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POINTS OF VIEW FROM
& Photo by Caden Ackerman
MPECompany.com | 315-400-0556 BenoitsCoiffures.com | 315-488-0923
ChapinHomes4Sale.com | 315-375-5505 Aklassociates.com| 315-701-2934
SyracuseScenery.com | 315-453-8096
22 HeritageAgencies.com | 315-925-5300
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32
InvestSeneca.com | 315-753-4034 SyracuseHabitat.org | 315-475-9172
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In Appreciation
STNETNOC FO ELBAT
CNYDiaperBank.org | 315-400-0556
...For Life's Journeys Partnership requires a bond and a trust. This trust must be nurtured and cherished for the value it brings both partners. We're so proud of the partnerships and trust we work diligently to earn and retain. It's a continuous commitment and we treasure that opportunity to walk that journey with each of you. Welcome to our second issue of Journeys. Thank You for your positive comments and feedback in support of our inaugural issue, and for sharing your stories with us! There is never a lack of inspiration when it comes to local area business owners, their teams, their energy and passion. Stories remind us of how far we've come... they connect us and help us to recognize and honor each turn in the road. It is in the face of challenge that we see what we're truly made of... and who are our true partners and friends. In this issue's feature story about Kim Pontello, Owner of Benoits Coiffures, we help shine a light on what it means to work with a community bank - and that with Seneca, you'll ALWAYS feel like part of 'our tribe.' You'll NEVER feel intimidated to have a conversation with us. That's what we're here for: To help, to guide. Offering helpful insights when it's most needed, and also for the simplest of things that may just make your day easier. For nearly a century, it makes us who we are at Seneca Savings and forever will.
Do you have a good story to tell? We want to hear it and celebrate with you. Because wherever you're at on your unique path, we're with you... For life's journeys. President & CEO, Seneca Savings
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SenecaSavings.com InvestSeneca.com
JOURNEYS | 3
CNYdiaperbankorg
Photographs by Caden Ackerman
A Call to Action When Michela heard that diapers weren't covered by government assistance she knew in her heart she had to do something. After her third child was born, Michela began her mission to provide this essential item to young mothers in the Syracuse area. In 2016, Michela organized their first diaper drive and collected over 23,000 diapers. Utilizing space in her husband's office, Michela teamed up with local agencies and began the distribution process. Now working with nearly 40 agencies and having collected and distributed millions of diapers, Michela is so grateful to be a part of an organization filled with dedicated, giving people.
Pandemic The last two years was a unique experience and though they still collected a good amount of diapers it was not near the amount compared to pre-pandemic collections. JOURNEYS | 4
"There's no limit to what we, as a human race could accomplish, if all children had the chance to live up to their potential. Diapers may seem like a small thing, but they're really a critical thing... and they're a huge expense for families." -Michela
Due to stockpiling as well as manufacturing and distribution hold-ups, many couldn't find diapers to purchase. The Diaper Bank found themselves in uncharted waters. Fortunately, through funding and the opening up of special grants, Michela and her team remain diligent. "This support has helped keep the diaper supply going, but this isn't without concern or struggle. The economy is struggling, and when the economy struggles so do the families we support," shares Michela.
We Are All Connected The baby's mind is wired, even at a young age and to be able to provide a clean diaper, and give not only that child that comfort, but to ease the burden on an already struggling family. We need to remember, "the children in our community are all of our children, not just their children, we're all connected", states Michela
CNYDiaperBank.org
What can you do to help?
Community Commitment Michela wanted to share her experience with Seneca Savings and through the years how involved the bank has been. "Seneca savings, has been involved with the diaper bank for years and every Mother's Day, they run a community wide diaper drive at their branches. They spread the word, they put CNY Diaper Bank on their website. They put signage throughout their branches. They email their customers and they encourage people to make donations to bring in diapers. Every year they, they truly dig in and make a huge effort to make an impact. They're one of the few local businesses that I feel takes it to that level. We are just extraordinarily grateful for their efforts and for their ability to spread the word" says Michela.
Involvement Michela shares her experience with Seneca Savings and Senior VP of Retail Banking, Laurie Ucher. The sincerity and partnership that's been created rings loud and clear.
"Laurie and the bank's participation has been critical. Laurie knows from experience as a single mom, how crucial this effort is. She really wanted to be involved since the beginning.
"When families are given help with diapers, it's not a handout, it's a hand up" - Michela
It started with the Make A Mother's Day Diaper Drive at Seneca Savings. Since then, she's brought in volunteers and even her family members! Laurie has gotten involved in our board as the Treasurer and Secretary. We're just very fortunate to have her as part of our team. I think Seneca Savings cares deeply about the community that they serve. Laurie's a direct reflection of that. They care deeply about families, and they recognize the difference they can make."
JOURNEYS | 5
A Family Tradition
MPECOMPANY.COM
Chad Weinheimer is helping write the next chapter.
