Polk County Bank Plants New Roots
The opening of new bank branches is a frequent occurrence. Polk County Bank however, not only opened a new branch in Urbandale, but also fully committed themselves to be engaged partners with the community.
With three other locations, Polk County Bank chose Urbandale due to its reputation of being a vibrant and quality community with a strong economic base. The bank recognized an opportunity to partner with a thriving community and allow that branch to differentiate itself from the other Polk County Bank branches while still maintaining the core values of the bank.
“We had a desire to say that we are serious about our commitment to the community and just had to find a way for that to come to life,” said Sherryl Viars, Communications Director for Polk County Bank. “We wanted to do something that was a fun twist to a ribbon cutting ceremony while engaging the Urbandale community and area non-profits.”
Polk County Bank expanded their grand opening beyond the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony by hosting a full week of events and activities designed to introduce the bank to the Urbandale community.
The week kicked off with the ribbon cutting and Commitment to the Community Ceremony in which the bank donated $1,000 each to Endow Urbandale, Urbandale Public Library and Living History Farms. The Urbandale Girl Scouts and Urbandale Caring Corps each received $500.
“We really wanted to say that we’re in your community and we want to contribute,” said Viars.
Activities continued throughout the week, targeting customers, old and new alike. The “Toast to the New Community” cocktail party invited top bank customers to experience the new branch in a personal way. The Golden Oaks program invited members to the new branch for an afternoon learning about antiques. Area business were invited in to learn more about what the bank has to offer businesses during the Biz Bank 24 Bank Solutions Day.
The week ended with a kid’s Fall Festival featuring Sammy the Squirrel who encourages kids to “squirrel away money” by opening a kids savings account. The bank saw a 100 percent increase in the number of new kids savings accounts following this event.
Throughout the weeks leading up to the Grand Opening, bank employees received communications to help them “Live the Vision” a reference to the Vision, Mission and Core Values of Polk County Bank.
“These statements are a part of who we are,” said Viars. “It’s not just something we hang on the wall, we are truly committed to our banks and the communities they are in.”
The hard work on the part of the bank staff paid off as the project won the Gold Award at the 2006 Best of Iowa Awards in the Community Development Division.
“We wanted to make a positive impact on the community,” said Robert Miller, president of Polk County Bank. “We want to live our bank philosophy and be an example to the people in our communities.”
The vision of Polk County Bank is to create lasting relationships built on trust and success. With this vision in mind, Polk County Bank was able to introduce themselves to a community that they believe in and are committed to being a part of for many years to come.
Polk County Bank President Robert Miller presents a $1,000 check to the Urbandale Public Library at the Ribbon Cutting and Community Commitment Ceremony. Endow Urbandale, Urbandale Caring Corps, Living History Farms and the Urbandale Girl Scouts also received donations from Polk County Bank.
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