Community Bank & Trust - 20 years and growing

Community Bank & Trust 20 years and growing

‘BE EXCEPTIONAL’

Sunday, September 17, 2017

2 | Sunday, September 17, 2017

COMMUNITY BANK & TRUST

Construction work continues at Community Bank & Trust in downtown Waterloo. The renovation is expected to be completed by mid-September.

MATTHEW PUTNEY PHOTOS, COURIER PHOTO EDITOR

Stacey Bentley, president and CEO of Community Bank & Trust, stands amidst the ongoing construction at the bank’s downtown Waterloo location.

The renovation of the downtown Waterloo Community Bank & Trust location includes a collaboration room on each floor. The room is designed to foster informal discussions with clients.

Downtown investment Renovation keeps bank in the heart of Waterloo META HEMENWAY-FORBES

meta.hemenway-forbes @wcfcourier.com‌

Walking through the con‌ struction site outside her office, sidestepping materials and power cords, Stacey Bentley can barely contain her excitement.

She greets the builders by name while giving a tour of what’s completed so far, as well as a mind’s eye of what will be.

“We’ve got the best break room with the best view in town,” she said, arms out wide,

showing off the skyline of downtown Waterloo.

President and CEO of Community Bank & Trust, Bentley and her staff have worked through the noise and dust since construction began in June 2016 on the building at Commercial Street and Park Avenue.

Talks to spiff up the aging building began in fall 2013, but had to be put on hold for a crucial sidewalk repair on the Park Avenue side of the building. With no supports under the walkway, it had begun to crumble.

“There were tunnels underneath,” Bentley said. “You could go down there and look up and see daylight.”

Shoring up the sidewalk

meant relocating a MidAmerican Energy transformer that was homed there, as well as wiring for city streetlights. The tunnel would then need to be supported with beams before being filled in. All to the tune of nearly $400,000.

“We began thinking if we are going to invest almost a half a million dollars, are there other places we should go?” she said.

That put the renovation project on hold for another six to nine months as a consultant was hired to determine if it made sense for CB&T to stay or leave its building in the heart of Waterloo.

“We looked all over,” Bentley said. “Other locations would

have been less expensive and easier, but we decided it was important to commit to the community, our employees and our clients. We wanted to stay and support downtown Waterloo.”

Bentley hired architect Bob Zandi with Kirk Gross & Co. to come up with a fresh, modern design complete with all the technological bells and whistles.

Local contractors and sub-contractors, with an emphasis on companies who do business with CB&T, were added to the roster to complete the work.

The $4 million project is scheduled for completion in mid-September, Bentley said.

The decades-old building once housed Iowa Public Ser-

vice, the state’s former utility company. The lack of natural light and office space were among the many issues the renovation will address.

Walls were pushed out 6 feet on the first floor, and space added on the second floor created more office room and allowed for the construction of a large atrium over the first-floor waiting area. Plans initially called for Bentley’s office to be on the second floor. She vetoed that idea.

“I want to be down with the clients. That is really important to me,” she said. Her office will now be on an outer corner of the first floor, allowing her to interact with bank customers.

COMMUNITY BANK & TRUST

The entrance to the bank has been moved from Commercial Street to the north side parking lot. A new glass-enclosed, twostory entrance was built, which required removing a portion of the second floor. A glass handrail bridge spans across the vestibule entrance lets in loads of natural light. A large wall inside the entrance is begging for art.

“Wouldn’t it be neat to feature the work of Iowa artists there?” Bentley said.

A grand staircase punctuates the new lobby, and a glass handrail rings the central atrium space, allowing employees and customers complete sight lines between floors.

A hospitality bar and largescreen TV will keep clients comfortable while they wait for bank services.

Conference rooms with stateof-the-art technology have been built, and comfortable, informal collaboration centers on both floors allow for more casual discussions with clients. The wealth management

department will take a space on the second floor.

Teller operations will look different, too. All tasks can be completed within the teller stations.

“Before, tellers had to take cash through the lobby each night. The cash vault is now in the station,” Bentley said.

Drive-up windows will features state-of-the-art video screens for customer interaction that used to take place through a window.

All new furniture will replace the old, which was donated to more than 20 local non-profit agencies. One more round of donations will take place when the renovation is complete.

In August, the bank celebrated its 20th anniversary in the Cedar Valley. The renovation is the perfect celebration of that milestone.

