Embracing the Rewards Banking Lifestyle

Posted on December 17, 2015 by vcnbfamily

In September we debuted a new product that seems to have taken on a life of its own. It has generated so much excitement that we have coined a new term: the Rewards Banking Lifestyle.

A Rewards Banking Lifestyle is the realization that every day choices can generate benefits for you in the form of UChoose® Rewards Points, redeemable for things you need and want. It’s when you think twice before using a different way to pay because your VCNB Rewards Checking Account gives you so many reasons to use VCNB products and cards.

If you are like the average American, you are already spending money. You’re paying the electric bill, buying groceries, filling your gas tank and buying shoes for your growing kids. What are you getting in return for spending your own money? Chances are you’re getting nothing except the satisfaction that your bills are paid and your family is fed.

When you are a VCNB Rewards customer, you have potential to earn rewards points for lots of your everyday banking habits. Rewards Checking customers earn points for dollars spent when they swipe their card for PIN and Signature purchases. They earn points for using Direct Deposit, Online Bill Pay, the Visa Platinum® Favor Card and other VCNB products. Essentially, customers who take advantage of our products will earn points each time they spend their money, pay a bill, get paid by direct deposit or pay a VCNB loan.

We recently talked about the amount of points an average customer might receive in a month. Click here to read that story.

Many of our customers like to receive cash back. Others enjoy receiving gift cards, travel experiences, event tickets and even merchandise. There is an extensive UChoose® Rewards Store that offers a variety of items.

Our employees began testing Rewards Checking a few months before we released it to the rest of our customers. We notice that many of them are taking full advantage of their point earning potential and looking for additional ways to earn more. In a lot of ways, they have pioneered the Rewards Banking Lifestyle.

A Rewards Checking Account, like all of our accounts, can be opened online or in any of our seventeen locations.

Click here for complete information on this account including fees and terms and conditions.

A Season Of Giving All Year Round

Posted on December 15, 2015 by vcnbfamily

Lots of folks think of December as a season of giving but here at VCNB we try to maintain a spirit of giving all year long. We think it’s important to give back to the communities where we do business.

While there are a few causes near and to the heart of who we are as a bank, we enjoy supporting all sorts of community and school causes. From park renovations to school programs and from Christmas presents for kids to food pantries, downtown revitalization projects, arts festivals, fire department gear and everything in between, it seems like there is no shortage of efforts that need community support.

We also spend a lot of resources on financial literacy, especially for kids and teens in school. We talk to high school kids about credit and about the basics of managing their finances once they graduate high school. We also work with elementary students through programs like Get Smart About Credit, Bremen Bank Days and Teach Children To Save. Another major project for us, an EverFi program called Financial U, uses video, 3-D gaming, avatars and social networking to bring financial concepts to life for this digital generation. Offered at ten schools in VCNB communities, EverFi helps school districts meet state financial literacy standards.

Our employees often get in on the act too, donating their time and resources to support countless organizations that are important to them. Many of our employees volunteer for animal shelters, nursing homes, food pantries, the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. Hundreds of hours are given by our employees to support efforts they care about.

This month in Ross County, employees of our Ross County Banking Center have been involved in a contest to raise funds for the Salvation Army. Several of our offices have collected funds for organizations like food pantries and Project Backpack.

Autumn Warthman, Branch Manager at the Hocking Hills Banking Center, knows a thing or two about giving back to the community. Warthman’s office has helped with some major projects in the Logan area including the rehabilitation of Kachelmacher Park. Her office donated funds and her employees gave sweat equity to help with the project.

Warthman says that she sees giving back to the community as an important part of doing business. “I think it’s important to give back to help in whatever ways we can, especially for youth education like EverFi. We want people to know that we don’t just do business here. We support the community and we’re here for them in other ways besides banking,” Warthman explained.

We are grateful for the opportunity to do business in so many great communities and look forward to 2016 and the opportunities to do more good!

Earn More Points With Rewards Checking

Posted on December 11, 2015 by vcnbfamily

Holiday shopping is in full swing and a lot of our Rewards Checking customers are having fun watching their UChoose® Rewards Points balance rise. In case you didn’t know, there are a number of special point earning opportunities to be found on the UChoose website. In fact, many vendors have special offers, some of which do need to be activated. These points are in addition to the ones you already are earning just for swiping your debit card when you spend.