Loving What You Do "My job provides a service, and that brings me a great comfort. Not everyone can say that. We're a small operation with a large client base, and all of us at MPE take great pride in the work we do." Being a smaller operation, those who work at MPE have more on their shoulders. Every employee treats their role in the company as their livelihood as opposed to just a job. "We have a great culture at MPE," says Chad. "When our employees are invested like they are, we're able to be the trustworthy resource for those who count on us."
Nearly A Century-Long Journey Maintenance Products and Equipment (MPE) company has been in Syracuse since 1932. Chad Weinheimer's grandfather, Don “Shorty” Weinheimer, worked for the company and then went on to buy it from his former boss in 1972. Jake Weinheimer, Chad's father, joined the company two years later taking over as owner and operator in 1985. In that time, they grew from a small rented office with a shared warehouse, to purchasing their own building. Chad joined the company in 2013. Since 1972, MPE has gone from a small custodial maintenance shop, to being one of the premier custodial suppliers in Central and Upstate New York.
Family-Owned Many of the major school districts, businesses and healthcare centers in the area rely on MPE for hand soap and sanitizer, infection control products, custodial supplies, cleaning/disinfecting chemicals, and machinery to keep their buildings clean and sanitary throughout the year. As a family-owned company, we take a lot of pride in what we do, and we believe that we are able to provide a level of service that’s tough to match in our industry.
Today's Challenges Since 2020 and the onset of COVID-19, a new normal has been established for both hand-hygiene and custodial preparedness. "Now, moreso than ever, we've had to be on top of any changes coming down from the CDC or EPA, and in turn, educate our customers. Training has never been more important. Between the pandemic and the recent supply chain complications, this industry has become a bit more chaotic; however, we've been able to navigate through to ensure our clients are always prepared," says Chad. JOURNEYS | 6
Inspiration Being the third generation to (eventually) take the helm at MPE, Chad can’t help but be inspired by what his father has done and his father before him. "There isn’t a school district in Central NY that doesn’t know the name Jake Weinheimer or Maintenance Products and Equipment. MPE is a trusted name because my father worked incredibly hard to redefine the ethical standards for the industry."
Why Seneca? "We 've worked with big banks in the past. Ever since switching to Seneca Savings, we’ve received unparalleled service while saving a lot of money on hidden fees... I've had the pleasure of working with Laurie Ucher at Seneca for the past five years. I can say without hesitation that there is no one I trust more with my banking. Not only is Laurie a trusted partner, she's someone I look up to as a business person. I look forward to learning as much as I can from her in the years to come. Seneca Savings will be a big part in MPE’s future. I recommend Seneca Savings to anyone and everyone."
"Focus less on the bottom line and more on developing relationships. Any success that comes in this industry can only be built on a steady foundation of trust and consistency." On the Horizon MPE's singular goal right now is to continue to help their customers navigate through the pandemic. The landscape is constantly changing, which doesn’t leave a lot of leisure time to speculate on the future. Chad closes by affirming that "As long as we do what we’ve been doing over the last 50 years, we should continue to be a fixture in the custodial supply industry for many more years to come."
FEATURE STORY
BENOITSCOIFFURES.COM
Kim Pontello, Owner of Benoits Coiffures in Camilus, shares her story of what it means to dream and carve out your own journey. Helping people to see their own beauty and feel good in the process is a big part of how Kim and her team have stayed inspired during these changing times.
Photographs by Caden Ackerman JOURNEYS | 7
Benoits is a luxury salon that has been serving the greater Syracuse community for over two decades. As a proud, official Aveda affiliate, Benoits understands the mind-body-spirit connection and the art that it takes to combine them into your style. "We recognize the inner beauty of each individual, and by enhancing that beauty we help define the whole person," says owner Kim Pontello. For years, Benoits has provided these tailored services to their loyal clients with a level of service, relaxation, and unparalleled attention to detail. Kim and her staff strive to create a place where guests feel pampered, rejuvenated, accepted, and most of all, valued.
How The Journey Began Inspired by her grandmother Charlotte Benoit, Kim Pontello started her own Coiffure, or “House of Beauty.” With this inspiration, and through partnering with the Aveda brand (which she believes meets the same standards of quality that she professes to her staff), Kim formed Benoits. "I worked in several small and locally owned salons. I took note of what I liked, and what I didn't, put the two together and just began," says Kim. "And funny thing is, I opened when I had two sets of twins and they were three years apart. They were all under JOURNEYS | 8
four and I decided to open my own salon, which was pretty adventurous! At the time it didn't phase me, I just did it, and it worked. I fell on my face a few times. I just got up and brushed myself off and kept going. I learned from each and every mistake I made until I got it right. And now, I've been in business since 1994."
