Lender Speak: The Best Part Of Home Construction Lending

Posted on February 26, 2017 by vcnbfamily

The VCNB Financial Family has some excellent, experienced lenders on staff. These folks have the privilege of working with customers to finance their dreams – their dream car, their dream kitchen, their dream home and a host of other projects that make life good. We talk a lot about what it’s like for the customer to finance a project with us but we don’t always stop and consider what it’s like for the lender.

Today, we’re asking some of our lenders about their favorite part of financing a home construction project! Here’s what they had to say!

“I love the excitement of it all. I love the excitement of the borrower once they know they are approved and the excitement of the borrower when the home is move in ready.” Donna Kopis

Donna works at our Friendly Bremen Banking Center on East Main Street in Lancaster.

“The best thing is seeing a family’s dreams that started on a blueprint come true when they are given the keys to their new home. It’s a great feeling knowing we helped achieve their goal.” Chris Coryea

Chris works at our Canal Banking Center on Prentiss School Drive in Canal Winchester.

“I like to see the excitement of the customers. It’s great helping them with their dream of building their own home and seeing that dream become reality.” Fred Wright

Fred works at our VCNB Loan Production Office on Veterans Drive in Jackson.

“My favorite part of a construction loan is being able to help the customer fulfill a dream of building their very own home. The end result is very rewarding and helps mend the stress that it may have caused in the process. I enjoy seeing the different types of homes people build. Also, the process is very interesting – when it’s in the foundation/ framing stage it looks huge, then when drywall goes on it looks too small, then when it is painted and trimmed it gets bigger and usually just right. It’s a perception thing. As an owner, they may only build one or two homes in a lifetime. As a lender, we build several per year. It is this experience that can help both parties navigate through process and can also be rewarding knowing that you were instrumental in making it happen.” Joe Risch

Joe works at our Pickaway County Banking Center on Court Street in Circleville.

Preventing Tax Return Fraud

Posted on February 10, 2017 by vcnbfamily

Identity theft continues to be a booming business: In 2014, 17.6 million Americans fell victim, and cybercriminals made off with $15.4 billion. And tax refund theft remains a lucrative piece of that business, despite the IRS’ efforts to stamp it out.

How do hackers do it? In one scam, they filed bogus returns with information harvested from the IRS’ own files or by using Social Security numbers.

Then they waited for the direct-deposit refunds to flow in. Victims usually didn’t know anything was wrong until the IRS refused to accept their tax returns.

Here are some of the defenses that the IRS, state tax agencies and the e-filing industry are building to combat scammers:

Quicker responses to warnings. Thanks to technological enhancements, the IRS now receives warnings if a large number of returns come from a single computer address within a short period of time.

Delaying refunds. This allows the IRS time to recognize that more than one return has been filed for the same Social Security number. Previously, the IRS issued e-file refunds seven to 10 days after it received a return. The new target is 21 days.

Earlier filings of W2 forms. Businesses had been required to issue wage and payment statements to workers by Feb. 1, but didn’t need to file them with the IRS until June. Now both will be due by Jan. 31.

Sharing information: Intuit, which makes TurboTax, and H&R Block have agreed to share more information more promptly with the IRS about filings they consider suspicious.

Safety begins at home, of course. The IRS also has advice for taxpayers on identifying — and more importantly, avoiding — tax refund fraud:

Always use security software with firewall and anti-virus protections, as well as strong passwords.

Learn to recognize phishing emails, calls and texts from thieves posing as legitimate organizations, such as your bank, credit card company and even the IRS. The IRS will never try to contact you via phone or email.

Don’t click on links or download attachments from emails if you don’t recognize the sender.

Protect your personal data. Don’t routinely carry your Social Security card, and make sure your tax records are secure.

If you think someone used your information to file a return, contact the IRS immediately. Specialists will help you file your tax return, receive any refund you’re due, and protect your account from identity thieves in the future.