“Our goal was to stay and invest in downtown Waterloo.

I think we’re meeting that. I’m MATTHEW PUTNEY, COURIER PHOTO EDITOR very happy with what we’re do- Stacey Bentley, president and CEO of Community Bank & Trust, shows off new atrium space in the ing,” Bentley said. continuing bank renovation. The project is scheduled for completion in mid-September.

Congratulations Community Bank & Trust on your new addition!

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COMMUNITY BANK & TRUST

CB&T offers responsiveness of local bank DEB DRALLE

Executive AA/Human ResourcesCommunity Bank & Trust ‌

‌Community Bank & Trust is a community bank committed to building relationships through professional, personal service.

We give you the powerful tools of a major financial institution, the convenience of a one-stop financial resource, and the responsiveness of a local bank.

As a local bank, our decisions affecting customer relationships are made by people who live, work, and are actively involved in serving our communities. It’s all about the people. Our clients recognize and value our in-house decision making, our staff’s expertise, our philosophy to do the “right thing” every day, and our team approach that supports our client’s journey from growing their business to managing their wealth.

We are able to provide the technology of larger banks while continuing to provide the level of customer service you are accustomed to receiving. Put simply, we are large enough to accommodate but small enough to appreciate.

Our focus

Our focus is to continue our growth — growing loans and deposits and most of all, growing relationship banking. By joining forces with Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, our lending capacity has substantially increased.

From construction, acquisition, redevelopment or refinancing, we offer nearly 40 years of combined industry experience and market area expertise, combined with personal service along with working with those making the decisions.

If you are a business owner in need of open-ended access to credit for ongoing needs such as inventory management or seasonal purchases, a business line of credit with Community Bank & Trust can effectively manage your cash flow.

Most noted with the joining of

forces with Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust is our larger lending capacity and the ability to accommodate large loan requests, yet still uniquely structure the loan to best suit your needs.

We have various products and services that can strengthen your growth individually and professionally. Our Treasury Management program is all about giving you more time. You can manage and pay your bills online, safely deposit checks electronically, balance your accounts automatically and utilize our software to help add security to your cash management needs.

We provide the most up-todate electronic services for companies of all sizes to maximize cash management control and to efficiently manage resources, while still offering a personalized approach to banking.

Our Wealth Management & Trust Department has been recognized as one of the strongest and well-known Wealth Management Departments in the Cedar Valley. We understand that there is no cookie-cutter solution for building your financial future.

That’s why our Wealth Management team starts with the person, not the product.

We offer a comprehensive and fully-integrated suite of wealth-building services. Backed with a thorough understanding of your goals, our advisors then put their combined 130+ years of experience to work to deliver a custom strategy that can help you build your wealth and work towards your dreams.

As a client, you will experience the value and power of the fiduciary relationship — a combination of regulatory and review requirements wrapped around our commitment to excellence in meeting your goals. As a financial services organization and a member of the community, our goal is to establish broad and meaningful relationships with our clients.

We understand this happens over time, by putting clients first and delivering on our commitments.

BRANDON POLLOCK, COURIER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER‌

Exterior of the remodeled Community Bank & Trust at Commercial Street and Park Avenue.

Resources to make a difference By joining forces with the Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Team, we have enhanced our ability to deliver superior service and heightened the resources to keep up with the continued technology changes that occur in the industry at a rapid pace.

We are fortunate to be part of a “Relationship Driven Organization” whose business model provides each QCR Holdings entity with the autonomy to tailor products, services and decisions unique to the clients and communities that we serve.

When our clients prosper, so do we. This reflects our commitment to the success of individuals and clients in our communities.

By providing resources, education, guidance and products and services that save you time and money, we are able to help you grow.

Congratulations Community Bank &Trust on your New Addition and Continued Growth!

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COMMUNITY BANK & TRUST

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CB&T is always striving to ‘Be Exceptional’ communities thrive. us from the beginning or at some That is what being a “commu- point, became our champions, you have contributed greatly nity bank” is all about. with your confidence, referrals Thank you and suggestions.

We would like to offer a sincere Your continued support “Thank you.” helped propel us to where we are Whether you have been with today, 20 years later.

DEBRA DRALLE

Executive AA/Human ResourcesCommunity Bank & Trust ‌

‌August 18 marked the 20th anniversary of our presence in the Cedar Valley. What began as a dream in early 1997 grew to $134 million in total assets at the end of the second year.

