Who would have thought?
It doesn’t seem like too long ago I was writing my article urging you to get those “first of the year” financial things done and gear up for a great year.
Our economy was off to a good start and we had high hopes for crop and cattle prices. Fast forward almost four months and here we are. Look at what we have been through.
First thing that comes to mind for me is obviously the global pandemic. We have seen world history be made. Our lives as we knew them were turned upside down in an instant. I quickly found myself working a flexible schedule with a mix of working at home and some in office, as well as attempting to homeschool my boys. Daily, we were glued to our televisions and social media as we viewed the world intently and as healthcare workers across our country jumped to the challenge.
While this column generally gives us a chance to provide expertise from our industry, this month I want to take this opportunity to shout out to all of the bankers. As we watched the country and economy come to a screeching halt, the banks didn’t stop or close up shop. Bankers across our country were still going in daily to provide essential services. Our front line staff continued to process transactions and handle currency. If you have ever worked in a bank, you know that money is one of the dirtiest items on the planet and the level of exposure was at times frightening. As the stimulus checks rolled out, we quickly met the needs of our customers to get their funds available and answer questions. I know many of us took on the PPP loans to try to get funds out to our customers as quick as possible. It seemed like each day new rules or guidance were posted and we adjusted accordingly.
Now, I don’t consider myself a cape wearing super hero but the situation I have witnessed over the last several months has put so much into perspective and made me realize why I do what I do. It was rewarding to watch as our staff came together to pick up the pieces and provide top-notch customer service. We love our customers and we love to watch as dreams come true for individuals and businesses. We want to help and provide the best possible financial products and guidance we can. This is what community banking is all about and I know I can speak for all of us, this is why we do it.
I am continually reminded of the famous Paul Rudd “Look at us, who would have thought” meme. I think many of us can sit back and say the same thing. Who would have thought all of this would have happened? As we all try to get back into the groove of things and find our new “normal” I urge you to stop by and see the bankers in your town. Talk to them, tell them your goals and get them involved. We want to help and the reason we do it is for you.
Erin Harvey is a CRCM, vice president at Community National Bank & Trust in Lamar, Mo. She can be reached at [email protected]