A Presidential Portrait: Remembering Aaron Will

Posted on February 3, 2017 by vcnbfamily

a-will-jr In honor of our 150^th anniversary in 2017 we are taking a look back at bank history and the people who have helped to shape our bank into the successful, secure institution that it is today. Read on to learn about one of our former presidents!

Aaron Will Jr. served as the second president of Vinton County National Bank, taking the reigns after the death of his uncle Daniel in 1924. While Aaron’s leadership of the bank lasted just fourteen years, his legacy is extraordinary.

Aaron Will ushered in a period of rebirth and progress, while strengthening his bank’s reputation as one of the most secure in the state. He boldly tore down the original bank building, replacing it with a beautiful new brick and marble building meant to impress the customer and to stand out in downtown McArthur. He launched the first organized marketing campaign for the bank, aggressively and consistently informing the public of the strength of his bank, the experience of his employees and the variety of the products offered.

Aaron is also remembered for hiring the bank’s first female employee, years before many of his competitors made room for women in banking. Perhaps most importantly, he navigated the bank safely through the Great Depression, exiting the Depression years stronger and more effective than ever.

Born in McArthur on May 22, 1872, Aaron was the son of Jacob S. and Rebecca Davis Will. He graduated from McArthur High School at the age of eighteen in 1890 and soon began working for the bank. Aaron was elected cashier of the bank the following year and worked as a banker for the next 48 years.

Aaron was one of the organizers of the McArthur Brick Company and was chairman of its first meeting in 1905. He was elected Treasurer and Director of this company, serving in this capacity until his death.

He is said to have taken much interest in civic affairs, supporting anything that would better the community. He was a founding member of the McArthur Rotary Club, belonged to the McArthur Episcopal Church and belonged to the Knights of Pythias. He was selected as alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1928 and Delegate in 1932 but was unable to attend because of ill health. He was again selected alternate in 1936.

Aaron died of Chronic Myocarditis on Apr. 13, 1938 at the age of 65. He left behind his wife Mary B. Will and children Mary Will Pilcher, Jean Will and Robert B. Will. His son Robert and grandson Bob Will would later follow in his footsteps to lead the bank.

Aaron’s impact continues to be felt in our 150th year as we continue to strive for the same strength and stability that Aaron insisted on throughout his career.

Learn more about our 150^th year here or about our founding president here.

Small Business Spotlight: The Well

Posted on January 30, 2017 by vcnbfamily

Small businesses are important to communities and running a small business is tough work. That’s why we feature a small business in one of our communities every month!

A business in downtown Lancaster with a passionate following is getting ready to celebrate their third anniversary. It is a spot that was created for families to come and eat clean, wholesome foods, gather for coffee and conversation, and have a little fun. To call it a restaurant would be misleading; to simply call it a coffee shop wouldn’t be enough. Introducing: The Well.

What would you call The Well? “That’s a good question,” says Adam Leu, who owns the business along with his brother Aaron. “We’re a place to gather; a restaurant, a retail shop, a coffee shop, a place to bring your family in to play. We’re here to teach and educate, to service, and to build relationships and be a light in our community.” The words on the glass along the entryway say it best: “A Modern Gathering Place.”

The Leus’ intent was always to create a business with a family atmosphere that their own relatives and friends would want to enjoy; a modern place to eat, drink, play and live. “You see it too much that a small business consumes you. We didn’t want that,” Adam says. He continued, “Our priorities were always very clear – we have families and we wanted them to be involved, to come around and to enjoy this place. We wanted to do that for others.”

The idea for “the Modern Gathering Place” came about after Adam and Aaron held discussions about their next move in business. Inspired by several family play cafés the brothers had seen, Adam and Aaron came out of their discussions realizing they felt it was an exciting idea and something they thought the public would enjoy as well.

The search for a location began in 2013, and when scouting locations in Lancaster, they came across the old Hammond’s Clothier building at 203 S. Broad Street. It was pretty clear from first sight that it would be perfect. Hammond’s had been open since the early 1900’s and the building and its décor reflected so much of that history.

