The Yosemite Highway 120 Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a new monthly series: Business Spotlight. Each month, we’ll randomly select a member business to showcase. This month, we spoke with Betsy Duncan, the branch manager of the Yosemite Bank division of Premier Valley Bank located on Main Street in downtown Groveland.
What programs does Yosemite Bank have available for business banking and personal banking customers (current or potential new clients) that might help them with Covid-19 relief? What is the best way for a new customer to reach out for information?
For small businesses, PPP loans will be available and are applied for online through a web portal, but we are happy to be a resource in helping customers get started with their applications. In addition, our new Buy Local Loans (up to $5,000) might be helpful to personal banking customers for Covid-19 relief.
The best way to reach us right now is by calling us directly at 1-877-896-4396 (editor’s note: although this isn’t a 209 number, dialing this number will connect you directly with the branch—you will not be routed through a call center!). Or you can come and visit the branch in person.
These days we’re constantly inundated with advertisements trying to persuade us to join financial institutions of all sizes. What are the benefits of banking locally, both for business and personal banking?
The ability to manage your business and finances without “driving down the hill” is easier and safer for our valued customers. Our lines are shorter, and our familiarity with our customers leads to easier communication. Our company is strong, and that should give security and peace of mind to our customers.
How has Covid-19 affected your operations?
Our focus during the Covid-19 pandemic has been to offer friendly, prompt, courteous, and safe services. We consider the impact the virus has had on our customers and their finances daily. Operationally, our bank branch closes for lunch every day for one hour between 1 pm – 2 pm because we need to be fully staffed to ensure safety. We do rotate staff in and out to maintain a full staff in the event an employee becomes ill.
Amongst the weirdness of 2020, what is a “win” that you and your team are celebrating? What are you looking forward to in 2021?
We survived! We learned that if we put our heads together, we can accomplish anything, and we learned to overcome obstacles and become innovative. We’re looking forward to continued growth for Yosemite Bank, even during these difficult times.