"I fell on my face a few times. I just got up and brushed myself off and kept going." The Pandemic Impact It was frightening when the pandemic hit. Benoits was shut down for three months. Kim adds "I didn't know how I was going to pay my bills. I didn't know how I was going to keep my employees. There was a lot that we didn't know. It was a very frightening time. Eventually we were able to re-open but I actually lost three employees in the process. They moved on to other things. There are five of us now. It's definitely been an adjustment. Once we opened it went pretty
smoothly. I needed new employees, and that was difficult. I'm still having a hard time finding people that fit in with our tribe, fit in with our mission. It's a small business, so we're pretty tight. It's important to keep the right blend of people."
Where does the inspiration come from? Kim stays inspired by the people around her. "I would say the girls that work with me inspire me. They're younger. They have new ideas. They're really creative with color and their designs. I definitely learn from them and I hope that they learn from me. I've got the traditional, base techniques that I can teach them and they teach me the newer techniques. We collaborate and work together. They definitely inspire me and my daughter inspires me. She works here. She's the manager now. She just seems to keep all the balls in the air and handle everything so well. We're very close."
On the Horizon At 62, Kim's beginning to think about her next chapter, and about stepping away from the chair. Most salon owners talk about the day that they can step away from behind the chair and run the business from home or from the front desk. "My daughter started here when she was 16 and now she's 38. So I've groomed her all these years. That's a lot of experience she has under her belt. And it was all by accident. I didn't mean to train her because I didn't think of it as grooming her into the position. I truly didn't know if it was going be a fleeting thought - if she'd work here for two years and say, 'I don't want be a hairdresser.' But she has stuck with it. She has an amazing work ethic. She's here probably seven days a week. If she's not actually doing hair, she's at the desk doing work. So she's awesome. JOURNEYS | 9
She now runs the salon, takes care of payroll, last minute decisions. I deal with the bank. But other than that, she deals with every aspect of the salon. And when I have a question with a computer or a business paper that comes to me, I go to her and ask 'how do I do this?' I've taught her well, but now she's teaching me. It's fun! I do have an exit strategy and plan to leave her in charge and eventually just sell her the business."
Choosing The Right Partner Laurie Ucher, Senior VP of Retail Banking at Seneca Savings, had just moved to town. She came into Kim's salon. Eventually she asked Kim who her banker was. "I said, I don't have a banker," says Kim. "She asked, 'What do you mean, who do you go to if you have a problem?' And I said, I just figure it out myself. She said, 'Kim, with your business, you should have a banker. Would you like to open your business account with us? I'll take care of you.' And she did. She walks me through everything. Anytime I have a challenge or a problem, I can literally just call Laurie, or I talk to Amanda in Digital Banking there. They solve my problems. Even with simple things like if I forgot my password, or when I've had a hard time connecting my bank account to QuickBooks. It's nice to know I can just pick up the phone and call somebody. It feels like a family there. When I was at the other bank, I didn't know anybody. Sometimes I felt intimidated going in there and saying I've got a problem. Saying "I don't know how to do this" is hard with people if you don't feel you know them. During the pandemic I have felt like I'm tucked under their wing. They've taken really good care of me. They sent me information on how I could get money through the PPP Program. When we were closed down, I didn't know all the things available to me for my business. Seneca Savings contacted me personally and let me know. So they ARE my partner. They're definitely in my tribe too."
"You have to be patient and work from the heart." Words of Advice
JOURNEYS | 10
Kim encourages other entrepreneurs to have patience. "I think you have to be patient and you have to work from the heart. Don't think about how much money you're making that day, don't sell customers products. Show them how to use something, show them how to duplicate what you did. And the rest will just fall into place, but be patient. It takes time to build a clientele. It takes time to get your name out there, but have patience and stay with it. It'll happen."
with
ANGELO TESTANI SR VP COMMERCIAL LENDING
PPP Borrowers' Update Start the Process of Forgiveness in May 2022 As we head into May, for those PPP borrowers that have not done so already, it's time to start thinking about applying for forgiveness of your Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
Application To apply for forgiveness you can either apply directly with the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) portal, or complete one of the three forms they have available and forward it to us at Seneca Savings. Did your business receive a PPP Loan for $150,000 or less? If so, I recommend you start the process using the SBA Form 3508S. Our team is ready to help you. It's the simplest form the SBA created and the starting point for you. If, however, your loan is over $150,000, start with the SBA Form 3508EZ.
ATestani@SenecaSavings.com
315-303-3337
Criteria If you can certify that you did not reduce the number of employees or the average paid hours of employees between January 1, 2020, and the end of your covered period, or were unable to operate from February 15, 2020, at the same level of business due to compliance requirements you may use this form.
If you did reduce employees, during the timeframe outlined above you will need to complete the SBA Form 3508. I can't emphasize enough - we're here for you and ready to assist you during this process. I highly recommend the SBA’s website as well, as it provides very good information about how to apply for forgiveness. All associated links for the SBA's portal and a link to the SBA’s PPP Loan Forgiveness page can be found on our Community Blog page on the Seneca Savings website. Simply search 'PPP Loan Forgiveness.' JOURNEYS | 11
Mortgage Loans In this market a and
Nimer Shehadeh Mortgage Originator NMLS 753265 nshehadeh@senecasavings.com 315-864-5650
decision maker is a MUST!
