Letters From Leton: Any Sears Boxes in Your Driveway?

Posted on February 19, 2019 by - News

It’s not unusual (especially during the Holiday Season) to come home to a box on your porch or in your driveway.

How many of those boxes are from Sears? How many are from Amazon?

Sears and Roebuck began operations in 1893 (five years after your Bank began). Sears was known for its catalog order system and for shipping goods (pots and pans, pre-built houses, etc.) via railroads, the latest in fast paced technology.

Sears used technology to quickly get quality goods at a reasonable price to people throughout the country. Sound familiar?

Later on, as roads developed, Sears built brick-and-mortar stores, and people came to shop there with the catalog being viewed as old fashioned.

Later, a new fast paced technology came along, the internet, and Amazon, not Sears, developed the electronic catalog. Today Amazon is a thriving business, and Sears is near closing.

How could a company that had a catalog system and fast shipping at the heart of its DNA not see the value of an internet-based catalog and shipping system?

The only thing that I can come up with is that Sears became “uppity,” as my dad would say, and felt that they could control the marketplace. That was a dumb thought!

We should consider the path that Sears has traveled to disaster as a reminder of  failure. We must not think (like Sears) that we are smarter than the market and do not need to adapt our products and services and their delivery. Instead, we must be constantly adapting to improve our products and services, and we must always be considering the best way to deliver them to customers.

– Leton

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“Letters From Leton” is a blog series comprised of the weekly updates that Leton Harding – President, Chairman, and CEO of Powell Valley National Bank, shares with the Bank’s team members. These newsletters are full of uplifting anecdotes and intriguing insights that are applicable beyond the Bank, so we want to share them with you.

Work With Us: Part-Time Teller Position Available (Duffield)

Posted on February 11, 2019 by - News

Powell Valley National Bank is looking for a Part-Time Teller. This position is responsible for providing a best in class customer experience while processing transactions and servicing existing and potential customers. The position is PART-TIME and will average around 25 hours each week and 4 hours each day. The position will be filled for Powell Valley National Bank’s Duffield Office, located at 301 Duff Patt Highway in Duffield, VA.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your information via the form at the bottom of the page.

Position Title: Part-Time Teller
Supervised By: Head Teller
Reports To: Office Manager
Location: Duffield
Employment Status: Part-Time

Position Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Provide excellent customer service
  • Perform basic customer and cash transactions
  • Balance cash each day
  • Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations governing bank operations, including compliance with the Bank’s BSA and AML policies and procedures
  • Identify risk and escalate concerns through proper channels
  • Develop and maintain knowledge of bank products and services
  • Ability to learn and adapt to changing digital channels
  • Other duties as assigned

If you are interested in this position, please submit your information via the form below:

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Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Letters from Leton: Scaled to Serve

Posted on February 5, 2019 by - News

This month, corporate executives, government leaders, economists, and others gathered in Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. That’s a lot of influential folks all in one place talking about what’s going on in the world’s economies.

One morning, Bloomberg Radio aired an interview with Mike Corbat, the Chief Executive Officer of Citibank in New York, one of the world’s largest banks.

During the interview, he discussed how the American banking system is made up of different bank “groups” – like community, regional, and large national banks – and how each bank group is “scaled to serve” different markets.

Mr. Corbat’s comments rang true with me. “Scaled to Serve” means that Powell Valley National Bank is here (as a community bank) to serve our regional community in ways others cannot. The question we need to ask is, “How well do we serve?”

Service to customers is one of the few things any business (including Powell Valley National Bank) can control.

Good Service requires a positive attitude about wanting to work with customers and wanting to solve the problems they may have. Quality service does not mean you have all of the answers – but that you want to help the customer!

This week, I challenge all PVNB employees to evaluate themselves – On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your service to our customers (or fellow employees)? Write that number somewhere on your desk or work station, and next week when you come in, ask yourself: Am I satisfied with this number?

Hopefully this is one time you want to tip the scales to the higher side!