Plus, with the added bonus of empty gallery space below and above the storefront, Aaron felt it’d be a perfect spot to renovate and create a home for him and his family. After several meetings with the Lancaster-Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Destination Downtown Lancaster, the decision to purchase of the building was made, and in May 2013 the plans of opening in time for The Lancaster Festival’s Art Walk in July were laid out. And once work began, those hopes were quickly dashed. “We were pretty ambitious. We worked on the living space first, and Aaron wasn’t able to move in until December of that year- and the shop wasn’t opened until March of 2014,”

Adam laughed as he recalled. “But we did most of the work ourselves. We added the kitchen area and the bathroom, but the building was in good shape. It was mostly cosmetics.”

Now filled with self-constructed décor, hand-made crafts and goods, organic snacks and sweets, art, and a play area the family built taking up a large portion of the rear, The Well has blossomed into a popular place for locals and out-of-towners alike. And the word of these loyal visitors has been key to their success.

“We really haven’t had to pay for advertising.” Adam revealed. “The Eagle-Gazette ran an article the week we opened, which we didn’t plan on, and the Dispatch called right after that for another piece. And it’s just grown from there.”

The space, and the menu especially, were originally intended to serve a very niche market. They just didn’t realize how large that niche market was. “After the Eagle-Gazette article, we were slammed. We had lines out the door and we were thinking ‘what are we doing?’ We weren’t ready for this.” Adam looks back. They seemed to have figured it out, though, and the crowds continue to grow.

The rotating menu features organic, gluten free vegetarian foods and smoothies, juices, coffees, and treats utilizing local growers and coffee beans from around the world (and never roasted more than fourteen days prior!). The Buckeye Bar, the sweet specialty of Tim, their father, has proven to be a hit! In fact, VCNB employees may or may not consistently keep a few of them at their desk.

The Leus have taken calls from interested investors looking to add locations and businessmen looking to franchise. “But we’re just not interested in that, that was never the priority.” Adam explained, again citing the desire to have a place for his family. “I’m here, Aaron, our mother (Pat), our father (Tim), Bob’s a friend, and Mary’s helping us too. Our wives help us, our kids come in here and hang out with us. You just can’t do that if we go somewhere else. Our desire wasn’t to come here and be a restaurant, and be hidden back in a kitchen all day. We want to see you and we want you to take some of this with you. We’ll give you any recipe or information you want. We’re a part of this community and we want to be here building relationships with you.”

Visitors can stop by The Well from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on weekdays. The retail and play space can also be rented after hours at $150 for three hours. You can get connected on Facebook or call 740.573.7011.

Remembering Our Founder

Posted on January 11, 2017 by vcnbfamily

dan-will-portrait Vinton County National Bank founder Daniel Will is remembered for building the bank and presiding over the institution for more than one-third of the bank’s history. He was a colorful character and a self-made man who spent a lifetime pursuing his own version of the American Dream.

Born in Hocking County, Ohio in 1832, Daniel Will came from a family of ten children. He did not come from a wealthy background. Instead, he is said to have started life with no capital, but an abundance of energy and industry. His formal education was confined to the “Three R’s” which allowed him to educate himself through observation and reading. He soon proved himself to be skilled in the areas of business and finance, expertise that proved useful in his early career owning general stores in Zaleski and McArthur.

daniel-will-2 In 1850, he assisted in driving stock to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for an $11 monthly salary. He returned home just as he went to Pennsylvania – on foot – and taught a term of school that fall. By spring 1851, Daniel was employed as a clerk in his uncle Joseph K. Will’s store in McArthur. He remained with his uncle for three years, earning an annual salary of $125. He then entered a partnership with his uncle, remaining in this position until 1858. At that time, he withdrew from the partnership with his uncle and opened a store in the neighboring town of Zaleski. He soon took on another partner, his father Jacob G. Will.

Daniel eventually opened a general store in McArthur, operating not on credit like his competitors but on a cash system that allowed him to buy at large discounts and then sell lower than the general market price. Before long, he was selling more merchandise than the other three stores in town combined.