Eric Morgan
Tyler Wyman
Mortgage Originator NMLS 38323 emorgan@senecasavings.com 315-427-1883
Mortgage Originator NMLS 2152709 twyman@senecasavings.com 315-864-5628
SenecaSavings.com JOURNEYS | 12
Baldwinsville | Liverpool | North Syracuse | Bridgeport
CHAPINHOMES4SALE.COM
Generational Instinct Being the member of a successful family in the real estate industry, Kelly Erickson has found her success Photograph by Caden Ackerman by working with trusted mentors within her family. Kelly Erickson "There is no lack of learning in this family. They've NY Lic. Associate RE Broker, Chapin Real Estate FL Lic. Real Estate Broker owned and ran multiple businesses and continue to stay on top of the market conditions and whatever challenges he has always risen to the occasion," Kelly states. "Finding the right partner in this industry has been the key comes with the economy" says Kelly. to my success. Based on my customer feedback they agree Given the current obstacles in the marketplace; that both Eric and Seneca Savings have been excellent." low inventory and increased interest rates, Kelly has learned how to work with the ebbs and flow of the "...Seneca Savings has helped our business. "This industry does come with many moving parts and like a puzzle you learn how to put all the pieces industries where our entrepreneurs and our local people have been working together" says Kelly.
Inspiration Kelly finds her inspiration by helping clients find their next home. Even with her own children, she finds great joy in advising them on purchases that will provide them long-term financial security.
hard. They've given them the mortgage that they deserve. That, I think, is probably one of my favorite things about Seneca Savings."
Real Estate has proven to be the right path for Kelly with her love for finance, construction and the legal system, Kelly notes "It's an exciting industry to be in." Hearing from past clients with their current home projects or looking for their next purchase provides Kelly with the satisfaction of knowing she is in the right profession.
Results "Working with Eric Morgan at Seneca Savings has been wonderful. He knows the market and works great with my clientele. Eric's flexibility and experience allows the process to flow smoothly. Regardless of the challenge,
Innovation
Kelly is in the process of launching a new website. The site will help anyone that's looking to move to any location in the U.S. With her licensing in both New York and recently in Florida, her focus with the development of the site will be on making the transition smooth for the client. JOURNEYS | 13
"...They're real people looking at real files, looking at real conditions and working with those borrowers." AklAssociates.com Recognizing the Difference
Photographs by Caden Ackerman
Ronda Akl
Ronda T. Akl & Associates PLLC | CNY Real Estate Law
The Journey Ronda's career as an attorney began in 1991, but it would take her many years and many paths for her to make her way to where she is today. "I graduated in a class where only 30% of the people in my class were women. Then I worked in a big firm and realized it was going to be harder than I thought, but I slowly earned my stripes. Now, I am to the point where my most recent hire was my son who just graduated from law school and 60% of his class were women! So we've come far, with still a ways to go." Ronda's practice has grown to a team of 16 and this causes her to pause for reflection...
When you ask Ronda, who works with several financial institutions given her line of work, what makes Seneca Savings stand out she answers "you are not a number at Seneca. You're a person. You're a person whose circumstances are understood with empathy in consideration."
Connection With the efficiency of technology it can be easy for a client to lose the connection with the lender. Again, Ronda makes sure the client understands why Seneca Savings is different from the rest. "Seneca is a local lender. They're committed to our community, under the leadership of CEO Joe Vitale, and their mortgage team, they've taken it to the next level."
"All of those stages in my life have brought me to the place where I could be the best attorney and the best representative for my clients."
Rewards of the Work Ronda takes great joy in helping people purchase their first piece of real estate. Ronda enjoys the process knowing she's helping someone achieve their dreams.
"Many of our clients are not just first-time home buyers, but first-time Americans who are buying homes for the first time. So we are helping people navigate a truly American experience" states Ronda. JOURNEYS | 14
"Nothing inspires me as much as when I walk into that closing room and I'm sitting with a client and they're buying that first house. The look in their eyes... the fact that they're now going to be buying a home, and they can grow their family." -Ronda Akl
Financial Caregiving, whether you have taken over the finances for a parent or loved one, navigating the responsibilities of someone else's money can be stressful, let us guide you. Looking to retire? we can help you prepare so that you know when it would be best to take that next step. The site is user friendly and complimentary, the videos take the difficult questions and guide you through the process. These videos are available to you 24/7!
How can we help you get on the Prosperity Path? LUcher@SenecaSavings.com | (315) 638-0233
JOURNEYS | 15
Based on a study conducted by Quicken, providing the tools necessary to learn about one's finances early, the chances for financial confidence is increased by 41%. By utilizing financial tools, having discussions with your children and setting a positive example you are helping them establish the basis needed for a successful future. Seneca Savings provides complimentary tools to the community through the local schools and Seneca Savings University. Our Student Financial Literacy program, since first introduced into the local school system, has shown great success in the educating of our youngest citizens, enabling them to make smart financial choices in their future. Programs available: Kid's Corner Money Matters for Students
"We welcome you and your family to utilize these programs and help instill solid financial acumen of our community." - Laurie Ucher JOURNEYS | 16
with
LAURIE UCHER, SR VP RETAIL BANKING
MONEY MIND$ET Through Seneca Savings University we can learn where you are in your financial journey. Whether it is saving for retirement, repairing your credit or just starting out, we are focused in meeting your needs. Providing our customers the best products on the market is our promise to you.
