Spotlight: Citizens Independent Bank
by Nora m. Davis (HBCA)—February 2009
Greg Palmer and Gerry Weiser, Citizens Independent Bank
It was bitterly cold the day I headed to Citizens Independent Bank Hopkins for the Spotlight interview. Arriving at the same time was a customer warmly dressed for the weather – heavy boots, jacket, hat and mittens. I watched as he carefully chained his mode of transportation – a bike – to the railing near the front door. Talk about a dedicated customer!
I met with Vice President Greg Palmer—and one of my first questions was—tell me about your customer base. According to Greg, it’s everyone in the community. “We have large corporate clients requiring both deposit and credit services, Mom & Pop businesses, non-profits, and individuals. Since we’re a full service bank offering everything from sophisticated mortgages and investment services, checking and savings accounts, plus cash and credit cards, we’re able to meet multiple needs and provide a variety of financial and banking services.”
When asked how the banking industry has changed since the bank opened—Greg told me the internet has been one of the more definitive banking changes. “Our customers now expect online access to their accounts, with the ability to transfer funds and pay bills online. We were quick to provide that access,” he added. Watching customers enter the bank I asked how most of their customers access their services. Greg explained that many customers appreciate the home-town community feel of Citizens—so they continue to come into the bank where they’re warmly greeted by staff. (It’s true—a bank where everyone knows your name!) Others use the drive-up (cars and bikes) while others access services online. It was obvious that quality customer service is a core value at Citizens.
Citizens Bank has been involved with HBCA since the bank opened in 2000 as the only independent bank located within the footprint of Hopkins. Greg served on the HBCA board—both as a member and board president. Following that tradition, Gerry Weiser, Vice President Business Banking, now serves on HBCA’s board. HBCA is not their only community involvement, however. You’ll find them active in Raspberry Festival, local civic groups, plus the bank frequently contributes to many local causes. According to Greg—community involvement is an expectation and part of their community-based culture.
Citizens in Hopkins is just one of four Citizens Independent Banks, with others in Robbinsdale (the first branch), and Plymouth. Their main office is located in St Louis Park, just off Hwy 100. They’re small enough to maintain that “home town feel”—yet large enough to provide a multitude of financial services.
Before leaving that day I did ask Greg a difficult question – with the current financial crisis, how was Citizens doing? He quickly assured me that Citizens is safe and sound, well-capitalized, benefiting from strong, dedicated ownership. And although this difficult economy was a challenge, Citizens is well suited to continue operations well into the future. So if you’re looking for a new bank (one with a customer service focus) check out Citizens! Visit their website at www.bankcib.com, stop at 10901 Excelsior Boulevard, or give Greg or Gerry a call at 952-935-3333. You’ll be glad you did!