These offers require activation:

CVS Pharmacy – Earn two points per $1 at CVS Pharmacy on purchases of $50 or more (maximum 10,000 Points). Offer valid through 12/31/2015. Points are added to your account within 30 days of the date of purchase.

Kohls – Earn two points per $1 at Kohl’s on purchases of $25 or more (maximum 10,000 points). Offer valid through 12/31/2015. Points cannot be earned when purchasing gift cards. Points are added to your account within 30 days of the date of purchase.

Papa John’s – Earn five points per $1 at Papa John’s on purchases of $25 or more (maximum 10,000 points). Offer valid through 12/31/2015. Points cannot be earned when purchasing gift cards. Points are added to your account within 60 days of the date of purchase.

When you login to your UChoose account, click on “Earn Points” in the bar on the left. In the drop down menu that appears, click on “Activate” to see the list of current offers. Also, be sure to read the offer details so that you can take full advantage of the offer and don’t forget to click the “Activate” button while you’re at it.

There are also lots of offers that don’t require activation. You just automatically receive the points when you make a purchase. To find the complete list, click on “Earn Points” on the left side of the screen inside your Uchoose account and look for “All Offers” in the drop down menu.

Learn more about Rewards Checking by clicking here.

Special Santa: Making Christmas Merry For Chillicothe Kids

Posted on December 7, 2015 by vcnbfamily

A record number of children in the Chillicothe area will enjoy a merry Christmas this year thanks to the generosity and hard work of the Chillicothe Jaycees and a small army of local businesses and community members. The Jaycees’ Special Santa Project will provide gifts for over 1,200 kids this year, ensuring that these kids have a reason to smile on Christmas morning.

Our Ross County Banking Center has actively supported Special Santa for several years and is proud to do so again in 2015.

Ryan Adams is the Branch Manager at our Ross County Banking Center on Western Avenue and serves as External Vice President for the Chillicothe Jaycees. “This is our biggest year ever,” Adams explained. “There are well over 1,200 kids in the program so far. We always expect an increase from year to year but the growth has been much more than expected this year.”

Devoted to community development and improvement, the Jaycees is a civic organization for men and women ages 21-41. The group is one of the area’s oldest civic organizations, serving the Chillicothe/Ross County community since 1932.

Jaycees members are given the opportunity to develop professional skills through community service while bettering the community through events and projects. Adams said the Jaycees raise thousands of dollars every year to fund a number of projects. In addition to Special Santa, they sponsor events including an enormous Easter Egg Hunt and Movies in the Park. They also partner with the Lion’s Club to host an annual Halloween Parade.

The Jaycees own and operate the Jaycees Public Golf Course on Pleasant Valley Road where they hold events like golf tournaments and even Junior Golf Clinics that are free to local kids.

“We do a lot of neat things. Much of what we do is based in partnerships with groups like the Lions and with local businesses,” Adams said.

Special Santa though is their most popular and most needed event. Adams explained that there is an application process where parents of children newborn to 12 years of age can submit their child’s wish list. Paper ornaments, donated by Printex, are displayed in local businesses and include the child’s first name, age, sex and six items they want for Christmas. While the Jaycees do much of the buying, people who want to help can claim a tag, shop for the requested gifts and return them to the Jaycees.

The Chillicothe-Ross Public Library assists with the application process and permits the Jaycees to use the old Central School, behind the library for this popular holiday operation.

“Special Santa was established in 2000 to help buy toys for kids. I don’t like to say needy kids because anyone can fall on hard times. The loss of a job, illness, there are a lot of reasons why someone may not be able to afford gifts for their kids this year,” Adams lamented.

He called the need in the community “overwhelming” as he described the number of applications and the types of gifts some kids request. “It’s kind of overwhelming when you think about it. I don’t think people really understand the severity of need in this community. And then to have a child request a warm coat, hat, mittens, shoes, underwear instead of a toy – it’s overwhelming.”

Adams credits the community for embracing Special Santa and all the fundraising that goes on to make it happen. “It is amazing to have this kind of community support. This is possible because we have a community of people and businesses that buy into the program and that want to contribute, want to jump on board and make it work,” Adams said.

There is still time become involved if you want to help. To learn more, email specialsanta@chillicothejaycees.org or call 567-703-6305. The Chillicothe Jaycees is also always looking for new members. Learn more about the organization and how you can become involved at their website.

Find Us At Saturday Events!