Given the last two years, it's understandable that reserving funds for an unexpected emergency is the highest concern. Knowing how the recent events may have taken a toll on your credit is crucial for future financial endeavors. Retirement: The Goal for all your hard work, we offer the tools necessary to get you where you want to be!
"Budgeting For Financial Freedom" webinar video is available both on our Facebook JOURNEYS | 17 page as well as at SenecaSavings.com/BudgetingForFinancialFreedomWebinar
Are QR Codes Here to Stay? First making its appearance in the 90’s the “Quick Response," better known as the QR code, has allowed businesses to provide their target audience access to a wide variety of information and or products. This renewed trend is making the codecreating business a very profitable venture.
Why Now? As of late, we have seen a resurgence in their popularity due to the recent pandemic, especially in the restaurant and hospitality fields. Directing consumers to either a website, menu or social media page has become the new norm, well at least for the time being.
Codes Are Not For Everyone Slowly but surely restaurants are returning to their original menus, yet other businesses are looking to continue with the QR code trend. Knowing your market and its' versatility is essential for the success of using the QR code technology. JOURNEYS | 18
(Aim your camera to the code above)
Using the QR Code Technology The key factor in creating an effective QR code is how you plan to utilize it. This all comes down to either offering your customer quick access to a menu or list of services or if you looking to collect data on how many visits your webpage is getting.
"Wherever you're at in your processes, we're here to walk that journey with you."
Randy Dudley
Ancillary Product Sales RDudley@SenecaSavings.com 315-753-4040
Proudly introducing... Seneca Savings Insurance Agency with our very own, Randy Dudley! Providing opportunities for you, your family, your business. Our ability as an independent agency to offer you over twenty carrier options gives you freedom to align with what you need for wherever you’re at on your journey.
FREE QUOTES Available by reaching out to Randy either by phone or email.
AUTO HOME BOAT/RV/REC BUSINESS Randy Dudley
Ancillary Product Sales RDudley@SenecaSavings.com 315-753-4040
Insurance products are not deposit products, not FDIC, or any other agency of US insured. The insurance is not guaranteed by the institution.
JOURNEYS | 19
President Syracuse Scenery & Stage
Liverpool, NY
Chris shares her colorful story
"Hi, I'm Chris Kaiser, President of Syracuse Scenery and Stage Lighting Company in Liverpool, New York." I went to college in the late sixties, early seventies at Hobart William Smith in Geneva, NY. While I was there, I got involved with a group of theater people. A person from Syracuse Scenery came to the school to do an installation. He was a nice young man and we were enthused by his extraordinary theater knowledge and hung around with him. A person a year ahead of me went to work at Syracuse Scenery. I then went to graduate school at SU. While I was there I was offered a job working in the sewing room at Syracuse Scenery. And so I started working there in 1972 and have continued to this day.
"I LOVE what I do!" Every one of my days is different! There are lots of opportunities for doing the same thing over and over again, but there are many opportunities to do new things, to deal with new people, to deal with new projects. We deal with so many different architects and consultants. The opportunities for daily learning are amazing. JOURNEYS | 20
As a young female in a business that didn't have many females at all, I was greatly inspired by the gentleman who came to the college where I worked who then went to Syracuse Scenery and then worked for another larger company in town. His knowledge of theatrical rigging and people were just amazing. He's no longer with us. His name was Jack Cease. He was an absolute inspiration to me for many, many years.
Photos by Caden Ackerman
Staging a Helpful Partnership In our earliest days, we banked with a local bank. That bank was bought then that bank was bought, then somebody else bought it. And eventually we ended up with a regional bank as opposed to a local one. At some point along the way, we had a loan officer who we actually really enjoyed working with. That was Angelo Testani. Many loan officers, they sort of tended to come and go. But when Angelo left, he kept in contact. Occasionally he would stop in for a visit.
Making a Change for Cash Flow Cash flow is always a challenge for contractors. At my regional bank I couldn’t get a hold of anybody to help me solve my cashflow problem. I couldn't wait around. So, I contacted Angelo and said, ‘Okay. I need to make a change. I need to have a good local relationship with someone who knows who we are, who knows how we work.’ We couldn't have been absolutely more delighted at the relationship we've established with Seneca Savings between Angelo and Angela Stivers. We feel extra well-served and are really, really privileged to have the opportunity to work with them.
