The year 2020 is proving to be one where the values of people, organizations, and businesses of all kinds are in the spotlight. For 1st Source Bank, that means following the same principles that made them one of the largest and most trusted banks around Michiana – integrity, teamwork, superior quality, outstanding customer service, and community leadership.
Every one of those values has been practiced during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. From 1st Source Foundation’s donation of more than $64,000 to Porter and La Porte County’s United Way branches, to helping small businesses secure millions of dollars in Paycheck Protection Program loans through the CARES Act, they are still finding unique ways to make a mark during the crisis.
“We’ve truly seen our values shine through in the midst of this,” said Matt Vessely, Regional President at 1st Source Bank. “The teamwork that we’ve exhibited internally to flex, adapt, and respond has been tremendous. We’ve stepped up our service commitment to help our clients adjust as well, while also assisting them as they deal with certain adverse circumstances related to the crisis.”
“Our values capture the essence of who we are, and how we do what we do. They’re not acted out. They’re fundamental to everything we do, and are weaved into the fabric of our culture,” he added.
1st Source Bank, founded in South Bend in 1863, operates 80 banking centers around northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. They cover a lot of territory, but remain committed to operating as a local, community bank in every way.
“When I think local, I think about the fact that the bank is organized in five distinct regions, each of which has senior leaders equipped and empowered to execute on a local level, while relying on corporate support to drive the operational side of business,” Vessely said. “That puts us in a unique position to make local decisions and operate in a way that suits our local market, while efficiently leveraging the unique strengths and capabilities of the bank as whole.”
That leadership structure allows 1st Source Bank to serve as a community leader that can help locally in all kinds of ways. In Northwest Indiana for example, Vessely and his team look to support causes championed by their branch managers and other staffers. Over the years they have sponsored local high school athletes in the Porter County Conference, helped fund Valparaiso’s new Horticulture Center, and much more.
But their values are reflected in more than charitable giving. As Vessely noted, they are fundamental to everything – including client service.
“We take pride in living our values, and that comes through in the way we deliver the services we provide,” he said. “Banking products and services are generally viewed as commodities – so the people and the organization behind the products and services are the differentiating factors. In our case, we think our values set us apart in a special way.”
To learn more about 1st Source Bank, visit www.1stsource.com.