First Federal is making change
First Federal Community Bank will kick-start its 120th anniversary celebration by hosting the annual Customer Appreciation Day on Friday, July 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at all branch locations.
For any business, 120 years of success is a big deal. But in the world of banking, it’s practically unheard of. For First Federal Community Bank, which launches its yearlong 120th anniversary celebration on Friday, July 20, it’s just another milestone in a series that has kept the bank strong through changes in the industry and the economy. While other financial institutions have merged to stay afloat, First Federal has continued to add to its arsenal of customer-centric products and services to maintain its presence.
That unwavering dedication to catering to the wants and needs of clients, said Heather Campbell, Director of Communications, is the reason First Federal Community Bank has thrived over the last 120 years and continues to grow.
The celebration gets underway with the annual Customer Appreciation Day, hosted by all First Federal branch locations, on Friday, July 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the event, all visitors (whether client or not) will be treated to free hot dogs prepared by the management team, events for the kids, giveaways and the opportunity to win prizes.
“If you’re not a current customer, this event is the perfect opportunity to see what First Federal is all about. A lot of people come to this event. It’s like a block party,” Campbell said. “If you visit for the first time and decide to make the switch to us, we have staff members dedicated to helping you do that with ease.”
You also can switch from your current financial institution to First Federal outside of the event. Campbell said a convenient Switch Kit will soon be available online at FirstFed.com, where you also can open your new account.
“One of the biggest reasons people hesitate to switch from their current bank to a new one is because they think it’s difficult,” she said. “Our Switch Kit makes it really easy, and if you have any trouble, our staff is more than willing to walk you through the process.”
But this kit is just one of the innovations available to customers. First Federal Community Bank also has its own mobile app that allows you to utilize Samsung Pay, Google Pay and Apple Pay, so you don’t have to carry cash or a bank card with you.
“We’re always looking for innovative ways to stay current, and offering all three methods of payment is huge,” Campbell said. “We’re constantly investing in new technology and strive to stay ahead of what’s happening in the banking industry. Some people assume a community bank doesn’t have the latest technology or features a bigger bank has, but we’re often miles ahead of what they offer.”
Another area First Federal shines is by offering customer service that goes above and beyond the traditional model. “You shouldn’t have to settle for poor customer service,” Campbell said. “We listen and respond to the needs of our customers. We’re a vital part of the community, and we take that role seriously. Our tradition of excellence has kept us growing for 120 years. We partner with people and help them to meet their goals.”
For example, First Federal has tailored its mortgage lending department to specifically address its customers’ schedules. “People told us regular banking hours didn’t work for them, so we changed what we do to make the entire mortgage lending process happen online. We also have mobile mortgage loan originators who will meet customers wherever and whenever it works best for them,” Campbell said. “They can also pre-qualify buyers, so when they’re ready to make an offer on a home, most of the process is already done and they know exactly how much they can borrow.”
Trent Troyer is president of First Federal, and he works in tandem with a board of directors comprised of local people. In fact, so successful have the efforts of all staff members been over the years that First Federal is ranked as the number-one publicly traded community bank in Ohio.
First Federal Community Bank is located at 321 N. Wooster Ave. in Dover. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The phone number is 330-364-7777. For other locations and to find out more, visit FirstFed.com.