SYRACUSESCENERY.COM
- Chris Kaiser JOURNEYS | 21
Photos by Caden Ackerman
"It’s been quite a journey. I was in a different career. A friend of mine from high school approached me and asked me about doing work with the insurance industry. He was an insurance agent and I was an investment professional. So I started doing some work with him and then he recruited me to come into the insurance industry. I've been in insurance since 2008 and with Heritage Insurance Agency for nearly 8 years now. What I love most about what I do is the people and the relationships. They make it all worthwhile. We get to meet so many different people from so many walks of life. A lot of our clients turn into genuine friendships. It's just nice to work with people. It's fun for me to put together solutions, both insurance and financial. Really, at the end of the day, what brought me into this business and what keeps me here, and what I genuinely love, is the people we work with and the relationships we have with them.
Navigating the Pandemic The COVID pandemic has been a challenge, I think for all businesses. Early on we adjusted working from home. We did that for the first couple months when things were really still being felt out. Fortunately, our agency is very technologically-oriented. We're paperless. And so it was pretty seamless for us to have all of our people work from home, with the same exact capability that they would have in the office. It's really nice now, being back in the office. Now, we just deal with the day-to-day changes in mandates. JOURNEYS | 22
Partnership I've had such good experiences with Seneca Savings over the years. I first was introduced to Seneca by being on the Greater Baldwsinville Chamber of Commerce board of directors. There’s a Seneca employee, Janice McDonald, their longest tenured employee, just a wonderful person! She's been serving on our chamber board for a few years now and has been a wonderful asset. Over the last few years, I've moved my personal accounts. We moved all our Heritage Insurance business accounts and the Chamber of Commerce has moved their accounts over to Seneca as well. So I'm in there pretty much every day in the Baldwinsville office for deposits or something. And the people top to bottom to me are what makes Seneca, what it is.
Impact on Rates
Other Banks
There's been a lot of rate volatility, especially in auto and homeowners since the pandemic started. So we've had more in-depth conversations with people. They want to understand why, since they're driving so much less, shouldn't their rates go down? Many companies gave credits back to people for that. But the data shows that traffic accidents and casualties are actually UP. So cost of claims is up. On the homeowner property side, we know that cost materials has been crazy. Everybody talks about how much it costs to get a 2' by 4' for the last 18 months. A lot of conversations and education has to happen as to how it's impacting their insurance rates.
I've worked with local banks in the past and I've never really figured out what they're doing to actually BE local. They say they're local, but what are they actually doing? How are they engaging their membership? How are they engaging their community? Seneca Savings always steps up. It starts with their CEO, Joe Vitale. I’ve always had great interactions with Joe. He's a positive person, always there to greet you with a smile on his face whenever you see him. And it just permeates throughout the entire organization. Everybody I've met and worked with at Seneca has been easy to deal with. The branch manager of Baldwinsville, Barb Clark just helped my wife and I with a home equity line of credit. And she couldn't have made that process any easier for us.
Looking Ahead Our business continues to expand. We acquired three other insurance agencies over the past few years. So we've really increased the size of our business rather quickly. We have an office in Baldwinsville and one in Cicero. We also have a Florida office in Cape Coral. We’ll continue to hire, we're hiring right now. So that has a good impact on the local economy when we can create more jobs for people. One of the big things we are always trying to do is bring on new carriers, new companies to work with because the more quality companies we offer, the better it is for our clients. Over the next five to ten years, you'll see our agency footprint expand with locations, acquisitions, as well as products.
What It Means To Be Truly Local Seneca shows me what it means to be a truly local bank... not just us in Baldwinsville, but to all the communities Seneca serves. With events like Taste of Baldwinsville, the B’ville Big Chill, Seneca is always the first business to step up and ask ‘What can we do to support, provide manpower?’ They’re amazing to me because they're engaged. They truly work to know and understand who their community is. It’s the same reason I do what I do. It's all about people and relationships, and I've never been a customer of any bank where I felt like I had the quality and quantity of relationships that I do with Seneca Savings. JOURNEYS | 23
Angela Stivers Commercial Loan Officer AStivers@SenecaSavings.com 315-753-4039
Randy Dudley, Ancillary Product Sales RDudley@SenecaSavings.com 315-753-4040 Laurie Ucher, SVP Retail Banking LUcher@SenecaSavings.com 315-303-3370
Angelo Testani SVP Commercial Lending ATestani@SenecaSavings.com 315-303-3337
Wherever you’re at in your professional journey, starting out, launching a whole new career, or a seasoned sage, let’s have a meaningful conversation about how Seneca Savings can help you excel and prosper along your chosen career path. ALL NEW PODCAST! Listen to The Journey for quick tips and true stories to help you level-up your bank accounts and life! Available wherever you download your podcasts
Interested in joining our five star Team? JOURNEYS | 24
KRusso@SenecaSavings.com | 315-638-0233
SENECA SAVINGS' NEWEST TECNOLOGY, INNOVATIONS & RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GET FROM HERE... TO THERE N
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Digital Wallet
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Convenience is the name of the game and at Seneca we've got you covered as you utilize your digital wallet for on-the-go purchases! N
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TransferNow
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RETAIL customers can easily now send and receive funds and make loan payments from their external accounts (not for commercial accounts).