We soon realized how big the niche was to have a community bank in the Cedar Valley. By 2000, we had opened four locations in the Cedar Valley. In 2001, we expanded into the Mason City market and again into the Austin, Minn., market in 2004. As of July 2012, we had grown to $269 million in assets, servicing three markets and eight locations.

2013 became an epic year in our bank’s history as we merged into QCR Holdings, Inc. In May, we had the opportunity to sell our Mason City and Austin markets, allowing us to become more focused on the Cedar Valley. October 2013 proved to be a busy month as we deconverted our Mason City and Austin markets and Community National Bank formally merged into Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust to become Community Bank & Trust.

In 2016, we launched a $4.0 renovation to our downtown Waterloo office as part of our pledge to you to ensure we are your bank of choice.

With the renovation, many new innovations and enhanced technology are accessible to you and your business which will position both of us well into the future.

In 2017, we knew we needed to update our look and freshen up our brand to mirror our progress and help covey our message. As we strive to BE EXCEPTIONAL in everything we do, we were excited to share with you this year, the launch of our new logo representing our vision and outlook for the future. There is an unprecedented amount of opportunity ahead as we continue to grow utilizing the additional resources and enhanced products and services we are able to offer.

BRANDON POLLOCK, COURIER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER‌

Community Bank & Trust

Renovation moves forward at Community Bank & Trust.

24/7 Service

Commitment

Since the founding of our institution, our success has always been about genuinely connecting with our customers. From the very beginning, we have strived to grow through superior service to our customers and that concept still charts our course today.

Partnership with QCR Holdings and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust has enabled us to increase our resources, allowing us to take

advantage of the technology, products and services to advance in today’s market.

The definition of a true community bank is quite clear — and that it is based on the needs of the communities and clients that we serve. We have the autonomy to tailor products, services and decisions unique to those we serve. We serve those needs by developing strong relationships to help our clients succeed and

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COMMUNITY BANK & TRUST

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Out with old, in with ‘blue’ branding DEBRA DRALLE

Executive AA/Human ResourcesCommunity Bank & Trust ‌

‌We have an abundance of resources to help you achieve financial success while remaining your local bank for local decisions.

We recognize our commitment to the Cedar Valley and our customers, and elected to invest in our roots with a $4 million renovation to our downtown Waterloo office. Many new innovations and enhanced technology will be accessible to you and your business, positioning us well for the future.

This extensive renovation allowed us to acknowledge the importance of our community’s nonprofit organizations by donating office furniture and supplies to 20+ nonprofit organizations through our “Pay it Forward” campaign.

Rebranding

ple roofs, purple logo, down to the purple carpet we had in our lobbies. A company’s brand is the persona of that company, and the logo represents the brand. It sets the tone and the personality of the company.

With our new logo, we have a new message. Leaving our signature purple behind played a big role in starting anew. We replaced purple and gold with navy and green accents, clean lines and a sleek new box for our logo.

We couldn’t think of a more perfect time for our brand to mirror our progress in the community with our additional resources, our renovation and our recent merge.

Out with the old, The new branding represents the professionalism that our in with blue downtown renovation equally BRANDON POLLOCK, COURIER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER‌ Previously, we were known as portrays with all of our new enA new color and a new look rebrands Community Bank & Trust. the “purple” bank with our pur- hancements.

Rebranding is part of increasing our presence in the Cedar Valley.

We are able to provide the technology of larger banks while continuing to provide the level of customer service you are accustomed too. We are large enough to accommodate, but small enough to appreciate.

This year marks the 20-year anniversary of our presence in the Cedar Valley. As we strive to be exceptional in everything we do, we are excited to share with you the launch of our new logo representing our vision and outlook for the future.

CB&T named an Employer of Choice DEBRA J. DRALLE

Executive AA/Human ResourcesCommunity Bank & Trust ‌

When you hear the phrase ‌ “employer of choice,” a few companies may come to mind. We are extremely pleased to be selected for the second consecutive year as a recipient of the Waterloo Courier’s Employer of Choice award.

Being an employer of choice means that the company has carefully thought about creating an environment where people want to work and have long-lasting careers. It is a place where people choose to work over other competing organizations because of what they believe the company will offer them in terms of the whole experience — compensation, benefits, training, perks, opportunities, development and purpose for being.

Employees want to know what

is important to the company and how those principles align with their personal values. QCR Holdings, Inc., our holding company, has seven strategic growth initiatives.

