Volunteer of the Year

Kenny Kuykendall (Middle Bay Realty), Andrea Banks, and daughter, Allison Hart.

Volunteer of the Year, Andrea Banks, Builds Relationships and Hope

Generation after generation of families have made their homes, built their businesses, and raised families in Lancaster County. This leads to strong, genuine, and supportive connections among neighbors here. These relationships have become something Andrea Banks aspires to be a part of and to champion.

“I grew up in a military family and I never had roots,” she says. “I get to witness and admire how deep the roots are here and I get to be a part of strengthening those relationships.”

You wouldn’t know it—Banks has only lived here for six years. During that time, she has grown to know just about every friendly face and family name. As area manager for Primis Bank, Banks spends her days making connections with local businesses and families around the Middle Peninsula. She also served as Vice President and President of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce. Making enriching connections is more than work for her, it’s a passion.

“I love bringing people together through events, initiatives, and other unique opportunities,” she says.

Taste By The Bay at the Tides Inn, Kandy for Kids in Kilmarnock, and numerous Kilmarnock Town Centre Park events all have a bit of Banks behind them. From securing sponsorships to recruiting volunteers, Banks makes everyone feel excited and welcome. Her favorite volunteer opportunity is serving beverages at the park’s concerts and events.

“We want to do everything we can to elevate the park, get people to use it, and eventually get people comfortable enough to transition to more public gatherings after COVID-19,” she says.

The pandemic has prevented her from volunteering in person, but Banks has been a vital resource to small businesses and the community. During every round of the Small Business Association’s Paycheck Protection Program, Banks helped local businesses apply to receive the often lifesaving funds.

“My goal was to get every single business signed up so we could all emerge together stronger than before,” she says.

Even before the pandemic, Banks says the most satisfying part of her job is lending. During the lending process, Banks makes sure to educate borrowers with a variety of information that she feels can change a person’s life.

“We talk about how to improve and maintain good credit,” she says. “I also help them reimagine their debt and teach them how to save more money in the process. It’s so rewarding.”

The teacher in her finds other ways to empower community members. Freshly graduated high school students often don’t know how to write a check or know what’s in their bank account. On the other end of the age spectrum, many adults find themselves feeling out of practice when their spouse dies who handled most of the finances.

“I make sure they know I’m here to build a long-term relationship and they aren’t alone,” she says. “I’m straightforward with my answers about where to invest, how to manage their money, and more… I love watching the evolution of someone who is really in a tough spot grow to take ownership and even pride of their finances.”

As we emerge from the pandemic, Banks has helped connect locals to vaccination opportunities and more.

“I want to be a voice that says it’s okay, let’s get back to living and supporting each other like we do best,” she says.