Take That to the Bank
STAR Financial Bank Opens Westfield Branch
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photographer / Sarah Browning
On September 26, STAR Bank celebrated a new branch opening in Westfield. Staff members are excited to partner with the community, bringing a location closer to home for current clients and welcoming new residents as well.
Brittany Howey will serve as the Westfield branch manager.
Ive been in banking for over eight years, but new to STAR and Westfield, Howey says. STAR has been a phenomenal place to work thus far and were honored to hear that clients wanted a branch in Westfield. We really listen to our customers and want to offer the best thing for our clients and the community.
STAR works against the in-and-out mentality associated with traditional lines found at a bank.
We offer banking in a lively and vibrant environment, and we want it to feel like you can be comfortable to bank however you would like, says Amanda Rubeck, vice president and senior retail officer. Come in and get higher personalized advice and service.
The full-service bank offers personal and business banking, loan services, as well as investment and wealth management. They work with individuals and families interested in retirement planning, education planning, and estate and trust services.
Howey says her primary focus is the relationships she can build through those services.
We offer notary services all the way up to business services and were encompassing any need a customer would have, Howey says. Im looking forward to good conversations with our clients and helping identify those needs.
In addition to a personal touch, the bank has also rallied around businesses and helped many through the unstable time of the pandemic.
98% of the Paycheck Protection Program loans we applied for on behalf of our business customers were approved, Rubeck says. I think during that time we were the bank that really showed up for our customers. Were seeing how inflation is impacting our customers and families, and we offer personalized services to help in the budget process, not only for now, but in the future. To be able to deliver on financial advice is important to us because youre not just another number. The emphasis is on the person, and serving the client with whatever those needs may be.
STAR Bank started back in 1943, when, Selah Wright, Tom Marcuccilli, Arthur Hodson and Ralph Marcuccilli (the name STAR comes from the first letter of each persons name) bought a bank branch in Marion.
They instilled a long-standing company culture that required personal attention and community engagement, supporting nonprofit organizations for nearly 80 years and continuing today.
In fact, in 2021 STAR gave more than $300,000 in direct financial support for Indiana nonprofits and logged 470 employee volunteer hours within the companys communities.
The original goals remain, and as technology continues to grow and assist in different ways business is done, the STAR team isnt turning its back on opportunities to help clients in an efficient and effective manner.
For those looking to get in and out of the bank as quickly as possible, STAR offers an enhanced version of self-service.
The typical ATM service is available 24 hours per day. However, interactive teller machine (ITM) services are offered from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, allowing customers to touch the screen and speak to a live banker. Not only does the technology allow customers to speak to a person, but they can also make payments, order checks, request new debit cards and more.
STAR currently has 62 ITM locations across Indiana, which is more than any other bank in the area.
In addition, the technology leaves time for staff to provide personal, one-on-one services when needed – no more standing in long lines for a simple deposit or to pay a bill.
After using an ITM or ATM, there are still live tellers at the bank to answer additional questions or work through specific financial concerns. The features simply allow clients to bank when and how they prefer.
Its a partnership and an understanding of the clients journey, Rubeck says. Were taking our team and wrapping around the client, figuring out where they are and where they want to go. Whether you are looking at starting your own business or youre planning to purchase a second home, we are ready to meet people where they are.
STAR not only supports nonprofits, but also works to invest in the local community. STAR recently sponsored the Cuisine Connect Culture festival, and will support the Trick or Treat on the Plaza and the Westfield in Lights downtown holiday lighting celebration this year.
At STAR you are family, and our focus is on individuals and creating that strong family culture, Rubeck says. Were excited to join Westfield as an extension of our presence in Hamilton County.
For more information, visit starfinancial.com.