His brothers Jacob and Aaron began to clerk for him and became his partners in 1865. Two years later, he established the bank of Will, Brown and Company. When this bank consolidated with Vinton County Bank on September 1, 1868, Daniel was chosen to lead the new Vinton County Bank as president.

Daniel Will was a banker for 57 years, making it difficult to separate his life story from the story of the bank. He never married, devoting himself instead to business and community. He served the bank until his death in 1924 when he died at the bank at the age of 92.

Upon his death, he was memorialized by local newspapers including The McArthur Democrat Enquirer which remembered him as “the oldest and best known banker in the state, if not in the United States.”

Daniel is said to have had many interests outside of banking. He was the owner of the Will Hotel and of 1,600 acres of land in Vinton County as well as other real estate in McArthur. He was not a politician but, by all accounts, labored for the advancement and general welfare of his community.

Throughout his distinguished career, Daniel established a reputation for being steady and conservative in every way. Vinton County Historian Lew Ogan wrote, “Daniel Will informed my father once upon a time that he felt he was doing a favor to his friends and fellow citizens when he established a bank for their convenience so they could conserve their life earnings for a profit. This he did as his bank was known far and wide, a reputation, if you please, as a safe institution. When the hard times came in 1893 and 1894, Mr. Will was prepared to meet the situation.”

Daniel Will started life with few resources other than his own wits and a strong work ethic. He proved that hard work and determination could take a young man places in nineteenth century America and he set out to use his businesses to help his neighbors achieve their own dreams. Daniel Will today is remembered mostly by a framed portrait in our first bank in McArthur but he set into motion a business and a small-town banking mentality that can still be felt today.

VCNB Celebrates 150 Years

Posted on January 4, 2017 by vcnbfamily

VCNB began life in McArthur, Ohio as Vinton County National Bank. We have been in the same location for 150 years, except for a few months when we moved out to construct a new building in 1925. Today, the VCNB Financial Family has grown to be far larger than our founder Daniel Will probably ever imagined possible.

In 1867, a bank was founded to serve the citizens of Vinton County, providing a safe place to keep deposits and a reliable source for borrowing money. Today that bank is preparing to celebrate a milestone anniversary. Vinton County National Bank is 150 years old!

There aren’t a lot of businesses in this nation that can boast such a long and storied history. We have survived twenty-eight Presidents, recessions and depressions, war and peace. We were here for the construction of the Statue of Liberty, the rise of the automobile and the fall of the Berlin Wall. We are known for being early adopters of technology from the Xerox copier and the earliest computers to the most advanced technology the 21^st century offers the world of banking.

Through it all we have worked to be good neighbors, to be a responsible corporate citizen and to always remember where we came from. This year, we’re also going to have some fun while we celebrate our 150^th anniversary all year long!

While we haven’t been in some of our communities for 150 years, we want all of our offices to join in the fun by having an anniversary event in 2017. We also will be offering special promotions throughout the year.

Our biggest event though will be at our first office in McArthur. We will partner with the Vinton County Athletic Boosters to help with their 4^th of July Celebration. We are still working on the details but we will be bringing a great entry to the parade, will host an open house at the bank, will sponsor entertainment for the festival and host a fun day with the Ohio Village Muffins. If you haven’t heard of the Muffins, check them out here.

They play baseball with mid-nineteenth century rules, uniforms and equipment. We’ll have them here to play baseball and softball games against our bankers and other community members. That day will feature some other nineteenth century fun including old fashioned games for the kids, food, music and more.

To say that we are excited would be an understatement. We are elated for the opportunity to celebrate our anniversary.

Incidentally, our bank building in McArthur was constructed in 1925 and dedicated with an open house on Saturday, July 4, 1925. Our open house to commemorate the 150^th will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2017. We promise we didn’t plan it that way but we do think it’s a neat coincidence!

