“We’re proud to have earned the reputation as a premier community bank in Sonoma County.” —Elaina Hunt
“We’re in the business of customer service,” says Tom Duryea, president/CEO of Summit State Bank, a Sonoma County-based community bank that opened its doors in 1984. Headquartered in Santa Rosa and primarily serving Sonoma County and the greater Bay Area with branches in Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park and Petaluma, customers know that by banking locally, their money is put back into the community to support the local economy, jobs, businesses and nonprofits. “As a local community bank, we’re committed to giving back to our local community,” confirms Duryea.
Summit State Bank reported in January that its annual earnings jumped 55 percent last year to $3.4 million with deposits increasing 9 percent to $341 million, making it the bank’s best year yet. Elaina Hunt, director of marketing and community relations, believes it’s because customers are sharing their appreciation for Summit with their friends and colleagues. “We’re proud to have earned the reputation as a premier community bank in Sonoma County,” she says.
Summit is the first community bank in California to offer mobile deposit services, and it strives to offer customers the same innovations that big banks offer—but with the added benefits of banking locally. Guided by The Summit Service Standards, the bank’s goal is to always exhibit a “can do” attitude. Its employees are courteous and greet customers and potential customers by name. They work together to find solutions and offer answers to whomever asks. Also included in these standards is treating coworkers with the same respect they treat customers: Pay attention to details, return phone calls and emails the same day or, at maximum, within 24 hours: “Always expect excellence in yourself.”
What better way to demonstrate their service standards than to hear from satisfied customers? The bank’s website showcases numerous positive testimonials from satisfied local business customers, including Will Seppi, owner of Costeaux French Bakery in Healdsburg, who says, “Summit’s small business lending program made it possible for us to continue our family legacy. Costeaux French Bakery prides itself on our core business values of family, service, quality and community since 1923. Our bakery has survived because of community support and our responsiveness to our customers’ needs. In Summit State Bank, we found a business partner that shares these same values.”
To nonprofit organizations, the bank offers its Nonprofit Partner Donation Program, a special deposit account program for 501(c)3 not-for-profit organizations to enhance fund-raising efforts. For charitable organizations with Summit State Bank deposit accounts, the bank makes an annual contribution of 25 to 75 basis points, based on average annual account balance (prorated for the portion of the year the account is opened).
As a result, this February, Summit State Bank delivered more than $100,000 in donations to Sonoma County nonprofits. Another part of its Nonprofit Partner Program encourages employees to support their community by giving a Summit Day of Service, where every team member gets one paid work day per year to volunteer with any nonprofit organization in Sonoma County.
“As a local nonprofit supporting local children and teens, we appreciate the support we receive from Summit State Bank. In addition to donations and sponsorships, the Summit team really finds creative ways to help promote us and to be interested and engaged in our programs and services. Their support is above and beyond what I’d have expected from a bank!” enthuses Matt Martin, executive director, Social Advocates for Youth (SAY).
John Takes of North Bay Solar Electric adds, “I never realized that there could be something better in banking service. I plan to remain with Summit State Bank well into the future.”
