Hartford Business Journal

HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | SEPTEMBER 4, 2023 9 CORNER OFFICE Who you are and what you love to do is important to Trinity Health. It's why we offer the latest advances in orthopedic treatment. And it's why we create a treatment plan specific to your needs. We're here to help you heal with the knowledge and expertise of a national health system that gets you back feeling like you with a personalized level of care. Learn more at TrinityHealthOfNE.org/Ortho We treat all of you to get you back to doing all that you love. strategy in the coming years includes expanding relationships with nearby municipalities, medical providers and manufacturers, Reyes said. Digital investment Reyes also wants the bank to continue to invest in digital technology to improve the consumer experience. The bank in recent years has launched services such as Spending Insights, which helps customers better understand their spending habits, and early payday, which allows direct deposit customers to access their paychecks two days early. In 2022, Union Savings made Zelle available in its mobile service to enable digital payments for customers. "It's going to require some expenses, but we believe (digital technologies) will be key investments for a future return for us," Reyes said. "We are always looking for different ways to leverage technology to make things more efficient for the bank and to improve customer service." Working to improve customers' overall experiences will be a key focus in the months ahead, he said. "That's not limited to personal interactions with our employees," Reyes said. "That includes having the right products, services and technology, and pricing for all of our stakeholders." Brick-and-mortar strategy Reyes still considers himself new to the bank. He said he is still getting to know the bank's staff and employees, and plans to ensure there is a focus on their personal career growth and development. While many banks have been closing branches, Union Savings recently expanded. In July, it launched a new full-service branch and advice center in Norwalk, at 454 Main Ave., bringing its total footprint to 25 offices, concentrated in Fairfield and Litchfield counties. The new branch features one-stop banking, where customers can access services from personal banking and commercial and treasury services, to business banking, wealth management and residential lending. "We're fairly new to that (Norwalk) market," Reyes said. "We're very excited about that opportunity. Having a physical location there increases convenience and opportunities to strengthen relationships with our customers." There are no discussions about closing any of Union Savings' current locations. There are also no imme- diate plans to expand further, he said. Community banking In his new role, Reyes said he wants to get to know the community better. He currently lives in Pough- keepsie, New York, with a 45-minute commute, though he said his family loves Connecticut, and they may move closer to his new job. "I want to make connections and build relationships with our key stakeholders, whether those be busi- ness customers, consumer banking customers, nonprofits, schools, and other leaders in the market area," Reyes said. Just as Merkle was known for her involvement in the community, Reyes hopes to be also. Merkle expanded the role of the Union Savings Bank Charitable Foundation, serving as its president and forming a community relations team that increased volunteerism throughout western Connecticut. During his career, Reyes has served on the boards of nonprofit organizations, including the Women's Enterprise Development Center, New Horizons Foundation, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County and Skills Unlimited. Reyes noted that Union Savings has donated about $10 million and thousands of volunteer hours to communities it serves over the past decade. These efforts will continue under his leadership, he said. "That is important to me, and that will not change. In fact, we're always looking for ways to do more for our community," Reyes said. Union Savings Bank asset growth * Assets are as of first quarter of each year. | Source: Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 $2,181,524 $2,151,621 $2,390,933 $2,879,554 $3,500,000 $3,000,000 $2,500,000 $2,000,000 $3,123,000 $3,024,815 ASSETS (in 000s)

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