– Leton

____________________________________________________________________
“Letters From Leton” is a blog series comprised of the weekly updates that Leton Harding – President, Chairman, and CEO of Powell Valley National Bank, shares with the Bank’s team members. These newsletters are full of uplifting anecdotes and intriguing insights that are applicable beyond the Bank, so we want to share them with you.

Letters from Leton: Getting Through It Together

Posted on January 31, 2019 by - News

In the midst of another flu season, I’m reminded of last winter when all of our offices were inundated with illness. Flu. Viruses. Bronchitis. Even your “invincible” CEO was humbled by a bout of illness that, to be candid, knocked him for a loop.

During my absence, there were many things I had time to think about including how blessed my health usually is and how blessed I am to have a spouse who was caring for me.

One thought that never crossed my mind though was that the Bank couldn’t run well for a few days without me–that is because of the employees at Powell Valley National Bank.

We are blessed to have officers and staff who are always ready to step up.

– Leton

____________________________________________________________________
“Letters From Leton” is a blog series comprised of the weekly updates that Leton Harding – President, Chairman, and CEO of Powell Valley National Bank, shares with the Bank’s team members. These newsletters are full of uplifting anecdotes and intriguing insights that are applicable beyond the Bank, so we want to share them with you.

Letters From Leton: Solution Specialists

Posted on January 22, 2019 by - News

“Letters From Leton” is a blog series comprised of the weekly updates that Leton Harding – President, Chairman, and CEO of Powell Valley National Bank, shares with the Bank’s team members. These newsletters are full of uplifting anecdotes and intriguing insights that are applicable beyond the Bank, so we want to share them with you.

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I recently had to get a new phone. The person who helped me at Verizon has a unique job title: “Solution Specialist”. I have to commend her as it was the easiest phone transfer I have ever had (I know, I know. Going from a Blackberry would be hard for anyone way back when).

When I looked at her title it struck me that although we all may have different titles at the Bank (CEO, CSR, Head teller, Bookkeeper, Office Manager, etc.), isn’t our real title “Solution Specialist”? After all, if a customer of the Bank comes in, calls, or emails – aren’t they looking for a “solution”? If a fellow employee has a need, are they not looking for a “solution” as well?

Maybe the solution for a customer is a new account or loan. Maybe it is a reset of their online banking account or an increase in their Debit Card limit. Maybe a fellow employee needs help resetting a password or creating a report.

I strongly believe that as time goes by, people and businesses will gravitate to businesses that have “Solution Specialists” and not just order takers.

Over the coming days, let’s consider how we interact with customers and fellow employees. Are we “order takers” or “Solution Specialists”? What else do you need to be trained on to become an even better Solution Specialist for your customers and fellow employees?

Let’s strive to be Solution Specialists.

– Leton

5 Tips to Prevent Card Fraud

Posted on December 27, 2018 by - News

Card fraud continues to increase year-over-year. In fact, card breaches are now the top source of fraud in the financial industry with 48% of consumers having experienced card fraud at some point. As card fraud increases, criminals continue to develop new methods for targeting cardholders. Here are 5 steps you can take to reduce your risk of card fraud.

 

  1. Use a Chip Card

In addition to the traditional magnetic strip on cards, a Chip Card also has an embedded microchip. The embedded microchip provides an additional layer of security. Every time you use it at a chip-enabled ATM or terminal, the embedded microchip creates a unique, one-time code specific to your card and that transaction. This unique transaction better protects you from financial criminals.

 

  1. Sign Up for Mobile Alerts

Mobile channels offer the quickest way to deliver important and secure alerts to cardholders. You can choose to receive event alerts for things like deposits, low balance alerts, debits, or even specific transaction amounts – all straight to your cell phone via text message or email.

You can also sign up for real-time transaction notifications. If an unauthorized transaction occurs, you will be notified immediately.

 

  1. Turn Your Card On/Off Remotely

Some mobile banking apps allow you to remotely turn cards off. The moment you receive notification of an unauthorized transaction, you can turn your card off to prevent further damage.