We will have a lot more details about our celebration in McArthur to release in the coming weeks and months. The celebration will begin with the parade on Friday, June 30 and will continue throughout the weekend. We hope you will mark your calendar and come for all the festivities.

We also are working on the events all our other offices are hosting or participating in this year. We will post details here and on Facebook as information becomes available. We also have a page on our website where you can learn about upcoming events, current specials and the bank. Be sure to bookmark the page and check back for new information!

You can also subscribe to this blog so that our stories are delivered straight to your inbox or follow us on Facebook where we have contests, vintage photos and other great content. Have an old photo or story about VCNB you would like to share? Tell us about it in the comments section!

VCNB Gives Back

Posted on November 17, 2016 by vcnbfamily

Sunday was World Kindness Day and, as a community bank, we think that’s kind of a big deal. In fact, the idea of being good to our customers, employees and communities is something we embrace every day.

We try to be a good corporate citizen and to lead by example, supporting as many community functions as we can across all the communities where we do business. Since our footprint has expanded a lot during our 149 year lifetime, the area where we try to do good is also expanding. From as far south as our hometown in Vinton County up through Logan, Lancaster and Chillicothe to Grove City and all points in between, we donate money and time to countless community and school groups.

This year we expect to spend more than $220,000 in our local communities!

We also reward our employees for their volunteer efforts. In an average year, our employees collectively donate several hundred hours each year to organizations close to their hearts. Animal shelters, food pantries, school events and countless community events benefit from the generosity of our wonderful employees who like to help out where they can.

During the holidays we like to spotlight some local groups that need public support and give our customers the opportunity to help out as well. Throughout the month of November we’ll be collecting donations for the following:

Thanks to Dollar General of McArthur for kicking off their coat drive with a big donation of coats, hats and gloves for kids. Rachel Hoyt, Carol Faber and Heather Ramey are pictured with a few of those items!

Vinton County National Bank in McArthur – Monetary donations will be collected for the Vinton County Local Schools Backpack Program. New and gently used coats, hats, scarves and gloves will also be accepted for kids in need in Vinton County schools.

Vinton County National Bank in Wilkesville – Monetary donations will be collected for the Vinton County Local Schools Backpack Program.

Hocking Hills Banking Center in Logan – Monetary and donations of items will be collected for the Hocking County Humane Society. Click here for more info.

Salt Creek Banking Center in Laurelville – Monetary donations will be collected for the local Backpack Program.

Ross County Banking Centers in Chillicothe – Monetary donations will be collected for the Good Sam Food Pantry.

Ross County Banking Center in Richmond Dale – Monetary donations will be collected for the Mission Family Ministries and Goshen Run.

Pickaway County Banking Center in Circleville – Monetary donations will be collected for Emergency Clearing House Association of Pickaway County.

Pickaway County Banking Center in Ashville – Monetary donations will be collected for local Backpack Program.

Pickaway County Banking Center in Commercial Point – Bank will purchase canned goods for a local church at Thanksgiving and will also participate in Secret Santa at the church.

Friendly Bremen Banking Centers in Lancaster and Bremen – Monetary and non-perishable food donations will be collected for local food pantries.

Friendly Bremen Banking Center in Pataskala – Monetary donations will be collected for a local food pantry.

Canal Banking Center in Canal Winchester – Bank will accept monetary donations for the Canal Winchester Food Pantry.

Franklin County Banking Center in Grove City – Bank will accept monetary donations and packages of new men’s and women’s socks for Socks For Soldiers.

If you’re in the area and would like to help out a local organization, we hope you will stop by a branch and make a donation. The bank will also contribute funds to each of the organizations we are spotlighting this holiday season. All of these collection efforts are for good causes and we are excited to help them!

VCNB Is Saying Thanks!

Posted on November 4, 2016 by vcnbfamily

thank-you-fbbc-nauman-digital

November is the month of Thanksgiving and we want to use this time to thank our customers for another great year. As a community bank we have the opportunity to not just meet our customers, but to get to know them, and we can say with certainty that some truly wonderful people bank with VCNB.

