WYOMISSING, PA
Tompkins Financial Corporation and its independently chartered Pennsylvania banking affiliate, Tompkins VIST Bank, updated about 165 shareholders and customers on the company’s performance and plans for growth at a meeting yesterday in Reading. Speakers included Tompkins Financial Corporation President and CEO Stephen F. Romaine; COO, CFO and Treasurer Francis M. Fetsko; and Tompkins VIST Bank President and CEO Scott L. Gruber.
Bank Highlights
Tompkins VIST Bank President and CEO Scott Gruber spoke of the unprecedented level of merger and acquisition activity in Pennsylvania. “Seven of our competitors will no longer exist in their current form by the end of the year,” he said, “but Tompkins VIST Bank will continue to operate under our very successful model of local decision-making and personalized service. Commitment to the local community remains a priority and is recognized,” he said. “We recently received the Eugene L. Shirk Community Building Awards from Berks Community TV. This is the first time a company has received this award,” Gruber said.
At a time when many banks are shrinking their operations, Gruber said that the bank plans to open a new branch in Pottstown, which will also house staff from Tompkins Insurance to provide customers with a full range of services.
Holding Company Highlights
Tompkins Financial President and CEO Stephen F. Romaine said 2015 was the third consecutive year of record earnings and the 27th consecutive year of increased earnings for the Ithaca-based company. Regarding the acquisition activity in Pennsylvania he said, “We see opportunities to gain new customers and to attract talented new employees.”
He said the “drive to digital” is one of the most exciting trends in banking, and highlighted the company’s adoption of smart phone check deposit and other technology services for the ease and convenience of customers.
Regarding growth, he said organic growth remains the company’s primary focus but it remains open to acquiring banks and affiliates if they fit with Tompkins Financial’s culture and values and contribute to long-term growth.