Our MobiMoney app lets you to manage your debit card from your cell phone by allowing you to:

  • Turn cards on/off with a single touch
  • View instant alert notifications
  • View transaction history
  • Check account balances
  • Set and control debit card usage to specific merchant types, locations, users, and transaction types

 

  1. Beware Card Skimming Devices

Before using your card at a gas station or ATM, inspect the machine for card skimmers. Look and feel for anything out of place. Further, be sure to shield the keypad when entering your PIN, even if you don’t see anyone around. The safest ATMs are in well-lit areas near bank branches.

 

  1. Know Who to Contact

In the event that you lose your card or believe your information may have been compromised, it’s important to contact the right person as soon as possible. The quicker you get ahead of the issue, the lesser the risk.

Powell Valley National Bank offers 3 debit card help numbers for your convenience:

  • 24/7 Help Desk: 1-866-664-9364
  • Fraud Department: (800) 889-5280 opt 1
  • Report a lost or stolen card: (800) 528-2273

Additionally, if your card is lost/stolen or if your information is compromised, stop by any Powell Valley National Bank office and we will print you a new card on the spot.

 

If you have questions about preventing card fraud, please contact us.

For more tips on protecting yourself from fraud, check out these articles:

7 Tips to Protect Your Identity

7 Tips to Avoid Holiday Shopping Scams [Infographic]

Brent Mullins Joins Powell Valley National Bank

Posted on October 30, 2018 by - News

Jonesville, Virginia–Powell Valley National Bank (PVNB, Bank) is pleased to announce the addition of Brent Mullins as Vice President and Office Manager of the Bank’s office in Downtown Kingsport located at 240 West Center Street.

“We are extremely proud to have a professional community banker such as Brent Mullins joining the officers and staff of Powell Valley National Bank,” said Ted Fields, Market Executive for PVNB.  “Brent’s many years of excellent and caring customer service reflect the commitment of our Bank to the needs of Kingsport and the greater community.”

Powell Valley National Bank President and CEO, Leton Harding, also shared, “The addition of Brent Mullins to PVNB’s team continues the expansion of dedicated officers and staff to support the banking and financial needs of Kingsport and its surrounding communities.”

Mullins has over 20 years of banking and financial experience in the Kingsport and Greater Tri-Cities region, where he served 9 of those years as Vice President and Financial Center Manager for TriSummit Bank.  Brent has supported the community and the banking industry through numerous civic and professional appointments, volunteer hours, and accomplishments during his career including United Way of Greater Kingsport Campaign Cabinet, Junior Achievement, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Optimist Club, and the East Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce.

Brent is a native of Church Hill, TN.  He is a graduate of King University.   He and his wife, Amanda, have two children, Aedyn and Ethan.  They attend Hope Community church and reside in Church Hill, Tennessee.

Powell Valley National Bank Breaks Ground on New Office in Abingdon

Posted on October 29, 2018 by - News

Picture of Abingdon Groundbreaking Ceremony

Jonesville, Virginia –Powell Valley National Bank (PVNB, Bank) is pleased to announce the beginning of work on its newest office to be located at 16032 Fifteen Mile Boulevard in Abingdon, VA.

“We are extremely excited to begin work on our latest, state of the art office facility,” said Sam Neese, Market Executive for PVNB.  “The support and interest in our Company continues to grow in response to our wonderful and caring staff, and competitive banking and financial services.  The establishment of a full-service office is a direct response to the reception we have received in Abingdon and surrounding areas.”

Powell Valley National Bank President and CEO, Leton Harding, also shared, “Abingdon and Washington County are a vital part of the economy in our region.  The establishment of our full-service office reflects our intent and commitment to support the region with caring and talented bankers.”

The new PVNB Abingdon office is anticipated to open in late Spring 2019.  The Bank currently has a loan production office located at 988 West Main Street in Abingdon to support the general loan and financial needs of the community until the opening of the new full-service office.