Posted on December 3, 2015 by vcnbfamily

christmas nutcracker free images We will be busy bees this Saturday with all the holiday events happening in our communities. We do love Christmas and we thoroughly enjoy taking part in the traditions of our towns so be sure to stop by and say hi if you have a chance Saturday. Here’s where we’ll be:

Logan Santa Parade
2 p.m.
This is a fantastic parade and one of our favorites! The parade winds through the streets of downtown, starting at the Hocking County Fairgrounds and ending at the Tractor Supply parking lot. The parade features many units including bands, businesses, local non-profits and regional event royalty. Best of all, it also marks the real beginning of the holidays in Logan with the arrival of Santa Claus! Parents are invited to bring their children to enjoy activities provided by the Logan Town Center before the parade, meet Santa and enjoy the lighting of the downtown lights. The staff of our Hocking Hills Banking Center will be passing out candy so be sure to wave!

Pataskala Cookie Walk
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Who doesn’t like cookies? With the donation of either one dollar or one canned food item, participants will receive a bag and a map for an approximate one mile walk around downtown Pataskala, collecting a cookie from each of the nearly three dozen stops on the route. Along the route there are children’s activities, food, and live music and entertainment. The Friendly Bremen Banking Center is a proud supporter of this year’s event and we’ll be participating with our own cookies so be sure to come see us. Learn more at the Main Street Christmas – Pataskala Facebook page!

Christmas in Downtown McArthur
3-6 p.m.
Enjoy a good old fashioned holiday celebration in downtown McArthur. This free event, hosted by the Vinton County Chamber of Commerce, features free wagon rides, door prizes, kids crafts, music, chinese auction, a parade, Santa and more! There’s even a 5K earlier in the day! Stop by our bank to enter our drawing and for your child to put together our Christmas craft project! Learn more here.

Santa Claus Visits Planned!

Posted on December 1, 2015 by vcnbfamily

You better watch out

You better not cry

Better not pout I’m telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

That’s right! Santa Claus is coming to town! More specifically, he’s coming to the Friendly Bremen Banking Centers in Bremen, Lancaster and Pataskala! Santa makes a point to stop by these offices every December to visit with all the good little boys and girls.

Were you naughty or nice this year? If you want to find out which list you made, stop by and say hello. And remember, you’re never too old to sit on Santa’s lap, have a nice chat or just take a selfie! Stop by and see Santa with or without the kiddos!

Santa Visit Art

Protect Yourself Online

Posted on November 29, 2015 by vcnbfamily

Though the internet has many advantages, it can also make users vulnerable to fraud, identity theft and other scams. In fact, many of us are busy now purchasing gifts online and preparing for the holidays thanks to the convenience of our mobile devices and computers. That’s why it’s so scary when Symantec tells us that twelve adults become a victim of cybercrime every second. VCNB recommends the following tips to keep you safe online this holiday shopping season:

Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date. Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates so you receive the newest fixes as they become available.
Set strong passwords. A strong password is at least eight characters in length and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing scams use fraudulent emails and websites to trick users into disclosing private account or login information. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from sources you are not familiar with. Forward phishing emails to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at spam@uce.gov – and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the email.
Keep personal information personal. Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out your passwords and answer those security questions in the password reset tools. Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name, etc. Be wary of requests to connect from people you do not know.
Secure your internet connection. Always protect your home wireless network with a password. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious about what information you are sending over it.
Shop safely. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears on the page.
Read the site’s privacy policies. Though long and complex, privacy policies tell you how the site protects the personal information it collects. If you don’t see or understand a site’s privacy policy, consider doing business elsewhere.

Small Business Spotlight: Ashville Apothecary

Posted on November 27, 2015 by vcnbfamily

We understand that being a small business owner is tough. That’s why we plan to spotlight a different business each month to help you learn about unique businesses in your own back yard.

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Like Family. That’s how you’ll be treated when you are in the Ashville Apothecary. The family owned and operated business has a reputation for personal service that can only be found in a hometown apothecary.

Bob and Melissa Mabe opened the store in 1979 and have grown the business to two locations since. They pride themselves on serving customers by name and that service is what has kept families as patrons for generations. Bob is a 1971 graduate of Ohio Northern University and acts as the chief compounding pharmacist and Melissa runs the retail side of the store. Their son Stephen is also a graduate of Ohio Northern University and works alongside his parents as a staff pharmacist while he learns the family business.

