Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | Fact Book 2017 | Worcester Business Journal 29 W hat the company does: Cornerstone Bank is a local, community bank that provides high quality, personal customer service with banking solutions that meet the needs of its customers and clients. Cornerstone Bank was formed in 2017 with the vision to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and businesses in the communities it serves. What is the meaning behind the name Cornerstone Bank? Cornerstone Bank was built on the foundation of two local, mutual banks joining together under their shared values of com- munity and teamwork. The name we chose best embodies the cultures of both former SpencerBANK and Southbridge Savings Bank, and promotes the values of integrity and trust that our banks were built on. In short, we want to be the cornerstone of financial success for our customers and clients. How have the Bank's products and services strengthened? We've not only expanded our products and services, but also our knowledge and experience. We're now a bank with assets over $1 billion that can manage more complex financial transactions. We have 15 branch locations and a full-service call center with extended hours. We also offer investment and wealth manage- ment services with our team of seasoned experts that have a strong reputation for going above and beyond for their clients. What's most exciting about your enhanced products and services? From personal and residential to small business and large com- mercial loans, we continue to have ample funds to lend to qualified borrowers. We have effectively doubled our in-house commercial lending capabilities, in excess of $20 million per loan, and can make prompt decisions unlike many other banks our size. The Bank also has the distinction of Preferred Lender from the U.S. Small Business Administration, an honor that allows the Bank's customers a streamlined and expedited loan approval process. We have the premier commercial lending team in Worcester County; our experienced, dedicated team of lenders have strong relation- ships with their clients, many of them dating back 25 years. In addition to a full range of financing options, we offer indi- viduals and businesses a wide array of deposit products, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, IRAs and more. We also offer many personal banking services such as mobile bank- ing, mobile deposit as well as robust cash management services for our commercial clients. How has the merger impacted the community? Becoming a larger entity only strengthened our commitment to our communities. We've expanded our philanthropic endeavors and are a major contributor of funds and volunteer efforts throughout Worcester County; we serve on boards, donate man- hours for local events and our employees also make contributions toward the causes we support. What are the strongest advantages that Cornerstone Bank offers? We're truly a local bank—we have strong, local roots dating back over a century. Our employees live locally and know our customers and their unique situations, which is not necessarily the case with other big banks. We have an outstanding and energized Board of Directors, diversified in their knowledge and backgrounds, and who are locally based and devoted to their communities. Essentially, we have the resources of a big bank with the ideals of a small bank. Working alongside Todd Tallman, former President & CEO of Southbridge Savings Bank and now President & Treasurer of Cornerstone Bank, also presents a unique advantage. Between the two of us, we are familiar with our customer base; something that Cornerstone Bank Title: Chairman & CEO Company: Cornerstone Bank Headquarters: Worcester, MA K. Michael Robbins can't be said of all banks. We have similar values and a complemen- tary combination of experience and skill sets, strengthening the new bank and its commitment to its customers that much more. What is your vision for the bank? Our vision is to continue to build relationships and strengthen the community for the long-term; to deliver on the promise as a trusted financial partner. Our goal is to create customer loyalty and satisfaction by providing the right solutions that combine our experience, technology, and financial strength to help our cus- tomers and communities prosper. What is most rewarding about your work? I enjoy seeing the success of our customers over time, whether it's a couple purchasing their first home, a developer building a subdivision or a corporation gaining access to capital for growth. I am also passionate about the success of our employees as they move upwards to new positions with more responsibilities; those who join us from high school internships and become senior level employees. It's most exciting to watch them grow with our custom- er base—to witness the interactions and wonderful relationships that are built along the way. Seeing employees and customers become more successful, year after year, is truly rewarding work. FB K. Michael Robbins C E O I N T E R V I E W

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