Columbia Bank’s New Bellevue Branch Puts Banking Back at the Heart of the Community
It might be a concept which is rapidly fading from public consciousness, but many of you will remember a time when the local bank was a focal point for entire communities and the manager of said institution would been a pillar figure within them.
While the global nature of the modern business world has put paid to such ideas, there are still arguments to be made for physical banking branches being more than simple financial institutions. In fact, this idea may even be more relevant given so many of the other functions a bank would have traditionally performed being handed over to automated processes and digital technology.
Does this mean then, there is still a place for the brick-and-mortar banking location in the heart of communities and what would that concept look like in the modern financial landscape?
Columbia Bank
As a Northwest community bank providing comprehensive solutions and expertise to businesses and individuals, Columbia Bank knows and understands how important it is to remain connected with the communities it serves.
This is why it has devoted its brand-new Bellevue branch to becoming more than a simple banking location.
The Financial Hub – as the branch is named, the second of its kind launched by Columbia Bank – is purpose built for the comfort of customers and is focused on efficiency of service. The branch is resplendent with digital technology and applications designed to help facilitate meaningful interactions between customers and branch employees.
Teller lines and tedious paperwork have been replaced with mobile technology and intuitive user interfaces which means individual banking activities are not tied to any one location within the Financial Hub. The branch aims to replace the traditional transactional approach to brick-and-mortar banking with a more personal approach which feels more like networking and socializing than a financial interaction.
"I am excited to invite everyone to tour the space and enjoy it," said Vice President and Branch Manager for the Old Bellevue Financial Hub, Juan Garcia. "This is truly a distinct space with financial advisors to meet the full spectrum of clients' financial needs. The innovative design brings residents together and makes the community an even better place to live, work and play."
While the way the Financial Hub conduct its core business is certainly innovative enough on its own, it’s the other function of the branch which is truly of note – it’s aim to be a community center designed to bring people together for more than simple financial services.
Community
This is where the "Hub" part of the Financial Hub’s moniker comes into play, with the location functioning as a community hub as well as a banking one.
People from the local area can use the location as a place to work, hold meeting, socialize, and/or relax. Designed from the ground up to be welcoming and comfortable, the Financial Hub is packed with features designed to make it an ideal location for all these activities, demonstrating the intent behind Columbia Bank’s endeavor, rather than it being an afterthought or a tacked on extra.
A full hospitality suite, beverage bar, bookable offices, and an open communal area all come together to promote community and Columbia’s position within it. The Financial Hub was launched in March 2022 and, since May, has been fully open for everything from seminars to cultural events. Columbia will also periodically host its own networking and educational events for the community, as well as providing reporters guided tours of the new location upon request.
"The Financial Hub has all the services of a traditional bank, and more, yet it feels like your favorite local gathering place," said Columbia Bank Senior Vice President and Upper Puget Sound Regional Manager, Rebecca Cherney. "It's a unique way to deliver first-rate financial expertise and simultaneously support the community, its residents and local culture."
"Columbia Bank has announced the opening of its second Financial Hub, a center innovatively designed to provide a full suite of banking services including in-person wealth management," said the company in a press release revealing the Financial Hub. "The office also functions as an inviting public space for the community […] The new branch represents Columbia's commitment to both innovation and to Bellevue's thriving economy and quality of life."
Final Thoughts
With the rather complicated relationships people have had with banking institutions over the last couple of decades, it’s about time financial brands reconnected with the communities they serve. If banking can shed its ivory tower image and focus on service once again, it may do a lot to repair some of the damage caused by the more irresponsible corners of the industry.
You can hear Columbia Bank’s SVP and Director of Talent Development, Michelle Drager, speak at Future Branches Austin 2022, taking place in December at the JW Marriott Austin, TX.
Download the agenda today for more information and insights.