Rain didn’t dampen spirits at Oakwood Commons on Route 9 this past Wednesday as members from local and regional KeyBank headquarters, employees and community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the bank’s newest branch in the Hudson Valley.
“We view Dutchess County as one of our primary counties for growth. It’s one of the fastest growing counties in New York State, with good market share,” said Reginald Fuller, market president for the Hudson Valley.
Prior to becoming the bank’s Hudson Valley market president, Fuller was a district retail leader for KeyBank’s Capital Region. Fuller oversaw more than 300 employees, and 50 branches in 10 counties.
KeyBank is one of New York’s largest financial services companies and has one of the largest statewide networks of branches and ATMs. Following an upcoming integration of Union State Bank branches, there will be 62 branches, more than 84 ATMs, and 420 employees in the nine-county Hudson Valley/Metro NY District. KeyBank provides investment management, retail and commercial banking, retirement, consumer finance, and investment banking products and services to individuals and companies throughout the United States.
“This is an exciting day,” said KeyBank Vice Chair Beth Mooney. “We’re excited to be here in Poughkeepsie this morning.” Mooney, who traveled from Cleveland to attend the ceremony, joined KeyBank in April 2006. She graduated from the University of Texas in 1977, and has 30 years of experience in retail banking, commercial lending and real estate financing.
The Oakwood Commons facility will offer business and private banking, insurance and investment services, a 24-hour ATM, two drive-up teller windows, and an after-hour depository, and after next week the Oakwood Commons building will also house the headquarters for KeyBank’s North Hudson Valley Market.
“Key represents what a true community bank is all about. When you think about ‘local first,’ they invented it,” said Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Charles North. “Key has a local commitment to all of our communities in the Hudson River Valley,” he continued.
North, who formerly worked as a banker, has been a KeyBank customer for 25 years. “I always chose to do business with Key, rather than my place of employment,” he said.
Afterwards, Fuller presented North with a $5,000 check for the chamber’s scholarship program. The program, designed to help local students attend local colleges, distributed $32,000 in scholarships in 2007. Fuller also presented Ellen Griffin, of REHAB Programs, Inc. with an $8,000 check. REHAB is local organization dedicated to strengthening the abilities and improving the opportunities of infants, children, adults and families, with a wide range of disabilities.
In addition to philanthropic investments, KeyBank is known for charitable contributions, volunteerism, and civic leaderships.
KeyBank’s “Neighbors Make a Difference” program is an annual example of the bank’s community spirit. Each year the bank’s employees, from Maine to Seattle, reserve a day and donate their time to better their communities. In 2004 nearly 7,500 employees donated approximately 30,000 hours to the cause. This year will mark the bank’s 19th event.
“The town is delighted that Key is here. The town opens you with open arms, and we hope you’ll be here for a very long time. Thank you for choosing Poughkeepsie,” said Town of Poughkeepsie Supervisor Patricia Myers.