Here’s how we’re saying thanks:

Earn 5,000 Points – Customers both new and existing can earn 5,000 bonus points by opening a Rewards Checking account online now through the end of the year. Rewards Checking has been extremely popular with our customers and employees because it provides the opportunity to earn UChoose® Rewards Points for every day banking habits. That means you can earn points for dollars spent with your debit card, for using Bill Pay and other VCNB products. Those points can be used for gift cards for your favorite restaurants and retailers, for gifts, travel and even cash back! Click here to learn more about Rewards Checking.

Free Mobile Deposit – Mobile Deposit is now free for VCNB Mobile customers! Use the camera on your smart phone to take pictures of your check inside the VCNB Mobile app. Your check is deposited into the checking or savings account of your choice, saving you a trip to the bank!

No Purchase Fee Gift Cards – We all have folks on our list who are hard to buy for or who simply like to receive gift cards for holidays and birthdays. Through December 31, our VCNB prepaid gift cards are now free of purchase fees. These cards can be used anywhere that Mastercard© is accepted. Secure, even for online purchases, this is a great gift for anyone. Prepaid gift cards are available in any denomination up to $1,000.

Giving Back – We try to be good neighbors by supporting community organizations and events throughout the year. During the holidays we like to partner with our customers to help some special organizations that are close to our hearts. Every VCNB office is accepting monetary contributions to assist a local organization including food banks, Project Backpack and even a local humane society. Stop by your local office to find out what we’re doing in your neighborhood.

Contests – Throughout November and December we are giving away a $100 gift card every week to one lucky winner on Facebook. Visit our page to learn more about our weekly contests!

We love our customers and hope you will love the things we are doing to say thanks! Learn more by clicking here!

Rake In The Points At VCNB!

Posted on September 8, 2016 by vcnbfamily

With the arrival of September, we’ve noticed that some leaves are starting to turn colors and fall. While raking leaves in your back yard isn’t so fun, we think you’ll like our offer to “Rake in the Points” this fall.

Rake in the Points is our latest offer for new Rewards Checking customers to receive 5,000 extra points when they sign up online.*

We bet you’re wondering what these points are all about. Customers who use VCNB Rewards Checking earn UChoose Rewards® points for their regular banking habits. Customers can earn points for using Online Bill Pay, Direct Deposit, and for making automatic loan payments. They also earn one point for every three dollars spent using their debit card. Additional point earning opportunities are available to customers. Read more here.

These points can be redeemed for gift cards, cash back, concert tickets, travel, merchandise and more! Rewards Checking offers so much added value that we’re seeing more and more customers embrace the Rewards Checking lifestyle every day! Click here to read an example of how an average customer might earn points.

Opening an account online is easy and can be done in five easy steps. What are you waiting for? Put down that rake and pull up a chair. You can rake in the points at VCNB with just the click of your mouse!

*Limit two per household. Personal accounts only. Account must be opened online and have a $100 minimum deposit, an activated debit card and a debit card registered with UChooserewards.com within 60 days of opening account to receive the bonus. Points will be awarded within 30 days of meeting criteria.

Start With Student Checking

Posted on August 25, 2016 by vcnbfamily

Piggy bank with glasses and blackboard

Begin with the basics. That’s what we tell young people who are interested in opening a bank account. This is why we have introduced a checking account specifically for young people and for students who wish to learn how to manage their money and their accounts responsibly.

With our new Student Checking account, students as young as 14 can have a checking account with all the bells and whistles including a debit card, online banking, VCNB Mobile, account alerts, direct deposit and more.

With Student Checking, young customers can learn good money management skills that will last a lifetime and develop a relationship with a bank they can trust. A parent or guardian must be made a joint owner of the account if the student is under 18 years of age. Visit this link to read the full details of our new Student Checking account and to open online.

Student Checking accounts can be opened online or in any of our seventeen VCNB offices. Click here to find one in your neighborhood!

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