A strong commitment to customer service throughout Central Massachusetts
By Morgan Hume, Contributing Writer
Photo/submitted
Region – As a customer, it is important to connect and build trust with the local businesses in your community. And if anyone understands that best, it’s Cornerstone Bank.
In 2017, Cornerstone Bank was formed after SpencerBANK and Southbridge Savings Bank merged together. Headquartered in Worcester, the bank has 13 branches in Central Massachusetts.
From residential mortgages to home equity and auto loans, to opening basic checking and savings accounts, Cornerstone Bank can do it all. But what distinguishes them from the other banks out there is that they do it all with a strong commitment to customer service.
Cornerstone Bank uses a high-touch customer service model, which focuses on having meaningful interactions and conversations. They take the time to sit down with people and evaluate their finances from every aspect.
“We’re trying to sell a holistic financial approach to our customers,” said Todd Tallman, the president and treasurer of Cornerstone Bank. “To listen to them and what they want to do, and how we can help them. What we can offer is advice more than anything. That’s what sets us apart.”
Tallman said the bank believes it is important for customers to trust the people they are working with to handle their finances. In addition to different types of lending products, Cornerstone Bank offers individualized attention and guidance, which Tallman said is hard to find from other places.
“I think our approach is incredibly different from the bigger players from that perspective,” said Tallman. “We’re offering the same products, but we operate at a very different level. It’s one on one, face to face.”
And Cornerstone Bank’s commitment to its customers has been recognized. This year, they were named the top bank in Central Massachusetts for overall quality by the New England Banking Choice Awards.
Cornerstone Bank’s service to the community goes beyond just the people that come into one of their locations. Every year, they award scholarships to local students and donate thousands of dollars to dozens of organizations. In the past, the bank has donated to places like the March of Dimes, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Massachusetts/Metrowest, Old Sturbridge Village, and Abby’s House.
“We try to put our money where our mouth is. We try to give back to all these different groups. I think that is our mission as a community bank,” said Tallman. “Not only to support the local community with financial stability, but we also have employees all willing to give back. That is an expectation when you work here, but I think it’s an accepted part of our culture.”
Tallman added the employees at Cornerstone Bank are dedicated to volunteering their time and resources, which is one of the reasons why he is proud to work with them. The employees at the bank each have different causes and charities they are passionate about supporting, and they work towards helping those who are disadvantaged.
“They’re incredibly committed as a group of people that want to give back and want to volunteer, and really want to get involved with the various communities that we’re in,” said Tallman. “They see it as their job to give back and be part of the community and volunteer.”
Cornerstone Bank is an independent, mutual savings bank serving the residents, businesses, and communities throughout Central Massachusetts from offices in Charlton, Holden, Leicester, Rutland, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Warren, Webster, and Worcester, along with a Loan Center in Westborough.
For more information call 800-939-9103 or visit www.cornerstonebank.com.
