to offer support.
As your community bank, we continue to be here for you as we work hard to rebuild our communities, together. I wanted to take the time to give you a brief update about our plans for reopening our bank lobbies.
Financial decisions can feel complex and hard even under normal circumstances. If the current market volatility has you questioning what are the “right” actions you should take now, you are not alone. Here are five concrete ways for you to jumpstart your financial wellness in the wake of the novel coronavirus.
Topics: financial education