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Round up your change! Each charge you utilize your Seneca Savings Debit Card with is rounded UP to the nearest dollar. Then the deposit can happen for the rounded up amount to your checking or savings account!
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Help in Real Time
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Need online assistance at SenecaSavings.com? Link LIVE Chat allows you to easily chat with one of our talented and attentive staff members from the convenience of your computer or mobile device. N
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Monitor Your Credit
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Credit Sense is here! Credit Sense enables account holders to conveniently access and monitor their credit score through the security of our online banking and mobile app.
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Welcome to Seneca Savings University! "SSU" is your new and ongoing resource for videos, tips, tools for improving your financial fitness and well-being. Seneca is moving beyond our K-12 In-School financial curriculum offerings and extending this service to all ages with lessons geared toward managing your financial picture at any age! All of this help is offered online at SenecaSavings.com so you can learn on your own time, in the comfort of your home or office, on any device.
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Virtual Financial Coaching 24/7 online with our bot 'Coach Lea.' For wherever you're at in your financial journey, even the best of the best have a coach! Helpful credit score advice from Coach Lea is entirely free on behalf of Seneca Savings and is confidential.
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KIM MILLER, AWMA, LPL REGISTERED BRANCH OPERATIONS MANAGER, 315-753-4035 KIM.R.MILLER@LPL.COM
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GREG BOSHART, LPL FINANCIAL ADVISOR, 315-753-4034 GREG.BOSHART@LPL.COM
AMANDA ARMELINO, CLIENT SERVICE ASSOCIATE, 315-753-4034 AMANDA.ARMELINO@LPL.COM
Forty-four percent of American women are 1 the primary breadwinner in their house. Yet only 10% of women feel very confident in their ability to fully retire with a comfortable 2 lifestyle. Although more women are providing for their families, when it comes to preparing for retirement, they may be leaving their future to chance
Women and College The reason behind this disparity doesn't seem to be a lack of education or independence. Today, women are more likely to go to college and 3 graduate than men. So what keeps them from taking charge of their long-term financial picture? One reason may be a lack of confidence. In one recent study, less than half of the more than 2,000 women surveyed said they felt satisfied 4 with their knowledge of finances. Women may shy away from discussing money because they don’t want to appear uneducated or naive and hesitate to ask questions as a result.
Insider language Since Wall Street traditionally has been a male-dominated field, women whose expertise lies in other areas may feel uneasy amidst complex calculations and long-term financial projections. Just the jargon of personal finance can be intimidating: 401(k), 5 403(b), fixed, variable.
To someone inexperienced in the field of personal finance, it may seem like an entirely different language. But women need to keep one eye looking toward retirement since they may live longer and could potentially face higher health-care expenses than men.
Getting Back on Track If you have left your long-term financial strategy to chance, now is the time to pick up the reins and retake control. Consider talking with a financial professional about your goals and ambitions for retirement. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if the conversation turns to something unfamiliar. No one was born knowing the ins-and-outs of compound interest, but it’s important to understand in order to make informed decisions.
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Compound Interest: What’s the Hype? Compound interest may be one of the greatest secrets of smart investing. And time is the key to making the most of it. If you invested $250,000 in an account earning 6%, at the end of 20 years your account would be worth $801,784. However, if you waited 10 years, then started your investment program, you would end up with only $447,712.
This is a hypothetical example used for illustrative purposes only. It does not represent any specific investment or combination of investments.
1. CNBC.com, January 19, 2017 2. TransAmericaCenter.org, 2017 3. The Atlantic, August 8, 2017 4. Time.com, February 12, 2018 5. Distributions from 401(k), 403(b), and most other employersponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. Generally, once you reach age 70½, you must begin taking required minimum distributions. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
Copyright 2022FMG Suite.
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Preparing for retirement can look a little different for women than it does for men.1 Although stereotypes are changing, women are still more likely to serve as caretakers than men are, meaning they accumulate less income and benefits due to their time absent from the workforce. Research shows that 39% of women took a significant amount of time off work to care for loved ones – compared to 24% of men. Women who are working also tend to put less money aside for retirement, saving just 7% of their paychecks on average, while men 2 save closer to 10%. These numbers may seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to be a statistic. With a little foresight, you can start taking steps now, which may help you in the long run. Here are three steps to consider that may put you ahead of the curve.
1. Talk about money. Nowadays, discussing money is less taboo than it’s been in the past, and it’s crucial to taking control of your financial future. If you’re single, consider writing down your retirement goals and keep them readily accessible. If you have a partner, make sure you are both on the same page regarding your 3,4 retirement goals. The more comfortably you can talk about your future, the more confident you may be to make important decisions when they come up.