Each staff member links their role to those initiatives and is

encouraged to challenge themselves to set goals based on their chosen initiative. The rallying cry that has aligned our entire organization with these objectives and with each other is “Be Exceptional.”

“I love working here because I

feel like everyone’s voice is heard.

Management makes a point to listen to their employees,” explains Rachel Jaynes, a community banker at the Cedar Falls downtown location.

Employees are empowered to make decisions and take responsibility for how they do their jobs.

That trust contributes greatly to a sense of engagement. Armed with a clear view of the state of the business, invested in the company’s success and loyal to their colleagues, workers see themselves as being a part of something greater— the company’s mission and its values.

AT CBT, employees feel as if they are encouraged to continue to develop their skills and careers.

Access to information is a key component to fostering a positive culture and is addressed at monthly team meetings where

the company’s financial progress is shared along with pertinent information.

Stacey Bentley, president and chief executive officer, also hosts a series of staff round tables twice a year to generate discussion on ideas for moving forward.

Laurel Thompson, wealth management assistant, says “Community Bank & Trust has a culture that successfully promotes teamwork, personal growth and balance. CBT hits the trifecta! All of this promotes a positive culture where we each feel we make a difference.”

Work-life balance is increasingly demanded by employees and CBT recognizes the importance of this demand.

“Every day the company focuses on the positives and not the negatives. Great place to work!

CBT Rocks,” says Sue White, community banker.

COMMUNITY BANK & TRUST

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CB&T makes commitment to Cedar Valley DEB DRALLE

Executive AA/Human ResourcesCommunity Bank & Trust‌

‌Community Bank & Trust’s commitment to serving and enhancing our community continues to position CBT soundly within the community.

As community bankers, we have amazing opportunities to give back to the community we call home. We are very proud of the communities we serve, and that pride shows in the volunteer spirit that permeates the company.

We contribute through sponsorships, volunteer leadership and participation in over 75 local nonprofit and economic development organizations. In 2016, our annual total time given by CBT employees was 1,001 hours.

In 2016, we recognized the importance of our commitment to the Cedar Valley with our downtown renovation. This extensive renovation allowed to extend an invitation to area nonprofit organizations to “shop” our office

furniture and supplies. These organizations were able to selct furniture to meet their needs, and CBT donated the items. We were pleased to recognize their commitment to the Cedar Valley, as well.

In 2016, we partnered with Northeast Iowa Food Bank and the American Cancer Society and contributed to several fundraises.

Annually, our employees can choose nonprofit organizations to support throughout the year through such activities as jeans day, food day and raffles, to name a few.

We are active in Partners in Education with the Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence, providing both financial and volunteer support. Employees journal with students, provide cakes for their cake walks and purchase breakfast supplies and help prepare the Character Counts Breakfast.

In 2016, the bank marked 19 consecutive years of 100 percent participation in the United Way

MATTHEW PUTNEY, COURIER PHOTO EDITOR

The employee break room offers a number of amenities and a great view of downtown. relationships with our clients, annual giving campaigne. We nities we serve. look forward to full participation We are creating a culture where understanding their unique during our 20th year. every member of our QCR Hold- hopes, challenges and dreams, ings team, regardless of their ti- and bringing them the financial tle, location, or individual role is solutions to achieve them, we Giving back Giving back to the commu- to strive to be exceptional in all become exceptional. nity is part of our bank-wide that they do.

Doing the unexpected ... Every philosophy. In 2016, our parent By staying true to our busi- time. Every customer. Be excepcompany, QCR Holdings, imple- ness model of building strong tional. mented Pay It Forward Day. The initiative inspired employees to perform unexpected acts of Proud partner on the Community Bank & Trust project kindness and positively impact Thank you for choosing Magee Construction Company! communities where more than 435 employees live, work and play.

Serving needs of our clients and communities where we live and work develops strong relationships and helps our clients succeed and our communities thrive.

Each client “needs” something different from their banking relationship. As a local bank, we tailor products, services and decisions to our clients to create the customized relationship-based service that drives our company.

Mission

Today, we find ourselves in the Cedar Valley as a subsidiary of QCR Holdings with almost 500 employees, a combined total of 18,834 volunteer hours, a wealth BRANDON POLLOCK, COURIER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER‌ of expertise and the resources to Remodeling continues on the main floor of Community Bank & Trust. make a difference in the commu-

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