Located on State Route 752 in Ashville, the Ashville Apothecary is a unique combination of retail store and service provider. Cards, gifts, medical supplies and over-the-counter medications are just a few of the products available in the state-of-the-art new facility the Mabes moved their business to in 2014.

Entering the building you notice an open atmosphere, clean stocked shelves, and a welcoming pharmacy counter. A beautiful stained glass door and display window on the left wall leads to a unique feature: a pharmacy museum. The museum contains artifacts collected by the Mabes over the years. Bottles, records, and medical relics that fill the museum shelves date back to the Civil War.

The Ashville Apothecary offers many services beyond filling your prescriptions. They specialize in medication therapy management and the synchronization of medications. This means that they go the extra mile to set up multiple prescription refills to be filled at the same time, saving you multiple trips to the store. Immunizations are available in store as well as veterinarian compounding, and specialty compounded products.

For more information on the Ashville Apothecary, visit their website or find them on Facebook.

Why We’re Thankful: Part Three

Posted on November 25, 2015 by vcnbfamily

Someone once said “When you are thankful for the little things, somehow they no longer seem so little.” In that spirit, we are asking our employees what they’re thankful for this Thanksgiving week. This is our third and final installment of this series.

When Natalie Nutter considers what she’s thankful for, her thoughts are of the people in her life. The Branch Manager of our Friendly Bremen Banking Center in Bremen says that all she holds dear can be found in her family and friends.

Family is everything to Natalie Nutter. Pictured here are her kids Christopher and Crew.

“My two children and my husband are my world. We’re all in good health and I’m able to come to work each day and provide for our family,” Nutter explained thoughtfully. “I feel like everything relates to family. We have a close extended family and good friends. Everyone lives in close proximity and we get together and just enjoy each other.”

She went on to describe her parents who she says are good role models. “I don’t know how they can be so perfect. They are good role models as parents and they have been the best role models for life, marriage, love, parenting, friendship… they’re amazing. They’re good people and I can’t imagine a better start in life,” Nutter said.

When it comes down to it, Nutter is most grateful for the simple things that most take for granted. “I feel grateful for the basic things. There are people who are starving and I have plenty to eat. On Thanksgiving, I’ll eat two big meals while a lot of people will have none,” she reflected. “The world is in crisis but I don’t have to worry about sending my kids outside. These basic things are provided freely and I’m so, so grateful to those fighting for these things while we enjoy Thanksgiving at home.”

This life view was made clearer than ever after a recent car accident. “It really helped put things in perspective. It’s the people, not the things that matter,” Nutter explained. “I’m a sap but I’m just so grateful for all I have and for the amazing people in my life.”

Why We’re Thankful: Part Two

Posted on November 24, 2015 by vcnbfamily

Norman Vincent Peale said that “the more you practice the art of thankfulness, the more you have to be thankful for.” In that spirit, we are asking our employees what they’re thankful for this Thanksgiving week. We are featuring some of their responses before Thanksgiving. Here’s the second one.

Ben Reynolds believes with all his heart that he is a blessed man. A Commercial Lender for our Pickaway County Banking Center in Circleville, Reynolds says that he and his family have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

He is a newlywed. In October he married Heather, his sweetheart of eight years. Together, they have six grown children. Their two youngest kids are in college while their oldest recently graduated medical school and is training to be a cardiologist. One daughter has a successful career in banking while another was married last year. One daughter has struggled with health issues this year but seems to be stable and is hopeful for the future.

Ben Reynolds

Izzy

“I am blessed to have a loving, wonderful family, kids who are doing well, five beautiful grandchildren and a new wife. I’m just thankful that I’m healthy and that everyone in my family is fine,” Reynolds said. “Really, I could go on and on about all the things that I’m thankful for this year.”

He confessed there is one more member of the family that he is thankful for every day. She’s a two year old ball of fur named Izzy who makes Reynolds smile. “She always makes my day,” he explained with a laugh.

While family is most important to Reynolds, he observed that there are more things that that are also vital to his livelihood and well being. “I’m thankful for a good job and people to work with. I’m thankful and fortunate to live in this country and for the veterans who have sacrificed for us,” he said. “More than anything, I’m grateful for the life I have and for my relationship with God. I am a Christian and God has provided for me and my family. I have a lot to be thankful for this year and every year.”

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