2. Be proactive about your retirement. Do you have clear, defined goals for what you want your retirement to look like? And do you know where your retirement accounts stand today? Being proactive with your retirement accounts allows you to create a goal-oriented roadmap. It may also help you adapt when necessary and continue your journey regardless of things like relationship status 2or market fluctuations. 3. Make room for your future in your budget. Adjust your budget to allow for retirement savings, just as you would for a new home or your dream vacation. Like any of your other financial goals, you may find it beneficial to review your retirement 3 goals on a regular basis to make sure you’re on track. RETIREMENT MAY LOOK A LITTLE DIFFERENT FOR WOMEN, BUT WITH THE RIGHT STRATEGIES – AND SUPPORT – YOU’LL BE ABLE TO LIVE THE RETIREMENT YOU’VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF. 1. Pew Research, 2019 2. Money Talks News, 2019 3. Forbes, 2019 4. MarketWatch, 2019 The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
Copyright 2022FMG Suite
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MONEY MOVES For wherever you're at in your journey towards greater prosperity, it's vitally important you understand that it's never too late to begin. Every step you've taken, every curve in the road has brought you to where you are today. There's always a new choice you can make and we're ready to walk that path with you. JOURNEYS | 30
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Teamwork is essential in the quest. The work of the Financial Quest team every day is to not only provide resources, tools, insights and guidance, it's also to be at the ready whenever you have a question. Kim Miller, LPL Branch Operations and Amanda Armelino, Client Service Associate, work with LPL Financial Advisor Greg Boshart, to ensure a cohesive effort is always in place to help you along your journey. Whether it's online, on site in person, or on the phone, you can count on The Team to be in your corner.
Please take the opportunity to view our website including the helpful videos and tutorials at InvestSeneca.com
FAQ
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New Direction
Photographs by Caden Ackerman
The Journey Together Continues...
This issue we continue our unfolding story of restoration and rejuvenation as we introduce Sarah Bruce, the new Executive Director for Syracuse Habitat for Humanity (SHFH), as she orchestrates a new chapter for the CNY non-profit.
Skills to Build On Sarah knew she wanted to be a part of SHFH's mission since serving in AmeriCorps VISTA, a Restore development with an affiliate. Her experience with the organization and her involvement with SHFH instilled a passion to help create a world where everyone has a safe and healthy place to live. Her one year commitment grew to three and with that, she knew she had found her calling. Sarah holds a degree in architecture and three years as a project architect at the corporate level where she earned the required experience hours for her licensure. Her desire to make a difference pushed her out of her comfort zone. "I simply could not get it out of my mind. Once I heard that Suzanne (Williams) was retiring, I realized my heart had never left the mission" says Sarah.
Ready to Serve From the moment Sarah heard she was selected as the new director, she was ready to get to work. "It truly feels like home to me, and it brings home the mission that we help others, who otherwise wouldn't qualify for a traditional mortgage, find their own home as first time homeowners" states Sarah.
With their previous building no longer meeting their needs, Sarah finds herself smiling wide while standing in their new location. "Seneca Savings has been a wonderful partner enabling us to make the transition to this new building that might otherwise not have been possible."
"Thanks to leaders like Seneca Savings, we're excited to be able to get back to our mission. The COVID 19 pandemic was difficult on everyone, especially nonprofits in our community. We're incredibly excited about what the future holds. We're extremely grateful to Seneca Savings for their support and look forward to other opportunities to partner with them in the future. I can't wait to see some of the Seneca Savings crew out on a future build site and be able to swing a hammer right along with them!" exclaimed Sarah.
Community Sarah wants to connect with the community and welcomes the general public into their new home at 514 W Genesee Street. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9am to 4:30pm. Sarah wants everyone to come visit, learn about their mission, and if you have donations, swing by with those as well! "We're not only changing the lives of our homeowners. We're also changing the lives of our volunteers by giving them a meaningful way to give back to their community with an end product that they can see and feel. One of the best parts of our mission are our home dedications." - Sarah Sarah shares project updates with Seneca Savings' Commercial Loan Officer, Angela Stivers. Follow the SHFH Story in the next JOURNEYS publication.
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We're always striving to earn your five star opinion!
Every step, every hand shake, every commitment, every one of us every day on the Seneca Savings Team is working to earn your trust and your business. Your opinion matters in person, in business, and online. Please consider leaving us an online review and Thank You for your partnership! Baldwinsville Branch
Bridgeport Branch
N Syracuse Branch
Liverpool Branch
How can we help? JOURNEYS | 34
Info@SenecaSavings.com | 315-303-3337
"Barb always stays alert when a client with issues comes in to keep things calm."
Barbara Clark Baldwinsville "Terry will spend extra time with a new customer and that extra effort doesn't go unnoticed."
Terry Marsala North Syracuse "Annette demonstrates compassion in her approach with the customer and the community."
Annette Sherwood-Fischer
Liverpool
"Courtney ensures an ease of business, which customers appreciate."
Courtney Kelly Bridgeport JOURNEYS | 35
We're with you...
for life's journeys.
